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The Pike County Community Foundation announces the distribution of community scholarships totaling $85,400 including renewable scholarships. This year, funds established by generous donors provided scholarships to 22 area students. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipient and Community Scholarship recipients were recognized at the Pike County Community Foundation Spring Gala on Saturday, April 24, 2024. In addition to announcing the recipients, the Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact, Laura Hazelman states, “The Pike County Community Foundation is fortunate to have generous fund founders and donors who have made these scholarships possible. They are truly making an impact on young adults in Pike County. The students at Pike Central High School are blessed to have such a wonderful group of people who are invested in their education and future success. We are thankful to the scholarship committee for their dedication and hard work in selecting our scholarship recipients.” Carroll-Wyatt Scholarship is an annual, renewable scholarship established by the Carroll-Wyatt Scholarship Fund trust created through the Last Will and Testament of Hilda D. Carroll to provide scholarships to Pike Central High School graduates pursuing a college degree. This year’s recipient, Lexie Onyett, was awarded $1,500. Claud W. and Lois Kemp Family Scholarship is an annual, renewable scholarship fund established by Jerry D. Kemp to remember his grandparents, Claud W. and Lois (Corn) Kemp. Mr. And Mrs. Kemp were lifelong residents of Pike County. Claud Kemp was a long-time teacher and principal at Velpen School in Velpen, IN. This scholarship is dedicated to Mr. Kemp and his enthusiasm for education. This year’s award of $1,000 goes to Chase Ridao. Darwin and Grace Youngs Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Darwin Youngs for graduating seniors of Pike Central High School. This year’s recipient, Cobey McKinney, was awarded $1,000. Dessie Mae (Bruce) Griffith Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Allison Bell, Jodie Dawn Huntsman, and Christina Scales in memory of their mother to benefit graduating seniors of Pike Central High School. Dessie Mae was born the youngest of ten children in September 1945 and she passed away after losing her battle with lung cancer in March 2001. This year’s recipient, Jamie Sallee, was awarded $500. Dr. and Mrs. William A. Weather and Betty B. Wyatt Memorial Scholarship is an annual, renewable scholarship created by Pike Central High School in memory of its former teacher, counselor, and principal, Dr. William A. Weathers, his wife, and their friend Mrs. Betty B. Wyatt. Dr. Weathers spent his entire 42-year career in education in Petersburg and was active in civic and community affairs. Betty Wyatt was a teacher for more than 40 years. This year’s award is $1,000 and the recipient is Jaidyn Gogel. Gaskins Family Scholarship is an annual, renewable scholarship created by Jim and Cindy Gaskins for Pike Central High School students. This year’s $2,500 award recipient is Gabriella Collins. Harrell and LaVern Shoultz Scholarship is an annual, renewable scholarship created by Harrell and LaVern Shoultz for graduating seniors at Pike Central High School. This year’s recipient, Ella Adams, was awarded $1,000. Joe and Libbie Dedman Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Joe and Libbie Dedman to provide scholarship assistance to Pike Central High School students seeking post-secondary education. Preference for this scholarship will be given to cancer survivors or students with learning challenges. This year $1,000 was awarded to Hannah Fort. Kenny Veale Memorial Scholarship is an annual scholarship established by Carolyn Veale for graduating Pike Central High School students who are pursuing a career in the automotive field. This year’s recipient, Brailey Mills, was awarded $1,500. Lawrell Hilgeman Memorial Scholarship/Pike Optimists of Petersburg, Indiana is an annual scholarship created by the Pike Optimists in memory of their esteemed member, Lawrell Hilgeman. This year’s recipient, Arrik McDonald, was awarded $700. Mary R. Curtis Scholarship is an annual, renewable scholarship established by the estate of Sammy K. Curtis, in memory of his aunt, Miss Mary F. Curtis, a beloved 2nd-grade teacher at Winslow Elementary School. This year’s recipient, Taylor Gosciniak, was awarded $3,500. Montes/Fenol Scholarship is an annual, renewable scholarship created by Honesto Fenol and his wife, Rosabella Montes Fenol, to help students who might not otherwise qualify for academic scholarships and to encourage them to pursue their education and career goals. This year’s award is $1,500, and the recipient is Brylee Walker. Otwell School Alumni Association Scholarship is an annual, renewable scholarship created by the Otwell School Alumni Association for students who have a familial or relational connection to the Otwell community. This year’s recipient, Addy Russell, received $1,500. Petersburg First United Methodist Church Memorial Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Petersburg First United Methodist Church through a generous donation made in memory of Dessie McDade Burton. The recipient must be a member of the First United Methodist Church. This year’s recipient, Gabriella Collins, was awarded $1,500. Petersburg High School Alumni Association Scholarship is an annual, renewable scholarship established by the Petersburg High School Alumni Association to create a legacy for Petersburg High School by providing scholarships in the name of the school to Pike Central High School students now and in the future. This year’s award is $1,000, and the recipient is Ashlynn Kirk. Petersburg High School Class of 1959 Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by the Petersburg High School Class of 1959. This year’s $1,500 award recipient is Macey Stilwell. Pike Central High School Alumni Association Scholarship is an annual, renewable scholarship created by the Pike Central High School Alumni Association. This year’s recipient, Dylan Charles, received $1,000. Pike County Chamber of Commerce Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by the Pike County Chamber of Commerce for graduating seniors of Pike Central High School who are planning to attend an Indiana college or university. This year’s recipient, Austin Henson, received $500. Roger Knight Family Scholarship is an annual scholarship established by Doris Knight to honor and remember Roger Knight, a retired Pike Central High School teacher of agriculture and horticulture. The scholarship has been created to assist students pursuing post-secondary education, with a preference towards students pursuing an agricultural-related field of study – from mechanics to selling farm futures – and members of FFA or 4-H. This year’s recipient, Danessa Pride, received $1,000. Schafer Pike County Community Foundation Scholarship is an annual, renewable scholarship created by Karl and Elizabeth Schafer for graduating seniors of Pike Central High School who are residents of Pike County. This year’s recipient, Jamie Sallee, was awarded $3,000. Si and Mary Ashley Family Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Si and Mary Ashley to provide financial assistance to Pike Central High School graduates. This year’s recipient Maxwell Burkhart will receive $1,000. Vinson Family Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by John and Mary Ellen Vinson for graduating seniors of Pike Central High School. This year’s $1,800 award recipient is Pillar Rudolph. Winslow Eagles Memorial Scholarship is an annual, renewable scholarship created by Winslow Eagles Aerie #2646 for graduating seniors of Pike Central High School who have a connection to Winslow Eagles Aerie #2646. This year’s recipient, Jonas Martinez, was awarded $1,200. Winslow High School Alumni Association Scholarship is an annual, renewable scholarship created by the Winslow High School Alumni Association for graduating seniors of Pike Central High School. This year’s award is $2,000, and the recipient is Karley Kavanaugh. Ruby Salee of Pike Central High School is the 2024 Pike County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipient. She will receive a full tuition scholarship to the Indiana college of her choice and a $900 yearly stipend for required books and equipment. The Community Foundation handles the applications, and a volunteer selection committee of community leaders completes the review process for this award, submitting final nominations to Independent Colleges of Indiana.  The Pike County Community Foundation advisory board would like to thank the parents, family members, teachers, school administrators, coaches, mentors, and everyone who has inspired these students. Congratulations to these outstanding students and their families. We wish you the best as you pursue your college degrees and future opportunities.

