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.