A new scholarship fund at the Scott County Community Foundation was created in honor of longtime teacher Lillian Cowles. As a permanent endowment fund, scholarships will be awarded to Scott County students for generations to come.
Lillian taught language arts at Scottsburg High School from 1968 until her passing in 1991, following in the footsteps of her valued friend and mentor, Thelma Hogue. In addition to teaching, Lillian taught music lessons on organ, piano, guitar and banjo. She played banjo and sang with the AC Spark Plug bluegrass band, played the organ at First Christian Church of Scottsburg from the age of 13 throughout her life, and along with her family found the time to operate an ice cream truck for a few summers.
She taught in memorable ways, found the gift in each student, and made a lasting impression on those who knew her. She had a special place in her heart for children and friends who faced challenges, and her family hopes to honor her legacy by helping fund secondary expenses for Scott County students who work hard to succeed while facing challenging circumstances.
The Cowles Family Fund will award the Lillian Cowles Memorial Scholarship, worth $4,000, this spring. The scholarship is open to any Scott County student, and they must submit an essay on how they’ve overcome challenging circumstances.
“We’re excited to have another scholarship opportunity for deserving Scott County students,” said Community Foundation Executive Director Jaime Toppe. “Many of us were impacted greatly by our teachers, and this is a wonderful way to honor the legacy of a woman who made a difference for so many students.”
If you would like to donate to the Cowles Family Fund in memory of Lillian Cowles, or in honor of your favorite teacher, you may do so online at www.scottcountyfoundation.org.
Scott County Community Foundation has been in existence since December 1996. Since awarding its first community grants totaling $50,000 in 1997, SCCF has been Scott County’s partner for positive change. Scholarships and grants totaling more than $6.4 million have made it possible for local students to attend college and for the diverse needs of our residents to be served. In addition, more than $13 million has been directed to Scott County through the Community Foundation due to the generosity of Lilly Endowment Inc. Projects that have been possible due to this funding include the CAPE educational initiatives, Lifelong Learning Center, Scott County Family YMCA, Scott County Clearinghouse, Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program, recreational areas in Austin, Lexington, Scottsburg, and more. For more information, please call 812-752-2057, email info@scottcountyfoundation.org or stop in the office at 60 N. Main St., Scottsburg.
