The James “Lee” and Mary Ellen (Westfahl) Turner Scholarship has been created to provide worthy incentive, encouragement, and university-related aid for members of the Northwestern Oklahoma State University women’s basketball team who are pursuing a higher level of education as student-athletes.
The Johnny and Margaret Barton family established this scholarship in honor of Margaret’s parents, James “Lee” and Mary Ellen (Westfahl) Turner. This scholarship recognizes Margaret’s parents who enjoyed watching her participation in girls’ basketball at Ames (Okla.) High School. Margaret was competing on the Ames team when it played in the high school basketball tournament hosted by Northwestern Oklahoma State University. This introduction to Northwestern inspired Margaret to attend college in Alva.
Lee was an outstanding athlete at Ames High School, and he and his wife loved attending girls’ basketball games at both Ames High School and Northwestern. Their three daughters and son all participated in basketball while at Ames High School. Margaret and her sister, Karyl, were named to the All-State team during their high school careers. Margaret and her brother, Jim, are graduates of Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Their sister, Mary, attended Northwestern for two years. Margaret believes education is a backbone in one’s life and knows Northwestern provides this by preparing students to face the professional world after graduation.