2020 Miami County Scholarship Winners

To read donor stories for several of the scholarships below, check out https://www.nicf.org/miami-county/funds/ and select the scholarship you wish to read more about!

 

  1. Miami County Lilly Winner

Hannah McVay, a North Miami High School graduating senior, has been named the 2020 Miami County Community Foundation Lilly Endowment Community Scholar. Hannah will receive a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to an Indiana college or university of her choice and a $900 yearly stipend for required books and equipment. Hannah is the daughter of Randy and Tara McVay and plans to attend Purdue University, where she will major in Agriculture Education. Hannah is a member of Student Council, National Honor Society, Class of 2020 Officer Team, 4H, and Junior Leaders of Miami County. Hannah was selected for the prestigious Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship from a field of twenty-eight of Miami County students.

 

  1. The Claude S. And Marie M. Berger Scholarship

The Claude S. and Marie M. Berger Scholarship was established in 1996 to honor the legacy that Claude and Marie created.  Claude and Marie Berger were married on August 10, 1992 and were beloved members of the Miami County Community as well as well-known agriculturists.  The Bergers were family-oriented and loved to spend time with their loved ones.  They felt that everyone deserved to be a part of a family and decided to become foster parents to those who didn’t have one.  Through this scholarship, the memory of Claude and Marie continues, and their selflessness is passed on to students who are furthering their education.

This year’s recipients are:

  • Valeria Jiminez (Tippecanoe Valley High School)
  • Gavin Dyson (North Miami High School)

This year’s renewal recipients are:

  • Alexia Gohn
  • Lucrecia Eckrote
  • Eilee Deniston
  • Ashley Rouch
  • Olivia Ellenwood

 

  1. Lyman Bond Scholarship

The Lyman Bond Scholarship was established in 2013 to honor the life of Lyman Bond, a born leader destined to be successful.  Leadership, work ethic and his love of the game of football are all reflected in this scholarship that bears his name.

This year’s recipient from Peru High School is:

  • Courtlynn Crowe

This year’s renewal recipients are:

  • Ethan Hyde
  • Caitlyn Hopper
  • Marjon Rafie

 

  1. Charles Borromeo Scholarship

The St. Charles Borromeo Scholarship was established in 2006 (updated in 2016) to commemorate Josephine Radel. “She’d think it was wonderful,” Josephine’s husband, Bob Radel said of the fund. “It was one of the things she talked about before she died.” Josephine’s dream of helping the school last forever and making the community better through education will always be fulfilled through this scholarship.

This year’s renewal recipient is:

  • Hunter Keaton

 

  1. Elaine Cultice Bright Memorial Scholarship

The Elaine Cultice Bright Memorial Scholarship was established in 2014 by Hal and Jo Cultice in memory of Elaine Cultice.  Elaine was a graduate of Peru High School and co-valedictorian of the 1971 class.  She made several educational and musical accomplishments throughout her school life, as well as graduated from Indiana State University cum laude.  Elaine worked as an accountant, but at the age of 33 began showing signs of Multiple Sclerosis and passed away at the age of 50.  With this scholarship, Elaine’s legacy will live on.

This year’s recipient from Peru High School is:

  • Elsie Walters

This year’s renewal recipient is:

  • Maegan Sinkovics

 

  1. Buffy Maedell Butte Memorial Scholarship

The Buffy Maedell Butte Memorial Scholarship was established in 2019 in memory of Buffy Butte who had too short of a life. It was created to provide scholarships for residents of Miami County that attend Peru High School and who are pursuing a degree in nursing or computer science like Buffy’s parents.

This year’s recipient from Peru High School is:

  • Emily Holycross

 

  1. California Hughes Butte Memorial Scholarship

 

The California Butte Memorial Scholarship was established in 2019 to commemorate their unborn baby, California “Cali” Butte, of parents, Shannon and Chris Butte. Cali’s memory and spirit will always live on through this scholarship that assists Peru High School graduates in studying nursing or computer science.