Discover Downtown Petersburg recently received a $1,000 grant from the Pike County Community Foundation through the Pike Gives Grant Program. The Pike Gives Grant Program allows Pike County Community Foundation advisory board members to recommend $1,000 grants to local nonprofit organizations. The Foundation’s most recent grant recommendation was made by Bridget Butcher to assist with the cost of the Buffalo Trace Festival. For more information about funding opportunities through the Pike County Community Foundation, contact Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact, at 812-890-4469 or via email lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org . Pictured:(left to right) Mayor RC Klipsch; and Bridget Butcher, Pike County Community Foundation Advisory Board member.

Pike County Progress Partners, Inc. recently received a $1,000 grant from the Pike County Community Foundation through the Pike Gives Grant Program. The Pike Gives Grant Program allows Pike County Community Foundation advisory board members to recommend $1,000 grants to local nonprofit organizations. The Foundation’s most recent grant recommendation was made by John Craig for technology updates. For more information about funding opportunities through the Pike County Community Foundation, contact Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact, at 812-890-4469 or via email lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org . Pictured:(left to right) John Craig, Pike County Community Foundation Advisory Board member, and Bridget Butcher, Manager of Elmer Buchta Tech Center.

Pike County School Corporation recently received a $1,000 grant from the Pike County Community Foundation through the Pike Gives Grant Program to benefit Pike Central High School’s Media Center. The Pike Gives Grant Program allows Pike County Community Foundation advisory board members to recommend $1,000 grants to local nonprofit organizations. The Foundation’s most recent grant recommendation was made by Carla Willis to assist with repairs to the Pike Central High School Library and for the purchase of books and other reading materials. For more information about funding opportunities through the Pike County Community Foundation, contact Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact, at 812-890-4469 or via email lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org . Pictured:(left to right) Alba Hay; Jenna Harris; Cherie Kopp; Mindy Keeker, PCMS Principal; Carla Willis, Pike County Community Foundation Advisory Board member; Noah Fort; Susan Bolton, Librarian; Dan Gaffney, PCHS Principal; and Lori Williams.

