(Perry County, Indiana)  The Perry County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation Alliance, has received a Community Leadership Grant of $100,000 as part of the seventh phase of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VII) initiative.  With this grant, the Community Foundation will support community members’ attendance at the Evansville Christian Life Center’s Poverty and Potential Workshops to gain insights into their anti-poverty programs in order to implement these strategies in Perry County; Lincoln Hills Development Corporation’s trainings to implement the 2Gen Approach in Perry County by working with all members of a household to build family well-being; and the expansion of Perry Preschool and Childcare to fill the gap in available childcare, especially for low-income workers and those utilizing vouchers.

The Perry County Community Foundation is one of 84 foundations in Indiana receiving grants through this round of GIFT VII grantmaking. Lilly Endowment created GIFT in 1990 to help local communities in Indiana develop the philanthropic capacity to identify local needs and challenges. It launched GIFT VII in 2018 and made available a total of $125 million to help foundations strengthen their leadership capacities in the towns, cities and counties they serve. Lilly Endowment expects to make additional GIFT VII grants in the coming months.

“Lilly Endowment’s GIFT VII initiative has allowed community foundations to enhance our partnerships with local organizations to achieve a greater impact in our communities through this phased grant opportunity,” says Jill Carpenter, president and CEO of the Community Foundation Alliance. “These implementation grants allow us to continue that work, alongside our community partners, and directly impact key development indicators – leading change for generations to come.”

As part of GIFT VII, The Perry County Community Foundation was awarded a planning grant of $50,000 in 2019 to convene local stakeholders to identify, prioritize and assess opportunities and challenges in Perry County. In March 2020, the Community Foundation was invited to apply for a GIFT VII Community Leadership Grant to implement strategies and activities identified during the planning period.

“The planning process provided community partners with the opportunity to learn, engage, collaborate, and brainstorm ways to strengthen the Perry County community,” said Emily Alvey, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact. She added that, “when determining where to focus our implementation grant efforts, the Perry County Community Foundation advisory board chose to place emphasis on the cycle of poverty to benefit the residents, businesses, organizations, and the Perry County community.”

The Perry County Community Foundation is partnering with the following organization to successfully implement this project: Perry Preschool and Childcare, Lincoln Hills Development Corporation, Tell City Catholic Charities, the Community Action Agency, Indiana Institute of Working Families, and the United Way of Perry County

“This grant opportunity will provide support to organizations and residents in Perry County impacted by the cycle of poverty. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with remarkable organizations and look forward to truly making a difference in our community, says Rita Mahoney, the Perry County Community Foundation advisory board president.

To learn more about the research conducted during the planning grant, or to download the detailed Community Indicator Report for your community, please visit https://www.communityfoundationalliance.org/community-impact/understanding-our-communities/.

(Perry County, Indiana)  During the Perry County Community Foundation’s June board meeting, Amy Hollinden and Adam Goffinet and Matt Butler each were recognized for three years of service as outgoing advisory board members. “We will be forever grateful for their leadership, commitment to our organization, and continued advocacy within our communities.” says Mary James, Regional Director of Development.

Incoming advisory board officers were also elected at the meeting, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020, and include President Rita Mahoney and Vice President Rebecca Etienne.

In addition, three new advisory board members were elected. Marty Kaiser, Rachel Roccia, and Dr. Joe Sisley.  

Marty Kaiser is a graduate of Jasper High School. Kaiser has been with Springs Valley Bank & Trust Company since 1988. His current position at Springs Valley is Senior Executive Vice President and Financial Advisory Group Manager. He is a board member of the Tri-County YMCA. He is also a member of the Tell City Knights of Columbus, Tell City Moose, and St. Paul Catholic Church. Kaiser resides in Perry County with his wife, Tricia, and their four children. In his free time, he enjoys taking family vacations in his motorhome, working with his mules, and cycling. Kaiser has completed the Rain Ride across Indiana several times.

Rachel Roccia has worked for German American for 21 years and is currently the Financial Center Supervisor for the Tell City Rivergate location. She serves as President of the Epsilon Omega Chapter of Tri-Kappa and is the treasurer for Brick By Brick.  She also serves on the We the Youth Board and Salvation Army Board for Perry County.  Roccia is the Education Chair at the First United Methodist Church and served as Youth Coordinator in the past for approximately 17 years.  She attended Indiana State University in Terre Haute and Purdue North Central in Westville Indiana.  Roccia has been married to Randy for 39 years and they have two grown children, and have been blessed with five grandchildren. She attended Leadership Perry County Class and has participated in JA at both Perry Central and Tell City.  Her hobbies include attending Bible Studies, writing and Musical Theatre.  