This year’s recipient from Peru High School is:

 

  • Emily Holycross

 

  1. James and Bette J. Davis Scholarship

The James and Bette J. Davis Scholarship was established in 2002 to help support students from Peru High School who anticipate furthering their education.  The scholarship is special because it does not typically go towards the students who are at the top of the class, but rather students who show compassion for learning.  James and Bette were big advocates of secondary education and instilled that thinking into their children, Brent and Jean Anne.  “Both of my parents were advocates of higher education,” Brent said. “My father used to say ‘Education is something no one can take away from you.’”  Thanks to the James R. and Bette J. Davis fund, the beliefs of these two great individuals will live on forever and students from Peru High School will see their dream of higher education.

This year’s recipients from Peru High School are:

  • Sofia Babcock
  • Michael Chandler

 

  1. Velma Derbyshire Art Scholarship

The Velma Derbyshire Art Scholarship was established a long time ago in 1968 by Harriet Ann Hale and was then transferred to the Northern Indiana Community Foundation in 2001. This scholarship is for Peru High School students for the study of fine arts or art education.

This year’s recipients from Peru High School are:

  • James Murphey
  • Medora Oliver

 

  1. Lavonne M. Eddy Nursing Scholarship

The Lavonne M. Eddy Nursing Scholarship was established in 2006 by Thomas Eddy in honor of his wife LaVonne to help qualified students who are from Miami County.  The recipients of the scholarship must meet all of the criteria for the scholarship as well as have future plans of attending a four-year nursing degree at an accredited college or university.  Lavonne’s legacy will live on through this scholarship.

This year’s recipient from North Miami High School is:

  • Hannah Hall
  • Ashley Rouch
  • Zane Smith
  • Holly Householder
  • Maegan Sinkovics

 

  1. Eugene K. and Martha E. Fike Memorial Scholarship

The Eugene K. and Martha E. Fike Memorial Scholarship was established in 2007 in gratitude for, and recognition of, the wonderful education given to Eugene and Martha Fike by the truly dedicated teaching staff of Peru High School.  Eugene and Martha Fike wanted to help students graduating from Peru High School who are likely to succeed in college in the curriculum of their choice. Thanks to the generosity of Eugene and Martha, their memory will last forever.

This year’s recipients from Peru High School are:

  • Sofia Babcock
  • Gabriel Baker
  • Danielle Carlson
  • Michael Chandler
  • Courtlynn Crowe
  • Christopher Dicken
  • Libbey Edwards
  • Hailey Ewer
  • Emily Holycross
  • Jonah Huppenthal
  • Kayla Nance
  • James Walsh
  • Elsie Walters
  • Julia Weeks
  • Samantha Zak
  • Kayla Babcock

 

  1. Friend Family Scholarship

The Friend Family scholarship was established in 2013 by William, Ann, and Judy Friend to honor the memory of Gerald D. and Eva Marie Friend, their sons James, and their granddaughter Leanna Marie. The Friend Family has been a part of the Miami County community for generations and are making a commitment to the community’s future success forever through this scholarship.

This year’s renewal recipient is:

  • Eilee Deniston

 

  1. James U. and Betsy Guthrie Health Scholarship

The James U. and Betsy Guthrie Health Scholarship was created by Betsy to honor her husband, James’s, memory in 2013. “Not a day goes by that we don’t meet someone who knew Jim,” said Betsy. “I thought this was a wonderful way to perpetuate his memory.” The Guthrie family is very active in the community and feel that health care will always be an important aspect of their lives.

