LTBBL Scholarships

Each year, the LTBBL Board of Directors awards scholarships to graduating seniors from Lawrence North and Lawrence Central High Schools. Each recipient is a former participant in our league and is selected for their outstanding academic achievements and commitment to community service—especially efforts that give back to youth sports.

Scholarships Awarded:

• Tom Ford Scholarship – $1,000 per recipient

• Community Scholarship – $500 per recipient

Tom Ford Scholarship – $1,000

The Tom Ford Scholarship honors one of LTBBL’s founding board members and its very first president, Tom Ford. Tom was instrumental in building the league over 45 years ago and served on the board for more than two decades. Even after stepping down, he remained deeply involved in the community and continued to referee games until his retirement. Following his passing in 2021, the LTBBL Board created this scholarship to celebrate Tom’s legacy of dedication and service. Established around 2001, this scholarship is funded through LTBBL’s general funds.

Community Scholarship – $500

(formerly the Richard Burd Memorial Scholarship)

The Community Scholarship was renamed in 2014 to reflect LTBBL’s broader commitment to service and community spirit. Originally established in 2010 by the Burd family in memory of Rich Burd, this award honors his many contributions to the league. Rich served as a board member from 2004 until his passing in 2009. His creativity, dedication, and love for youth basketball helped shape LTBBL into what it is today.