IHSA

The Ola Bundy Scholarship

Ola Bundy was the First Lady of Girls Interscholastic Athletics in Illinois. Ola, hired as an assistant executive director at the Illinois High School Association in 1967, started her tenure as the Girls Athletic Association administrator. She began to build a case for interscholastic competition for girls. Several statewide tournaments were organized under Ola's direction and took place in 1972-3. Also in 1972 the United States Congress passed Title IX, a law which stated that at public schools across the nation equal opportunity and support were to be given to girls as well as to boys in all areas of education.

Establishing a law is part of the solution for removing inequities, but enforcing the law was a very difficult challenge. Ola had many obstacles in her path and many battles to fight and win. She worked diligently to help schools comply with the letter and spirit of the law. Today's female athlete owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Ms. Bundy, because many times it was only by the sheer force of her personality that she was able to persuade high school administrators to give girls athletics a fair shake. Following are several quotes describing that transition period and Ola's strength, dedication and resolve to have an outstanding interscholastic program for girls.

"She had tremendous vision, and she was relentless in pursuing equity for girls in sports. Her energy was just so positive" said Carol Plodzien, Fremd's athletic coordinator.

Dave Fry, former executive director of the IHSA, said, "There is nobody in the nation, starting at the grass roots level, who has poured her heart and soul more into the development of interscholastic programs that have the interest of the greatest number of girls than Ola".

And Ola's secretary, Jan Wrigley stated, "Ola truly was a pioneer for the girls’ sports program. She pushed, cajoled and stood firm in her belief that girls should have the same opportunities as boys. She was known both in this state and nationally for her tireless efforts to bring those opportunities to the girls in Illinois".

Ola's accomplishments were recognized through honors and awards from many organizations, schools, and individuals. The most prestigious honor she received was her induction into the National Federation Hall of Fame for her national leadership in the rise of girls’ interscholastic athletic programs. The IHSA staff, as well as coaches, officials, and volunteers appreciated Ola for her pursuit of excellence, her great work ethic and her strong leadership. The IHSA recognized that thousands of people were touched by Ola's warmth, kindness, and friendship throughout her reign. Ola had such confidence in people and encouraged many to achieve more than they thought possible. Ola Bundy was the First Lady of Illinois Girls Sports!

PURPOSE OF SCHOLARSHIP: To select several outstanding female high school seniors who have the qualities of leadership, intellect, character, and work ethic that honors the spirit of Ola.
HOW SCHOLARSHIPS ARE FUNDED: Officials, coaches, past pioneers, conferences, official associations, coaches associations, state associations, schools, friends and relatives have donated money to fund the scholarships.
SCHOLARSHIP/APPLICATION INFORMATION: This is a one-time scholarship. All of the funds will be used to award scholarships for the 2007-8 school year. The recipients of these scholarships can receive from $1,000 to $10,000. All recommendations, application form, transcript, etc. must be received by March 1, 2007 for an applicant to be considered.

Applyting for the Scholarship

Application Materials and Instructions

Includes Application form, Professional Letter of Recommendation template and instructions

Application Instructions

The following essay must be completed and attached:

In 1000 words or less, please address the following (no handwritten documents please) Ola often said “If it is to be, it is up to me.” so please describe your aspirations including:
What is important to you?
Who do you hope to become?
How will you be a leader who dares to push the boundaries?

The completed application with all attachments should include:

Application form
Essay
Three recommendation forms must be completed - 2 from staff within the school and one from outside your school.
A copy of your high school transcript.

Please mail all required forms listed above together as a packet to:

Ola Bundy Scholarship Fund
c/o Denise Izatt
1211 W 22nd Street
Suite 400
Oak Brook, Ill, 60523

Note: We previously listed an incorrect zip code. The correct zip code is 60523.

Deadline to submit the application is March 1, 2007

The check for the scholarship funds will be sent directly to a college/university.