A scholarship for students who are involved in 4-H is keeping alive the memory of a person who was special to so many.
Shelley Comer Akers, age 35, died tragically in a tractor accident on Aug. 2, 2010. She left behind her husband, Kyle; two daughters, Alexis and Addison; Robert?and Ruth Comer, a brother, Russ (Bonnie) Comer, and several in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Shelley had served as a member of the Community Foundation?s scholarship committee since 2006. She was the office manager for Purdue Extension and had been very involved in the 4-H program. Shelley was also a volunteer for the American Cancer Society?s Relay for Life. She attended New Chapel United Methodist Church.
She made a huge impact on everyone who knew her, as was evident by the hundreds of people who attended her visitation and funeral service.
?Shelley was a very dedicated member of our scholarship committee for several years,? said Scholarship Committee Chair Marsha Howser. ?It was clear she devoted a lot of time to reviewing all scholarship applications and was actively involved in discussions at committee meetings. She seemed to truly enjoy her volunteer work on this committee and always brought a smile to the board table in meetings that will be deeply missed.?
Her husband, Kyle, established a scholarship fund in her memory. Applicants are asked to submit an essay on how they?ve been able to put the 4-H?s in 4-H to good use in their life. It has been very meaningful for several scholarship recipients over the years to receive this award, as many had worked closely with Shelley in 4-H.
?Shelley truly believed in the 4?H program because she knew it helped children and?youth. Shelley was one of the people who helped build the Scott County program into?what it is today,? said Extension Educator Jackie Benham.
Shelley left an indelible mark on all who knew her, and?her legacy will continue to live on through this scholarship.
