The Dallas Ward Memorial Scholarship was established by Cleveland County Cattlemen's Association in 2000 with initial funding provided by members and the local agribusiness community. Scholarships are awarded in $500 increments depending upon number of qualifying applicants and availability of funds.

The scholarship is named in memory of Dallas Ward, son of Grady & Barbara Ward who raised purebred Angus cattle in Upper Cleveland County. Dallas was an exceptionally optimistic, talented, and caring young man. He competed in a variety of sports from age six through college, played the saxophone and oboe, and excelled as a student. Dallas was active in church and civic activities and demonstrated heart-felt compassion for all living things. His goal in life was to become a veterinarian. While a junior majoring in animal science at NC State University, Dallas was killed in a tragic automobile accident.  Since 2004, more than $60k and 80 awards  have been made to deserving students pursuing college degrees in fields of study related to agriculture.

Applications are due April 15 of each year.