The Ardys J. Munson/Swanson Memorial Scholarship was established in 2021 by Clarice Nassif Ransom in memory of Ardys J. Munson/Swanson, English teacher at Bismarck High School for over 30 years. Nassif Ransom credits her love for writing to a journalism class taught by Ardys J. Munson/Swanson.
The scholarship will be awarded annually to 1 BHS senior student interested in teaching and/or journalism and plans to continue their education. Preference will be given to students who plan to attend a post-secondary school in the field of teaching English and/or journalism.
Ardys was highly devoted to her students and BHS. For many years, she was the faculty advisor for the BHS student newspaper, the Hi-Herald, and served as Chair of the BHS English Department. Ardys was an avid reader, reading several thousand books in her lifetime, including more than 950 books in retirement. Her former students would appreciate the fact that she kept detailed lists of these books, and critiques of them. She was an enthusiastic fan of Shakespeare and Edgar Allan Poe. Ardys also enjoyed bowling, golfing, boating, fishing, knitting, crocheting, making her own clothes—and, most of all, family reunions and traveling.
Clarice Nassif Ransom was born and raised in Bismarck and graduated from BHS. She is a first-time children’s book author of Tripod Kitty and the Recipe for Kindness which helps teach kids to show kindness and accept differences in others. Ms. Ardys, the teacher in the book, was based on Mrs. Swanson. Nassif Ransom will be a guest author at Will-Moore Elementary on Friday, December 10th from 9-11am and will be at an In-Person book signing on Saturday, December 11th from 11am-3pm at Barnes & Noble in Bismarck. A portion of the sales from this book signing will go toward the Ardys J. Munson/Swanson Memorial Scholarship. Donations can also be made by sending a check to BPS Foundation with “Ardys J. Munson/Swanson Memorial Scholarship” shown in the memo or by donating online at https://bpsfoundation.com/donations/ardysjmunsonswanson/. Clarice may be reached prior to these events via phone at 703-395-2328.
Contact: Stacey Lang, Development Director P: 701.323.4093 Bismarck Public Schools Foundation/Bismarck Public School District
