The 5th Annual Congleton-Etheridge Memorial Scholarship for
2026 Academic Year
The National Society of Pershing Rifles (1894) and Company L- 4th Regiment (1953/2020) of that national organization have a mission “to develop, to the highest degree possible, outstanding traits of leadership, military science, military bearing, and discipline within the framework of a military oriented, honorary fraternity.” Cadets develop leadership skills as members and leaders in L-4 and the National Society of Pershing Rifles, by leading and participating in color guards, drill and ceremonies, and participating at the National Convention (Natcon) as part of a drill team.
A scholarship fund has been established to provide recognition and future financial support to undergraduate members of Company L-4. L-4 Alumni Association (L4AA) will award two (2) scholarships. The awards will be in the amount of $3,000.00 each.
Cadets are encouraged to visit the website www.l4aa.org to learn more concerning the scholarship, the application process, and about those honored. See https://www.l4aa.org/scholarshipfundinfo and click on “Biography of Roy Elsworth Congleton and William Kenneth Etheridge.”
Application Requirements
The Scholarship is open to legitimately enrolled students at NCSU or its affiliates, who are enrolled in the ROTC Program, and are members in good standing of PR Company L-4.
Applicants must be L-4 brothers who have been a member for one year, which includes one semester as a pledge and one semester as a brother of Company L-4, or whose one semester as a brother is imminent, impending, or close to completion.
Awards are made for academic studies towards a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree.
Scholarships shall be awarded to an individual only once.
Applicants must give evidence of their passion and integrity for leadership by submitting a supporting essay of 500 words minimum entitled ‘What Do Passion and Integrity in Leadership Mean to You?’
Scholarship funds may be used for student tuition, textbooks, academic fees or other academic related expenses for study.
Applications will be accepted beginning 5 January 2026 and must be received no later than 31 January 2026. All additional supporting documentation must be submitted by 8 February 2026 to be eligible for consideration.
Supporting documents and REFRENCE LETTERS must be emailed directly to Thomas Swanson, Chairman at thoswan@att.net. Please direct any questions you may have to him as well.
All information submitted regarding the application and supporting documents, are held confidential by the Scholarship Committee.
Awards will be made on Battalion Awards day.
The L-4 Alumni Association, Inc. thanks Company L-4 cadets for their consideration and continuing educational goal to earn a commission and begin a career in the United States Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps.
If you are having difficulty completing and submitting the application, you may need Adobe Reader on your computer. Click the link https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/pdf-reader.html to download the free Adobe Reader application. If you have trouble saving and submitting the application, you may print, sign, and scan the application and send it to scholarship@l4scholar.org