The family of Dale and Martha McNeely award scholarships to Paige Barrett, Alexa Howser and Josiah Croasdell.
Several students were recently awarded scholarships through the Scott County Community Foundation. The high school recipients were honored at awards ceremonies at their schools in May.
The Alice and Gerald Miner Memorial Scholarship was established by the couple?s children, Mike and Ron, before Ron?s death several years ago. Gerald Miner?s father donated 40 acres of land to Hanover College during the Great Depression in exchange for two years? worth of tuition, books, room and board so that Gerald could attend college. Alice and Gerald?s sons wanted to help Scottsburg High School graduates continue their education in college. Parker Barrett of Scottsburg High School received $4,000 to attend Ball State University. Barrett, the son of Tony and Tiffany Barrett of Scottsburg, will major in human resources management.
Carol Pettit was a teacher who gave many years of service to Vienna-Finley and other schools. Her family established a scholarship in her memory after she died in 1997 from cancer. The scholarship is for students who attended Vienna-Finley Elementary School and plan to pursue a degree in the field of education. Kacey Gambrell of Scottsburg High School received $500 to attend IUPUI. Gambrell, the daughter of Kenny and Michelle Gambrell of Scottsburg, plans to major in elementary education.
Charles Nolan was a math, computer and photography teacher at Ivy Tech in Sellersburg, a retired middle/high school teacher in Austin and a former GED instructor for New Albany/Floyd County School Corp. in Scottsburg. Lois also taught for both school districts, but was known for her work with students trying to earn their GED. Both were the owners of the old Loaves and Fishes Christian Bookstore in Scottsburg. The Charles G. and Lois D. Nolan Memorial Scholarship Fund is for Scott County graduating seniors who will major in math, engineering or a science-related field. Tanner Craig of Austin High School received $500 to attend the University of Evansville. Craig is the son of Todd and Jennifer Craig of Scottsburg. He plans to major in engineering.
Christie Crafton was a vibrant, dedicated teacher who touched the lives of many young people. She continued teaching day after day right through chemotherapy, right through cancer, until she passed away at the age of 42. Her family established the Christie Crafton Memorial Scholarship to carry on her legacy. The scholarship is awarded to graduates of Scottsburg High School who plan on pursuing a degree in education or a profession that serves children. Paige Crites of Scottsburg High School received $500 to attend Indiana State University. Crites is the daughter of Scott and Heather Crites of Lexington and Misty and Jimmy Abner. She plans to major in elementary education.
The Dale McNeely Scholarship Fund was established through a bequest from the Martha McNeely estate. The McNeelys were both educators, and Martha was assistant superintendent for Scott County School District 2 for a few years. The McNeelys were passionate about education and children, and their commitment to students lives on through the scholarship fund. Paige Barrett of Scottsburg High School received $9,000 to attend Murray State University to major in biology/chemistry. Barrett is the daughter of Tony and Tiffany Barrett of Scottsburg. Alexa Howser of Scottsburg High School also received $9,000. She plans to attend Indiana University to major in biology. Howser is the daughter of John and Marsha Howser of Scottsburg. A third scholarship worth $7,000 was awarded to Josiah Croasdell. Croasdell, the son of Dr. John and Lori Croasdell of Scottsburg, plans to attend Taylor University to major in psychology.
The Epply Shields Memorial Scholarship Fund was created to provide assistance to Scottsburg High School students who plan on majoring in elementary or secondary education. Sara Edwards of Scottsburg High School received $4,500 to attend Murray State University. Edwards, the daughter of Tim and Lisa Edwards of Underwood, plans to major in agricultural education.
Jayce Ray Stallings loved being with his mom?s basketball team, at the baseball diamond, and on vacation with his family. He enjoyed John Deere tractors and was loved by everyone who met him. This scholarship was established by his family in his memory, and is awarded for graduating seniors at Austin High School. Kami Owens was awarded $1,500 to attend Indiana University. Owens, the daughter of Kevin and Tonia Owens of Scottsburg, plans to major in human resources.
The Mary Elizabeth-Virgil S. Miller Memorial Scholarship was established through a bequest from the estate of Mary Elizabeth Miller. Virgil Miller had taught at Austin High School, and was Scott County Superintendent. He was also the first person to start special education classes in Lexington. Mary established the scholarship in her estate plan as a way to honor her husband. Skyler Coomer and Joseph Light both received $2,250 each. Coomer, of Austin High School, is the daughter of Chade and Lori Coomer of Austin. She plans to attend Indiana University to major in secondary English education. Light, of Scottsburg High School, is the son of Terry and Cindy Light of Scottsburg. He plans to attend Indiana State University to major in professional aviation flight technology.
Phyllis Calvin was educated at Austin schools, and came back to teach in the middle school for 30 years until retirement. Because of a never-ending love for both the job and the students, Phyllis decided the recipient of the scholarship would be a graduating student from Austin, with the goal of becoming a teacher. Skyler Coomer of Austin High School was awarded $1,000.
The Robert G. Comer Memorial Scholarship was established for high school seniors whose lives were shaped by agriculture and farming, much like Bob?s own life was, and who plan to continue to grow themselves as they pursue a college degree of their own. Sara Edwards of Scottsburg High School received $500.
The Scott Memorial Hospital Guild Brunton-Mumford Scholarship was established from the Martha Jane Brunton Fleenor estate. The purpose is to assist students who wish to major in the medical field. Two scholarships were awarded this year, each worth $5,000. Emma Waskom of Scottsburg High School will attend Indiana University to major in chemistry/pre-pharmacy. She is the daughter of Matt and Stephanie Waskom of Scottsburg. Jakeb Watts of Austin High School will attend Hanover College to major in biology/pre-med. He is the son of Gary and Cindy Watts of Austin.
Shelley Akers was a young wife and mother whose life was cut tragically short in a tractor accident. Shelley was the office manager for Purdue Extension, and was very involved in 4-H and the community. Scholarship applicants for the Shelley Comer Akers Memorial Scholarship were asked to submit an essay on how they?ve been able to put the 4 H?s in 4H to good use in their life. Alexa Howser received $500.
Timothy Michael Wolf was a student at Scottsburg High School, where he was a medalist on the golf team and played trombone for the Band of Warriors. He was diagnosed with leukemia just short of his 14th birthday, and after three years of battling the effects of treatment, Tim went to be with the Lord. Before he passed away, he spoke with his dad about establishing a scholarship fund. Tim loved school and looked forward to his college experience, and his family has said he would be happy to know he has helped others achieve their dreams. Ashton Bowles of Scottsburg High School received $5,000. She is the daughter of Brent and Lori Bowles of Lexington and plans to attend Indiana University Southeast to major in nursing.
The Walter S. and Clarice (White) Bridgewater Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of his parents by Dr. Walter C. Bridgewater. Walter Sr. was superintendent of the county farm and small business owner, while Clarice was business manager at Morgan?s. Grace Hicks of Scottsburg High School received this year?s scholarship, worth $500. She is the daughter of William and Peggy Hicks of Scottsburg. She plans to attend Indiana State University to major in insurance and risk management.
The Scott County Community Foundation congratulates all the scholarship recipients on their success. For more information on how the Community Foundation can assist with your charitable giving and establishing a scholarship fund, please call 812-752-2057, email info@www.scottcountyfoundation.org or stop in the office at 60 N. Main St., Scottsburg. You may also visit www.www.scottcountyfoundation.org.
