Peggy Norris lived her life with a spark that kept her pursuing new challenges and showing God to others. Her contagious smile on the outside was only a mere hint of the Godly presence on the inside. An adventurous journey best describes Peggy's 56 years. After graduating from La Sierra University, Peggy taught for one year in Gary, Indiana. Her next pursuit was 12 years of service in the Air Force. Sgt. Norris was a training/drill instructor and received many commendations from the Air Force. Following her honorable discharge, Peggy decided to go back to teaching. Fifteen years later, "Miss Peggy" had left unforgettable impressions on countless lives. Her superintendent in the Southwestern Union described "Miss Peggy" as "one of those master teachers whom others look to for strength and guidance." Peggy taught at Adventist schools in San Antonio, Waco, and Killeen, Texas, and West Palm Beach, Florida.

Her love for young people was evident in her leadership. She led a singing group called the Mission Team. She was also active in Pathfinders and Sabbath School classes. Bill Kilgore, Professor of Religion at Southwestern, remarked, "She had such a love for kids and learning. Maybe it was because she was a student at heart."

Due to Miss Peggy's love and compassion for young people, her daughter, Kisha, established a scholarship for students upon Peggy's death in September 2004, after a brave struggle with a rare genetic disorder that resulted in a brain tumor. This scholarship is given to a music education major or a music or education major in honor of Peggy's two favorite ministries, music and Christian education. At her funeral it was stated, "I'm sure that, when we get to heaven, Peggy will be right up front, leading out in singing praises to the Lord, with her huge flock of grown-up kids surrounding her. 'When We All Get to Heaven' would be a good song selection for our first number with Miss Peggy. We can envision her big smile as she sings with all her heart."

Scholarship award requirements

This scholarship is awarded to a music education major with a GPA of 2.5 or above and is based on financial need. If no students are currently majoring in music education, the recipient may be a music major or an education major.

Students Recipients 

2020-2021-Lizet Chavez

2019-2020 -Zoya Walker

2018-2019 -Abbigail Banks

2016-2017 - Ericka Martinez

2015-2016 - Elizabeth Ramirez

2014-2015 - Lilianna Chapa

2012-2013 - Candance McCormick

2011-2012 - Giselle Ortiz, Brianna Vazquez