MOTIVATION         

My mother's profound influence on our family and the thousands she has crossed paths with during her life ignited the creation of this scholarship. We deeply admire her and her siblings, a remarkable group who forged triumphant paths despite daunting circumstances. Today, with only three of the Leader siblings still among us, we hope to ensure all nine are celebrated for their unwavering pursuit of success and, above all, their profound dedication to family. Among the Leader nine are James Lee, Izola Jean, Charles “Sonny”, Fannie Sue, Lynn, Billy Floyd, Danny “Skip”, Margarette, and Clodean.

BACKGROUND

The Leader Family Scholarship stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the nine children born to Clarence and Virginia Duncan Leader. Raised amidst the earliest tribal housing at Kullihoma (Red Springs), these siblings weathered the hardships of the Great Depression era with unwavering resilience. Their upbringing was marked by constant migration, leveraging their collective strength to support farmers during seasonal harvests, primarily in cotton, and assisting large ranch operations across Southeastern Oklahoma.

Despite the challenges of frequent relocation and the harsh realities of their time, each of the nine children forged their own path into adulthood. Recognizing that education was their pathway out of poverty, many pursued opportunities in colleges, trade schools, and the armed services. The Leader Family Scholarship celebrates the enduring Chickasaw spirit that defined each family member. Through adversity and separation, they remained steadfast in their mutual support and commitment to preserving their heritage.

This scholarship honors their legacy, highlighting their determination and unity in maintaining the circles of family, community, and tribe—a testament to resilience in the face of adversity.