This year’s recipients are:

  • Hannah Hall (North Miami High School)
  • Madison Winegardner (college)
  • Grace Comerford
  • Holly Hunneryager
  • Jessica Monnot
  • Jaelin Richardson
  • Ashley Rouch
  • Kirsten Dinn

 

  1. Tony Hare Photojournalism Scholarship

The Tony Hare Photojournalism Scholarship was created in 2005 by Linda Hare in memory of her husband Tony Hare.  Anthony “Tony” Hare discovered his love for photography when a newspaper offered to publish some pictures he took of an accident.  In addition to his work for the Peru Tribune, Tony received many awards including being named Outstanding Photographer of the Year and President of the Nation Press Photographer’s Student Association.  While he was a man of many hobbies and talents, Tony was particularly passionate about education and often worked with high school students at the Peru Tribune.  He always stressed education and loved to see kids taking up photography.  “He was just a really great man,” Linda said. “He was always thinking of other people.”  This scholarship will carry on to honor Tony and his love of education.

This year’s renewal recipient is:

  • Brooklynn Fye

 

  1. Emilie Hobbs Memorial  Scholarship

The Emilie Hobbs Memorial Scholarship was established in 2018 to honor and celebrate the life of Emilie Hobbs.  After graduating from Peru High School and attending Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, where she majored in biochemistry while also competing for the cross country and track and field team, Emilie had future plans to complete her PHD in hopes of eventually working  for NASA or as a professor at Rose-Hulman.  Starting at a young age, Emilie looked at obstacles and glass ceilings as challenges.  She told people often that an important goal in life should be to leave something better than one finds it.  Even small things count.  Emilie was passionate about many things in life and encouraging women to pursue STEM degrees and running were two of them.  Her family decided the next best thing was to help encourage other women to pursue a STEM degree through this scholarship in her remembrance.

This year’s recipients from Peru High School are:

  • Sofia Babcock
  • Elsie Walters
  • Samantha Zak

 

  1. Ray E. and Marie Rupp Hoffman Memorial Scholarship

The Ray E. and Marie Rupp Hoffman Memorial Scholarship was established in 2010 by James and Jane Hoffman Locke in remembrance of Ray and Marie Hoffman.  Both Ray and Marie were born and raised in Miami County and both graduated from Peru High School.  This scholarship is to celebrate and honor their lives by providing qualified students who are pursuing a degree in a technical or business field some financial assistance.

This year’s recipients are:

  • Christopher Dicken (Peru High School)
  • Riley Jones (Maconaquah High School)

This year’s renewal recipients are:

  • Alyson Braden
  • Caleb Eckerly
  • Kaitlyn Jones

 

  1. Ryan McCarthy Holmes Scholarship

The Ryan McCarthy Holmes Scholarship was created in 2008 by Tanya Ferguson Hagy in memory of Ryan Holmes.  Ryan was known for saying “Life is good.”.  It fully expressed his attitude about life and living that was tragically ended all too soon.  Yet his philosophy and generous spirit lives on through this scholarship.  “Ryan had such a giving heart and he had faith in people, even when sometimes they didn’t have faith in themselves,” said scholarship founder and former classmate Tonya.  Ryan’s father Lee Holmes agreed and said, “Ryan was always a giver and he never expected anything in return.  He always wanted the other person to feel important, happy, and relaxed.”  Education was important to Ryan and through his career as a teacher and a coach, he was able to reach so many people.  Ryan’s memory and values will live on through this scholarship in his remembrance.

This year’s recipients are:

  • Sophia Babcock (Peru High School)
  • Samantha Zak (Peru High School)
  • Jenna Parker (Center Grove High School)

This year’s renewal recipients are:

  • Caitlyn Hopper
  • Mackenzie Holtz
  • Belen Flores
  • Ethan Hyde
  • Joshua Martin
  • Jacob Mears
  • Victoria Sykes

 

  1. Hoppes Memorial Scholarship

The Hoppes Memorial Fund was created in 2008 by Rhea Hoppes in memory of Marion Hoppes, her husband. Rhea had a great love for the Maconaquah Speech Team and was even the team coach. Her love for speech will live on with the memory of her husband through this scholarship given to Speech Team participants.

This year’s recipient from North Miami High school is:

  • Bailey Keim
  1. Randy Hughes Memorial Scholarship

The Randy Hughes Memorial Scholarship was created in 1997 by the dear friends of Randy. He was a brilliant 15 year old who loved being outdoors hunting for deer, rabbit, and mushrooms, as well as playing sports for North Miami High School. His unwavering dedication to academics never went unnoticed either. His taken-too-soon life will always be cherished and remembered through this scholarship.