Dr. Joe Sisley is a 2000 Graduate of Heritage Hills High School. He is an Alumni of Indiana University in 2004 with a BS in Biology and 2008 from the Indiana University School of Optometry. Sisley received the 2017 Young Optometrist of the Year for Indiana. He recently joined the practice of Burris, LeClere, & Labhart Eye Center taking over for Dr. Burris. Sisley is a board member of the Spencer County Public Library, a member of the Kiwanis Club of South Spencer, and St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Chrisney, IN.  He previously served on the Rockport City Parks Board, Spencer County 4-H Board, and Indiana Optometric Association State Board. Sisley grew up in Spencer County and currently lives in Rockport, IN.  His hobbies include running, biking, hiking and being outdoors.

(Perry County, Indiana)  The Perry County Community Foundation is now accepting applications online for the 2021 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program. The scholarship is open to Indiana residents who graduate from an accredited Indiana high school by 2021, and receive their diploma no later than June 30, 2021. Details related to conditions of the award, eligibility and selection criteria are available on the Community Foundation’s website at https://www.communityfoundationalliance.org/scholarships/lilly-endowment-community-scholarship-perry/.

The deadline to apply is September 4, 2020.

The program provides scholarships for otherwise unreimbursed full-tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment for four years of undergraduate study on a full-time basis leading to a baccalaureate degree at any Indian a public or private nonprofit college or university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Community Foundation will nominate 1 student to receive the scholarship.   

The 2021 Perry County Lilly Endowment Community Scholar will be named in mid-December 2020.

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program is a statewide program administered by local community foundations throughout Indiana. The Community Foundation administers the program locally in conjunction with the Community Foundation Alliance (our governing body) and local high schools, and Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) provides statewide oversight of the program.

The Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation, created in 1937 by members of the Lilly Family. In keeping with the wishes of the founding members, the Lilly Endowment exists to support the causes of education, religion and community development.

Since the program was first introduced in 1998, Lilly Endowment has remained steadfast in its belief that education education at all levels is indispensable to the personal, civic and economic well-being of Indiana residents and communities.

The scholarships are the result of a statewide Lilly Endowment initiative to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.

(Tell City, Indiana) The Perry County Community Foundation announces the distribution of community scholarships totaling $16,100. This year, funds established by generous donors, provided the scholarships to area students.

In addition to announcing the recipients, the Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact, Emily Davis states, “The Perry County Community Foundation is thankful to our generous fund founders and donors who make these scholarship awards possible. Their investment in the education of our young people has impacted each of these students’ futures. The process of choosing who will be awarded each of these scholarships is undertaken with dedication and discipline by a committee of volunteer leaders. We are grateful for their hard work and dedication in doing this. The process is never easy because our Perry County students are outstanding.”  

The scholarships announced are:

The Birch and Ruth Shafer Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Ruth Shafer through her estate to benefit a graduating senior of any Perry County high school.  The recipient of this year’s award in the amount of $2,000 is Olivia Hauser, a senior at Perry Central Junior-Senior High School.  Olivia is the daughter of Michael and Christine Hauser.  Following graduation, she plans to study Pre-Veterinary Science.  

The Buehler Foods Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Buehler Foods to benefit graduating seniors of any Perry County high school demonstrating good academic standing.  This year’s $500 scholarship recipient is Colin Noble, a senior at Tell City High School and the son of Wesley and Laura Noble.  Following graduation, Colin plans to pursue a degree in Biology at Indiana University.

The Cecil and Olive Foster Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Olive M. Foster to benefit graduating seniors of any Perry County high school planning to pursue post-secondary education.  The recipient of this year’s $1,000 scholarship is Jaylynn Bryant, a senior at Perry Central Junior-Senior High School.  Jaylynn is the daughter of James and Jennifer Bryant.  Following graduation, Jaylynn plans to pursue a degree in Nursing at Vincennes University Jasper Campus.  

