Ellis County Bar Association Announces 2026 Rural Justice Scholarship Recipients

May 7, 2026 - The Ellis County Bar Association is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026-2027 Rural Justice Scholarship awards, Elijah McCullough and Ava Biggs.

This scholarship is awarded each year to graduating high school seniors or current undergraduate students who hail from a northwest Kansas county. Applicants must have plans to attend law school after completing their undergraduate studies with intentions of practicing in a rural area of Kansas after graduation. The selection committee also looks for applicants who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement.

Elijah McCullough is a sophomore at Fort Hays State University on a Pre-Law track, majoring in Management Information Systems.

Ava Biggs, a graduating senior from Hays High School, plans to attend Kansas State University next year to major in Finance and Management.

“We are honored to support these outstanding students as they continue their education. The scholarship selection committee reported that all applicants were very impressive candidates. We hope this scholarship encourages the next generation of attorneys to bring their talent back to rural Kansas communities, where legal professionals are greatly needed”, said Ellis County Bar Association President Robert Anderson, Jr.