By tamaraEighty year ago, Walt Disney created a stubborn, but lovable, character named Donald Duck. He has become so popular that June 9 has been declared Donald Duck Day. Personally, I never was a big fan. I always thought it was weird that he wore a shirt but refused to put on pants. What’s up with that? And don’t even get me started on his temper. The slightest little thing could set him off. But, that doesn’t mean I dislike all our feathered friends, real or animated. On the contrary, there are many things I love about those cute, waddling birds. One of which is scholarships. No, I’m not loony — there are several waterfowl and duck-themed programs just waiting to be plucked. Here are just a few unusual scholarships that are floating around the pond. 1. Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Scholarship Contest Can you talk to animals? If you have a knack for attracting ducks with your warm personality and beautiful voice, this may be the scholarship for you. It’s often found on those ‘unusual scholarships’ lists because you only need duck-calling skills to win. Deadline: November 28. 2. Scenic Homes ‘Dr. Richard M. Kaminski’ Undergraduate Scholarship Are you interested in waterfowl or the wetlands? If you attend Mississippi State University, you could be eligible for this award. Scholarships are available for the fall and spring semesters. Deadline: TBA. 3. Junior Duck Stamp Program If you have any artistic talent and an affinity for drawing birds, consider entering this annual art contest. You must be in grades K through 12 to participate. Prizes are awarded at the state level, but the first place national winner receives a college scholarship. This year’s contest may be over, but now is the perfect time to start working on your submission for next year! Deadline: March 2015. 4. Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest Probably the most famous of the ‘duck’ scholarships is this one. In order to win, you have to make your prom outfit from Duck Tape™. Every year, the entries get better and better. If you want to win, you may need to start working on your creation right now. Deadline: May 2015. If you are thinking about a career in wildlife conservation or ornithology (study of birds), there are other scholarships available to help reduce the cost of your college education. Check the websites of local waterfowl preservation groups, zoos, and other organizations that protect our feathered friends. You can also use a free scholarship search, like ScholarshipExperts.com, to help locate programs that match your intended career path, skills, and interests. If you don’t start applying for scholarships soon, you could sound like Donald Duck when you get your first tuition bill – “Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy.”