Charles and Lois Nolan were well-known to the Scott County community, and a scholarship established by Lois after Charles? passing in 2008 honors their legacy of educating students.
Charles G. and Lois D. (Baker) Nolan were married on Nov. 25, 1971, and both had a passion for teaching. Charles graduated with a bachelor?s degree from Cumberland College in Williamsburg, Ky., and received a master?s degree from Indiana University. Lois was a 1963 graduate of Lynn Camp High School in Corbin, Ky., a 1967 graduate of Cumberland College in Williamsburg, Ky., and received her master?s degree in 1975 from Indiana University. They had a son, Joel, and a daughter, Bethany.
Charles taught at Austin Middle and High School until his retirement, and was also a GED instructor for New Albany/Floyd County School Corp. He was also a math, computer and photography professor at Ivy Tech Community College in Sellersburg. Lois taught for both local school systems, but was best known for her work with GED students. She was also an instructor at Ivy Tech Community College, Strayer College and the former Henryville Correctional Facility.
Charles and Lois also owned the old Loaves and Fishes Christian Bookstore in Scottsburg as well as Nolans? Educational Consulting Services. They became more active in those businesses when they retired from their education-based jobs.
Charles was an amateur astronomer and was a candidate for the Teacher in Space Program. He was an avid photographer, specializing in nature and wildflowers. He was a past president of the Austin Classroom Teachers Association and the Scott County Friends of the Library, and was a member of the Scottsburg First Christian Church, Scott County Chamber of Commerce, Gideons International, Scott County Genealogical Society, Kentucky Society of Natural History and the Indiana Plant and Wildflower Society.
After Charles died at age 61 on June 23, 2008, Lois remained active in the community, attending and participating in activities at Scottsburg First Christian Church, the General Charles Scott Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the Scott County Genealogical Society. She also enjoyed spending time with her three grandchildren. Believing that education is one of the best tools people can obtain to become successful, Lois established a scholarship fund in memory of her husband in 2008. Over the years, six students who have majored in math, science, or engineering have received educational assistance for college.
Lois passed away at age 72 on June 12, 2007. She was remembered as patient and dedicated, a true teacher in every sense of the word. Lois was one of those people who never knew a stranger. If she could help a child or adult struggling to comprehend, she?d go that extra mile with a willing student and do it in a way that made the individual happy to be involved in learning.
The Charles G. and Lois D. Nolan Memorial Scholarship Fund will continue to carry on their legacy as teachers who made a difference in the lives of not only hundreds of children, but many adults as well.
Joel Nolan awards the first-ever scholarship in 2012 to Scottsburg High School senior Mackenzie Donovan.
