Virginia “Ginny” Eck earned her Bachelor of Arts from Valley City State Teachers College in 1961 and taught first grade for 41 years in Bismarck, guiding up to three generations of students. Ginny was crowned Miss Rodeo North Dakota in 1963 and competed at the National Finals Rodeo for Miss Rodeo America. She won the North Dakota Rodeo Association Champion Barrel Racer title in 1966, 1971, 1972, and 1973 on her AQHA mare, “JoAnn’s Choice,” and competed in PRCA rodeos across North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana. A lifelong contributor to the western horse community, Eck served on the boards of the North Dakota Barrel Horse Futurity Association, the North Dakota Quarter Horse Association, and the North Dakota Cutting Horse Association. She supported the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame from its founding through 2013 and was named its Legacy Award recipient in 2015. Ginny credited Harold Schafer, former owner of the Blackburn Ranch, as the most influential person in her life for his generous support of her college, ranching, and rodeo pursuits. Though she never married or had children, Eck mentored countless young people, volunteering with United Tribes College equine programs and Burleigh County 4-H. Virginia “Ginny” Eck passed away June 27, 2019.

Ginny Eck Memorial Scholarship

The North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame (NDCHF) is proud to announce the Ginny Eck Memorial Scholarship, a new opportunity for students pursuing a major or minor in education. One award in the amount of $1000 will be paid in advance of the 2026 fall semester, helping support the next generation of educators.

In addition to a focus on a degree or certificate in education, eligible applicants are female students who either are members of the NDCHF or have a family member who is a current member.

The scholarship application can be found and downloaded below.
Completed applications must be submitted to the NDCHF Administrative Office with a postmark no later than May 25, 2026:

North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame
Attention: Rick Thompson
PO Box 137
Medora, ND 58645

Initial reviews of applications will be carried out by a sub-committee of the NDCHF Board of Directors. Applications meeting the criteria will then be forwarded to the full board, with the award recipient selected ahead of, and awarded during, the NDCHF Induction Ceremony Supper on Friday, June 12, 2026.

The NDCHF Board expresses its sincere appreciation to Babe Eck for establishing this scholarship in memory of Virginia “Ginny” Eck, recognizing the challenges students face in pursuing an education and responding generously to support them.

For more information or questions about the scholarship, contact the NDCHF Administrative Office.