Numerous students were recently awarded scholarships through the Scott County Community Foundation. Because the formal award ceremonies were canceled this year, recipients were honored with yard signs.
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. Jordyn Livesay of Scottsburg High School received $4,000 to attend IUPUI. Jordyn, the daughter of Jim and Julie Livesay, plans to major in exercise science.
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. Carson Cox of Scottsburg High School received $500 to attend Ivy Tech Community College. Cox, the son of Jeff and Rene Cox of Memphis, plans to major in 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. Andrew Slaton of Scottsburg High School received $750 to attend Anderson University. He is the son of Marc and Shawna Slaton of Lexington.
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. Allison Justice of Scottsburg High School received $500 to attend the University of Louisville. Justice, the daughter of Tristan and Laura Justice, plans to major in social work.
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. Abby Colson of Scottsburg High School received $11,000 to attend Indiana University Southeast. Colson, the daughter of Chris and Beth Colson of Scottsburg, plans to major in secondary education. Elle Fleenor of Scottsburg High School received $10,000. Elle is the daughter of Ryan and Beth Fleenor of Scottsburg. She plans to attend Butler University to major in marketing. A third scholarship worth $9,000 was awarded to Andrew Foster. Foster, the son of Bill and Bobbie Foster of Scottsburg, plans to attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy to major in marine engineering.
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. Hannah Brown of Scottsburg High School was awarded $5,000. Brown is the daughter of Darin and Diana Brown of Scottsburg and plans to attend Indiana University Southeast to major in elementary education.
The Lilly Scholars Endowment Fund was established in 2006 after the Scott County Community Foundation challenged its Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipients to give back to the community through their time, talent and treasure. Lilly Scholars and their families have contributed to the scholarship fund over the years, and Lilly Scholars are responsible for the selection of recipients. Abby Colson of Scottsburg High School and Kansas Amos of Austin High School each received $500. Amos is the daughter of Marcia Amos of Austin. She plans to attend Grace College to major in elementary education.
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. Jordan Robinson of Austin High School and Allison Justice of Scottsburg High School both received $2,400 each. Robinson is the son of Michael and Patricia Robinson of Austin. He plans to attend Purdue University to major in engineering.
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. Ben Everett of Scottsburg received $1,500. Everett is attending the University of Pittsburgh where he is majoring in nurse anesthesia.
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. Sadie Fugate of Scottsburg High School will attend Butler University to major in pharmacy She is the daughter of Stacey and Jeannie Fugate of Scottsburg. Luke Watts of Austin High School will attend the University of Evansville to major in exercise science. Watts is the son of Gary and Cindy Watts of Austin.
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. Elle Fleenor 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. Jaiden Herald of Scottsburg High School received $5,000. She is the daughter of Steven and Holly Herald of Scottsburg. She plans to attend the University of Indianapolis to major in business administration. An additional scholarship was offered for non-traditional adult learners. Michelle Shelton of Austin received $2,000. Shelton is attending Ivy Tech Community College where she is majoring 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. Lauren Jeffries was awarded $500. Jeffries is the daughter of Chris and Malina Jeffries of Scottsburg. She plans to attend Indiana University Southeast to major in accounting.
The William Frasier Wetzel Memorial Scholarship was created through a charitable remainder unitrust. Bill Wetzel had owned farm land in Jennings Township. Two scholarships were awarded this year, each for $4,000. Macy Funk of Scottsburg High School, will attend Indiana University Southeast. Funk, the daughter of Tim and Leigh Funk of Scottsburg, plans to major in elementary education. Zachary Stidham of Austin High School will attend Indiana State University to major in information technology. Stidham is the son of Tony and Paula Stidham of Austin.
The Scott County Community Foundation congratulates all the scholarship recipients on their success. 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. You may also visit www.www.scottcountyfoundation.org.
