Dr. Michael Miner awards a scholarship in memory of his parents to Sarah Thomas.
Numerous students were recently awarded scholarships through the Scott County Community Foundation. The high school recipients were honored at awards ceremonies at their schools in May, while the adult recipients were given their scholarships at various ceremonies.
The Alice and Gerald Miner Memorial Scholarship was established by the couple?s children, Mike and Ron, before Ron?s death several years ago. Gerald Miner?s father donated 40 acres of land to Hanover College during the Great Depression in exchange for two years? worth of tuition, books, room and board so that Gerald could attend college. Alice and Gerald?s sons wanted to help Scottsburg High School graduates continue their education in college. Sarah Thomas of Scottsburg High School received $4,000 to attend the University of Louisville. Thomas is the daughter of Brent and Dora Thomas of Scottsburg.
Carol Pettit was a teacher who gave many years of service to Vienna-Finley and other schools. Her family established a scholarship in her memory after she died in 1997 from cancer. The scholarship is for students who attended Vienna-Finley Elementary School and plan to pursue a degree in the field of education. Emma Hall of Scottsburg High School received $500 to attend Purdue University. Hall, the daughter of Jeffrey and Maria Hall of Underwood, plans to major in agricultural education.
Charles Nolan was a math, computer and photography teacher at Ivy Tech in Sellersburg, a retired middle/high school teacher in Austin and a former GED instructor for New Albany/Floyd County School Corp. in Scottsburg. Lois also taught for both school districts, but was known for her work with students trying to earn their GED. Both were the owners of the old Loaves and Fishes Christian Bookstore in Scottsburg. The Charles G. and Lois D. Nolan Memorial Scholarship Fund is for Scott County graduating seniors who will major in education, math, engineering or a science-related field. Jordan Gibson of Austin High School received $500 to attend Hanover College. Gibson, the son of Hilliary Vires and Wayne Gibson, plans to major in computer science.
Christie Crafton was a vibrant, dedicated teacher who touched the lives of many young people. She continued teaching day after day right through chemotherapy, right through cancer, until she passed away at the age of 42. Her family established the Christie Crafton Memorial Scholarship to carry on her legacy. The scholarship is awarded to graduates of Scottsburg High School who plan on pursuing a degree in education or a profession that serves children. Alexis Campbell of Scottsburg High School received $500 to attend IUPUI. Campbell, the daughter of Jonathan and Shelly Campbell of Austin, plans to major in elementary education.
The Dale McNeely Scholarship Fund was established through a bequest from the Martha McNeely estate. The McNeelys were both educators, and Martha was assistant superintendent for Scott County School District 2 for a few years. The McNeelys were passionate about education and children, and their commitment to students lives on through the scholarship fund. Trevor Cox of Scottsburg High School received $10,000 to attend Indiana State University. Cox, the son of Jeff and Rene Cox of Memphis, plans to major in music education. Megan Johnson of Scottsburg High School received $9,000. She plans to attend IUS to major in biology. Johnson is the daughter of Tim and Rebecca Johnson of Austin. A third scholarship worth $8,000 was awarded to Kaitlyn Borden. Borden, the daughter of Jennifer Henderson and Keith Borden, both of Scottsburg, plans to attend IUPUI to major in nursing.
Miriam Epply and Rhea Shields were sisters who grew up in Lexington and both worked in the education field. Rhea had talked about establishing a scholarship, and so her cousin carried out her wishes after her death by establishing the Epply-Shields Memorial Scholarship, which provides assistance to Scottsburg High School students who plan on majoring in elementary or secondary education. Casey Smith of Scottsburg High School received $4,500 to attend Franklin College. Smith, the son of Melvin and Lori Smith of Scottsburg, plans to major in secondary education.