This year’s recipient from North Miami High School is:

  • Thomas Lane

 

  1. J & J  Scholarship

The J & J Scholarship was established in 1999 and amended in 2017 by two anonymous teachers to provide support for educational scholarships for students attending an accredited institution of higher learning with particular attention being given to students who are chosen as J&J Character Award Winners or Joseph Mauck Character Award Winners.

This year’s renewal recipients are:

  • Lucretia Eckrote
  • Mitchell Hoover
  • Caitlyn Hopper
  • Anna Weeks
  • Ryley Working

This year’s recipient of the Joseph and Ruth Mauck Scholarship from Northridge High School is:

  • Turner Koch

This year’s renewal recipients are:

  • Chloe Thompson
  • Hayley Piper
  • Christina Hickman

 

  1. Glen Jones Honor Scholarship

The Glen Jones Honor Scholarship was established in 2016 in honor of Glen, a long-time teacher and mentor. This scholarship provides support for agricultural educational scholarships with preference being given to graduating seniors of North Miami High school preparing for a degree in an agricultural field of study.

This year’s recipients from North Miami High school are:

  • Makinzie France
  • Jessa Wilhelm
  1. Pat Keady Memorial Scholarship

The Pat Keady Memorial Scholarship was created in 2010 by the South Miami County Kiwanis Club and Purdue basketball coach, Gene Keady, in memory of Pat Keady. The fund was proposed by South Miami County Kiwanian, Herschel Gulley, whose youngest son, Robert, nearly played for Keady in 1989. Since then the friendship between the Keadys and Gulleys grew into an inspiring effort to help Maconaquah Schools. “The Community Foundation is a great vehicle to use to help Maconaquah Schools, especially for this scholarship,” Herschel said. “It feels great to help Gene do something like this for our community.”

This year’s recipients from Maconaquah High School are:

  • Riley Jones
  • Caleb Winegardner

 

  1. Leonora E. Kolb Scholarship

The Leonora E. Kolb Scholarship was established through the generously gifted portion of Leonora’s estate. Leonora had a heart for students and wished to see all succeed. Leonora passed away in 2001, but her legacy will live on forever through this scholarship.

This year’s recipients from Peru High School are:

  • Sophia Babcock
  • Michael Chandler
  • Courtlynn Crowe
  • Christopher Dicken
  • Elsie Walters

This year’s renewal recipients are:

  • Belen Flores
  • Maegan Sinkovics
  • Garrett Rogers
  • Andrew Baker
  • Madeline Weeks
  • Opal Polk
  • Dylan Sturdivant
  • Haley Holycross
  • Jaelin Richardson
  • Caleb Eckerly

 

  1. Harrie and Marty Lanning Memorial Scholarship

The Harrie and Marty Lanning Memorial Scholarship was established in 2010 by Kenny, Richard, and Rose Lanning in memory of their parents to provide support for educational scholarships for students who are Howard or Miami County residents and have graduated from any Howard or Miami County High School in Indiana. Harrie and Marty will always be remembered for their generosity and giving nature through this scholarship.

This year’s recipient from Maconaquah is:

  • Jayci Wimmer

 

  1. Robert M. Larrison First Farmers Bank and Trust Scholarship

The Robert M. Larrison First Farmers Bank and Trust Scholarship began in 2008. Robert, or “Rob” as he was called, was a man who brought great joy to all those he encountered. Having fun and golf were things Bob was also known for, which is why there is an annual memorial golf outing held so people can join together with friends and family to reminisce and share stories while raising money for this scholarship.