The Charles S. (Blackie) and Rose H. Paulin Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Betty Lou Paulin Gast in memory of her parents.  This scholarship benefits Perry County residents who are considered non-traditional students and pursing post-secondary education at any accredited college, university, or vocational-technical school.  The recipient of the $900 scholarship is Martha Thomas.  Martha is the daughter of Paul and Diana Scott and is currently studying to receive her Masters in Elementary Education- Early Childhood with Certificate in Administration at Ball State University, 

The Earl and Hazel Etienne Scholarship is an annual scholarship established by their children in memory of their parents. This scholarship was created to benefit graduating seniors of any Perry County high school planning to major in education and pursue a career in education.  This year’s $500 scholarship recipient is Kyra Beier, a senior at Tell City High School.  Kyra is the daughter of Ryan Beier and Stephanie Beier. Following graduation, Kyra plans to pursue a degree in Elementary Education at Indiana University Southeast.

The Edgar and Evelyn Whitcomb Scholarship is an annual scholarship established by Edgar and Evelyn Whitcomb to encourage Perry Central High School students to further their education and to achieve maximum scholastic potential.  The recipient of the $1,000 scholarship is Madison Hayes, a senior at Perry Central Junior-Senior High School and the daughter of David and Amy Hayes.  Following graduation, Madison plans to pursue a degree in Nursing at Vincennes University Jasper Campus.

The Gene and Christina Schwindel Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Gene and Christina Schwindel to benefit graduating seniors or graduates of Perry Central High School pursing post-secondary education.  This year’s $2,000 scholarship recipient is Maria Hubert, a senior at Perry Central Junior-Senior High School and the daughter of Jason and Shelia Hubert.  Following graduation, Maria plans to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering at Purdue University.

The J. Matthew Moore Memorial Scholarship is an annual scholarship created in memory of Matthew Moore by his wife, Lucy Goffinet, and his parents, John E. and Ann C. Moore, to help students pursing advanced education.  The scholarship is for graduating seniors of Cannelton High School or Tell City High School pursing post-secondary education.  This year’s $500 scholarship recipient is Hannah Rhodes, a senior at Tell City High School and the daughter of Donnie and Sarah Rhodes.  Following graduation, Hannah plans to pursue a degree in Psychology at the University of Evansville.  

The John Marion Walker Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by the John Marion Walker Scholarship Trust to benefit graduating seniors of Tell City High School or Perry Central Junior-Senior High School pursing post-secondary education at any Indiana institution of higher learning.  The recipient of this year’s award in the amount of $1,000 is Kaitlyn Sturgeon, a senior at Perry Central Junior-Senior High School and the daughter of Wade and Tina Sturgeon.  Following graduation, Kaitlyn plans to study Chemistry at the University of Southern Indiana.

The Mark “Flash” Kleeman Memorial Scholarship is an annual scholarship established in memory of Mark “Flash” Kleeman by his wife, Angie, children, Brandon and Angel, and his extended family.  This scholarship is to benefit graduating seniors of Tell City High School, Perry Central Junior-Senior High School or Heritage Hills High School who plan to continue their education or training at any accredited trade or vocational school.  This year’s $400 scholarship recipient is Katelyn Davis, a senior at Heritage Hills High School and the daughter of Jeffrey and Pamela Davis.   Following graduation, Katelyn plans to attend Vincennes University to pursue a degree in Construction Management. 

The Mildred Wempe Memorial Scholarship 1 is an annual scholarship created by the Clayton Harris Memorial United Methodist Church in Tobinsport to benefit graduates or graduating seniors of any Perry County high school pursing education for a career in medicine or healthcare.  This year’s $500 scholarship recipient is Veronica Weatherholt, a senior at Perry Central Junior-Senior High School and the daughter of Donald and Monica Weatherholt.  Following graduation, Veronica plans to obtain a degree in Nursing at Indiana University Southeast. 

The Mildred Wempe Memorial Scholarship 2 is an annual scholarship created by TCB Bank to benefit graduates or graduating seniors of any Perry County high school pursuing a career in nursing.  This recipient of this year’s scholarship in the amount of $300 is Haylee Lawalin, a senior at Perry Central Junior-Senior High School and the daughter of Nathan Lawalin and Mindy Lawalin.  Following graduation, Haylee plans to attend Vincennes University to pursue a degree in Nursing. 

The Old National Tell City Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Old National Bancorp to benefit graduating seniors of any Perry County high school pursing post-secondary education of any kind.  This year’s $450 scholarship recipient is Kaylee Burden, a senior at Perry Central Junior-Senior High School and the granddaughter of Terry and Yvonne Burden.  Following graduation, Kaylee plans to obtain a degree in Biomedical Engineering. 

