An anonymous donor has made a contribution to the Northwestern State University Foundation to establish the Betty Howard Endowed Scholarship, in memory of the late Mrs. Howard, late wife of State Rep. Frankie Howard. The scholarship will benefit a graduate of Hornbeck High School who enrolls at Northwestern State.

Betty Cavanaugh Howard was a lifelong resident of Vernon Parish, growing up in Slagle, graduating from Leesville High School and spending her married life in Hornbeck.   As the wife of State Representative and former Vernon Parish Sheriff Frankie Howard, she was affectionately known as The First Lady of Vernon Parish. Betty Howard spent 33 years as a secretary at Hornbeck High School. Family members said she knew every child and was often called to act as the tooth fairy by pulling teeth. Even after retirement, she attended Hornets’ basketball games whenever she could. She loved her family and her community and often times they were the same.  She passed away July 2 after a battle with cancer.

“We are thankful to be able to honor the memory of Mrs. Betty through this scholarship, which will benefit the students she loved at Hornbeck High School,” said Drake Owens, executive director of the NSU Foundation.  “This is a generous way for Mrs. Betty’s memory to live on by providing opportunities for to fulfill their dream of earning a degree at Northwestern State.”