Jayce Ray Stallings loved being with his mom?s basketball team, at the baseball diamond, and on vacation with his family. He enjoyed John Deere tractors and was loved by everyone who met him. This scholarship was established by his family in his memory, and is awarded for graduating seniors at Austin High School. Jordan Gibson was awarded $1,500 to attend Hanover College and major in computer science.
The Mary Elizabeth-Virgil S. Miller Memorial Scholarship was established through a bequest from the estate of Mary Elizabeth Miller. Virgil Miller had taught at Austin High School, and was Scott County Superintendent. He was also the first person to start special education classes in Lexington. Mary established the scholarship in her estate plan as a way to honor her husband. Addison Brasher and Dylan Baker both received $2,250 each. Brasher, of Austin High School, is the daughter of Julie Brasher of Austin. She plans to attend Ivy Tech Community College to major in dental hygiene. Baker, of Scottsburg High School, is the son of Patricia Baker of Austin. He plans to attend Hanover College to major in political science.
The Pilot Club Lifeline/Mary Allen and Jan Thompson Healthcare Scholarship was created to assist adults continuing on the nursing pathway, or those majoring in specific healthcare fields. Stephanie Napier of Scottsburg received $1,500. Napier is attending Ivy Tech Community College to major in nursing.
The Scott Memorial Hospital Guild Brunton-Mumford Scholarship was established from the Martha Jane Brunton Fleenor estate. The purpose is to assist students who wish to major in the medical field. Two scholarships were awarded this year, each worth $5,000. Taylor Stewart of Scottsburg High School will attend Hanover College to major in biochemistry. Stewart is the daughter of Rodney and Regan Stewart. Emily Pelston of Austin High School will attend the University of Southern Indiana. Pelston, the daughter of Gregory and Paula Pelston of Austin, plans to major in respiratory therapy.
Scott Memorial Hospital established two scholarship funds several years ago to benefit students majoring in the nursing fields. The following students, who are majoring in nursing at Indiana University Southeast, were awarded scholarships: Ashton Bowles of Lexington, $1,500; Adriana Caudill of Scottsburg, $1,500; Jessica Konkler of Austin, $1,500; Erika Lundgren of Scottsburg, $2,500; Mikeala Lytle of Lexington, $1,500.
Shelley Akers was a young wife and mother whose life was cut tragically short in a tractor accident. Shelley was the office manager for Purdue Extension, and was very involved in 4-H and the community. Scholarship applicants for the Shelley Comer Akers Memorial Scholarship were asked to submit an essay on how they?ve been able to put the 4 H?s in 4H to good use in their life. Emma Hall received $500.
Timothy Michael Wolf was a student at Scottsburg High School, where he was a medalist on the golf team and played trombone for the Band of Warriors. He was diagnosed with leukemia just short of his 14th birthday, and after three years of battling the effects of treatment, Tim went to be with the Lord. Before he passed away, he spoke with his dad about establishing a scholarship fund. Tim loved school and looked forward to his college experience, and his family has said he would be happy to know he has helped others achieve their dreams. Jesse Mays of Scottsburg High School received $5,000. She is the daughter of Joshua and Dawn Mays of Austin. She plans to attend Indiana University Southeast to major in English with a philosophy minor. An additional scholarship opportunity was made available to non-traditional adult students. Michelle Shelton of Scottsburg was awarded $2,000 to attend Ivy Tech, where she will major in human services.
The Walter S. and Clarice (White) Bridgewater Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of his parents by Dr. Walter C. Bridgewater. Walter Sr. was superintendent of the county farm and small business owner, while Clarice was business manager at Morgan?s. Sarah Thomas was awarded $500.
The Scott County Community Foundation congratulates all the scholarship recipients on their success. Photos of scholarship recipients can be viewed on the Foundation’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ScottCountyCommunityFoundation/
For more information on how the Community Foundation can assist with your charitable giving and establishing a scholarship fund, please call 812-752-2057, email info@www.scottcountyfoundation.org or stop in the office at 60 N. Main St., Scottsburg.