The Perry County 4-H Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by David and Evelyn Adams to benefit graduating seniors of any Perry County high school who have been a member of 4-H for at least five years.  This year’s $400 scholarship recipient is Taylor Howell, a senior at Perry Central Junior-Senior High School and the daughter of Kimberly Haney-Howell.  Following graduation, Taylor plans to pursue a degree in Elementary Education.

The Perry County FOP Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Lodge 173 of the Perry County Fraternal Order of Police to benefit graduating seniors of any Perry County high school pursuing a career in law enforcement or a related field. This year’s $500 scholarship recipient is Aidan Sauer, a senior at Perry Central Junior-Senior High School and the son of Nickalous Sauer and Holly Peer.  Following graduation, Aidan plans to attend Vincennes University to obtain a degree in Law Enforcement. 

The Robert E. Boyles Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Beverly C. McGee in memory of her friend to benefit a graduating female senior of Cannelton High School.  The recipient of this year’s $400 scholarship is Kourtney Masterson, a senior at Cannelton High School and the daughter of Charles and Jennifer Masterson.  Following graduation, Kourtney plans to study Pre-Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University. 

The Robert Ress Memorial Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by the Optimist Club of Tell City, Indiana to benefit graduating seniors of Tell City High School pursing post-secondary vocational education or specific career training.  This year’s $300 scholarship recipient is Camryn Peter, a senior at Tell City High School and the daughter of Bart and Holli Peter.  Following graduation, Camryn plans to study Esthetics at The Salon Professional Academy. 

The Rose Hazel Gabbert Paulin and Charles S. (Blackie) Paulin Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Kenton A. and Betty Paulin Gast in memory of Betty’s parents to benefit graduates of any Perry County high school pursing post-secondary education.  This year’s $400 scholarship recipient is Codee Koziatek, a senior at Perry Central Junior-Senior High School and the daughter of Scott and Tesa Koziatek.  Following graduation, Codee plans to pursue a degree in Visual Communications at Ivy Tech Community College.

The Sam K. Oberhausen Memorial Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Mr. and Mrs. Anthony H. Oberhausen in memory of their son to benefit graduating seniors of Tell City High School pursing post-secondary education.  The recipient of this year’s $500 scholarship is Valerie Walters, a senior at Tell City High School and the daughter of Brian and Melinda Walters.  Following graduation, Valerie plans to pursue a degree in Animation and Game Design at Purdue University Polytechnic. 

The Sam Reed Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Ralph and Rose Reed in honor of their son, Sam, and his remarkable achievements in life.  This year’s scholarship recipient in the amount of $300 is Logan Marshall, a senior at Cannelton High School and the son of Joshua and Jamie Marshall.  Following graduation, Logan plans to study Naval Architect & Marine Engineering at University of New Orleans. 

The Stacey Peak Memorial Scholarship is an annual scholarship created to honor Stacey Peak, who was a victim of the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center.  The recipient of this year’s $500 scholarship is Ava Hilgenhold, a senior at Tell City High School and the daughter of Jeff Hilgenhold and Angela Hilgenhold.  Following graduation, Ava plans to attend Hanover College to pursue a degree in Kinesiology and Integrated Physiology. 

The Wendell Werner and Loretta Werner Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Old National Trust to benefit graduating seniors of Tell City High School pursing post-secondary education.  The recipient of this year’s $250 scholarship is Violet Moskos, a senior at Tell City High School and the daughter of Robert and Luz Moskos.  Following graduation, Violet plans to pursue a degree in International Studies. 

The York Family Scholarship is an annual scholarship in memory of Max and Billie York and their daughter, Sondra Kaye York, by their family to help students pursing a degree in elementary education.  The recipient of this year’s $500 scholarship is Krista Martin, a senior at Perry Central Junior-Senior High School and the daughter of Donald Martin and Holly Martin.  Following graduation, Krista plans to obtain a degree in Elementary Education. 

The Zachary Kleemann Memorial Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Jim and Kathleen Kleemann in memory of their son to benefit graduating seniors of Tell City High School.  The year’s $1,000 scholarship recipient is Austin Snyder, a senior at Tell City High School and the son of Marty and Karen Snyder.  Following graduation, Austin plans to obtain a degree in Accounting. 

The Community Foundation Advisory Board would like to say thank you to the parents, family members, teachers, school administrators, coaches, mentors, and everyone who has inspired these students to be the very best they can be. Congratulations to these outstanding students and their families. We wish you the best as you pursue your college degrees and future opportunities.