Savannah Leckie Memorial Scholarship to be awarded
The Theodosia Volunteer Fire Department is accepting applications for the Savannah Leckie Memorial Scholarship, which has been created in honor of TAVFD junior firefighter Savannah Leckie, who was murdered last summer. Qualified students can submit applications for the $300 single-award scholarship through April 6. To be eligible, students must be a senior enrolled at one of the four Ozark County high schools - Lutie, Gainesville, Dora or Bakersfield. The student must either be a special needs student with a “504” or Individualized Education Plan or be willing to pursue a degree or certificate in special education or emergency services (such as an EMT or firefighter). Lutie students will be given priority, organizers said, as that was Savannah’s home area. However, all students who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply. Scholarship funds will be awarded to the scholarship recipient after the student has enrolled in first semester classes. Funds may be used for any expenses related to college enrollment. Application forms have been distributed to all area high school counselors.
Leckie, a 16-year-old home-schooled Theodosia resident, was reported missing on July 20, 2017, by her mother, Rebecca Ruud. After searching for the girl for several days, law enforcement officers discovered burned human remains on Ruud’s property on Aug. 4 that were later identified as Leckie’s. Ruud and her husband, Robert Peat Jr,. have been charged with murder in the case.