Pike Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) recently received a $1,000 grant from the Pike County Community Foundation through the Pike Gives Grant Program. The Pike Gives Grant Program allows Pike County Community Foundation advisory board members to recommend $1,000 grants to local nonprofit organizations. The Foundation’s most recent grant recommendation was made by Tera Zazzetti for general support of PAWS. For more information about funding opportunities through the Pike County Community Foundation, contact Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact, at 812-890-4469 or via email lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org . Pictured:(left to right) Cindy Morris, Director of PAWS; and Tera Zazzetti, Vice-President of Pike County Community Foundation Advisory Board.

Petersburg Little League and Petersburg Elementary each recently received a $1,000 grant from the Pike County Community Foundation through the Pike Gives Grant Program. The Pike Gives Grant Program allows Pike County Community Foundation advisory board members to recommend $1,000 grants to local nonprofit organizations. The Foundation’s most recent grant recommendations were made by Wil Teague to assist students at Petersburg Elementary School to purchase books at the Book Fair, and Kelley Hook for general support of Petersburg Little League. For more information about funding opportunities through the Pike County Community Foundation, contact Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact, at 812-890-4469 or via email lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org . Pictured: (left to right) Eric Smith and Shawn Craig, Petersburg Little League; Emma Hook; Kelley Hook, Secretary of Pike County Community Foundation Advisory Board; Courtney Maxey; Camelia Seger, President of Petersburg Little League; Megan Howard; and Echo Petty, Petersburg Little League.

The Pike County Community Foundation awarded $170,789 in grants to seven local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to celebrate its 25 th Anniversary of serving Pike County through impactful grantmaking. These grants funded “quality of place” projects that are essential to improving Pike County residents’ lives, driving economic development, and attracting visitors. Over the past 25 years, the Pike County Community Foundation has been able to grow our assets to over $5.8 million in endowments and non-permanent funds and has granted out over $1.9 million since inception. “What an impact we have made, are making, and will continue to make,” Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact. The nonprofit organizations awarded grants have projects that will improve or enhance the physical environment and other characteristics of the community that will make the county an attractive place to live, work, and play. The 25 th Anniversary grant recipients are: · $25,000 to Winslow Parks and Recreation to assist with the cost of turning the old tennis courts into a pickleball court; · $25,000 to Charger Soccer Club to assist with the cost of creating a boys and girls middle school soccer complex in Winslow; · $25,000 to Pike County Progress Partners, Inc. to assist with the cost of demolishing and cleaning up the site of the donated blight house in preparation for building safe housing with new sidewalks on 7 th Street in Petersburg; · $23,340 to Pike County School Corporation to purchase a Creator Space at Winslow Elementary where students can come together to learn, create, and innovate; · $25,000 to The ARC Southwest Indiana to assist with the programming cost to provide vocational training to individuals with intellectual disabilities to prepare them for competitive employment; · $25,000 to 4-H Council of Pike County, Indiana to assist with the cost of remodeling the restrooms in the Pike County 4-H building to make them more substantial, more user-friendly, safer, and ADA-compliant; and · $22,449 to Pike County Public Library to purchase a music garden including flower & butterfly bells, lily pad cymbals, mushroom gongs, and a tenor tree to add harmony to the library's outdoor play space. For more information, please contact Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact at lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org.

The Pike County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Pike County – Ruby Madison Sallee from Pike Central High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership. “Ruby’s dedication to her school and community was apparent in her application and interview. The nominating committee was honored to have the opportunity to meet Ruby and recommend her for this life-changing scholarship opportunity,” said Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact for the Pike County Community Foundation. Ruby is the daughter of James and Angie Sallee of Petersburg. Following graduation, she plans to major in Pre-Law. Ruby is a member of the National Honor Society, and Key Club. She is active in track, basketball, swimming, and diving, which have earned her several varsity letters. Ruby is also active in the community, volunteering for the Children Carnival, Operation Christmas Child, Threshermans Steam Engine Show, and her church. Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides for full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment for four years. The scholarship is for full-time undergraduate students leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars may also participate in the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects both current scholars and alumni with resources and opportunities to be active leaders on their campuses and in their communities. Both the scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and Indiana Humanities. In determining Pike County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar nominee, consideration was given to class rank, grade transcripts, financial need, school activities, honors and awards, work history, statement of goals, letter of recommendation, community/volunteer activities, and interview by the LECSP Nominating Committee. After the field of applicants was narrowed down, nominees were submitted to ICI, the statewide administrator of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program, which approves the final selection of scholarship recipients. “The Community Foundation was thoroughly impressed with the quality of applicants and their level of involvement, Pike County has many outstanding young adults full of talent and drive,” said Hazelman. Lilly Scholarship alternates were also announced. Taylor Gosciniak was named the first alternate, and Jamie Sallee was named the second alternate. Lilly Endowment created the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for the 1998-99 school year and has supported the program every year since with grants totaling in excess of $505 million. More than 5,200 Indiana students have received the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship since the program’s inception. The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program are: 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to 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.