This year’s recipients are:

  • Gavin Dyson (North Miami High School)
  • Janet Johnston (Maconaquah High School)
  1. Mary Lynn’s Nursing Scholarship

The Mary Lynn’s Nursing Scholarship was established in 2017 to help provide support to a non-traditional student who is continuing their education to become a nurse.  Mary Lynn has always had a desire to help others as a nurse.  Although she did not take the traditional approach, she achieved this dream by going back to school when she was in her 40’s after having raised her family.  She worked in critical care for 20 years until she retired at the age of 65.  She felt strongly that nursing was a profession a wife and mother could accomplish, and her scholarship supports women who are over the age of 25 who are going to school to become a nurse.  Thanks to Mary Lynn and her dedication to helping others, many future nursing students will be able to achieve their dream.

This year’s renewal recipient is:

  • Lillie Roberts

 

  1. Mae Merrell Music Education and Dwight Stout Elementary Ed  Scholarship

The Mae Merrell Music Education and Dwight Stout Elementary Ed Scholarship was created in 2014. Dwight Stout and Mae Merrell were educators and administrators at Maconaquah Elementary School. Both individuals were an inspiration to all students and teachers. This scholarship is designed to celebrate these educators who enhanced the lives of children through music and education.

This year’s renewal recipient is:

  • Betsy Powell

 

  1. Karla Hattery Meyer Nursing Scholarship

The Karla Hattery Meyer Nursing Scholarship was established in 2015 in memory of Karla Hattery Meyer by her friends and family. Karla’s contagious smile, infectious laughter, fun-loving attitude and enthusiasm for life touched all of those around her and through this scholarship students will be supported in pursuing a nursing career in her memory.

This year’s recipient is:

  • Madison Winegardner

 

  1. Miami County Community Foundation Scholarship

The Miami County Community Foundation Scholarship recognizes students who are Lilly finalists who are not awarded the scholarship.  Finalists write an essay, participate in an oral interview process, and present a presentation that represents the applicant’s personal statement about their talents, abilities, and major accomplishments.  The hard work and dedication that the students demonstrate through the process and their high school career are able to be awarded through the Miami County Community Foundation unrestricted fund.

This year’s recipients are:

  • Gavin Dyson (North Miami High School)
  • Thomas Lane (North Miami High School)
  • Hailey Ewer (Peru High School)
  • Janet Johnston (Maconaquah High School)
  • Riley Jones (Maconaquah High School)

 

  1. Miami County Historical Society Richardson Scholarship

 

The Miami County Historical Society Richardson Scholarship was created in 1998 to help students who wish to carry out the mission of the Society by enrolling in the study of history, museum studies, or non-profit administration with a history related goal.

This year’s renewal recipients are:

  • Isabella Eisaman
  • Shelby Hipp
  • Hunter Keaton

 

  1. Celia G. Miller Scholarship

The Celia G. Miller Scholarship benefits graduating seniors of Peru High School. To be eligible, applicants must be accepted into and must attend an accredited four-year college or university and must be pursuing a degree in education. It is also important for applicants to be ranked in the top 10% of their graduating class, to display a good attitude, and to be deserving of financial assistance.

This year’s recipient from Peru High School is:

  • James Walsh

This year’s renewal recipients are:

  • Ethan Hyde
  • Haley Holycross

 

  1. Monroe Smith Band Scholarships

The Monroe Smith Band Scholarship was established in 2015 to honor the memory of Monroe Smith and his love of band music. The scholarship’s purpose is to provide support for graduates of Peru High School who were involved in the PHS band program for four years and are attending an institute of higher learning.

This year’s recipient from Peru High School is:

  • Sofia Babcock

 

  1. Alice Moon Scholarships

The Alice Moon Scholarship was established in 1998 by George Moon in memory of Alice. Alice Moon was a guidance counselor at Peru High School for many years as well as a mentor and inspiration to many students. Alice’s small stature but tough spirit led her to make an influence on many individuals. Her son remembers walking into her house and seeing a large magnet on her refrigerator that read, “Volunteers make each day brighter.” “And that was my mother!” He said.

This year’s recipients from Peru High School are:

  • Sophia Babcock
  • Courtlynn Crowe

 

  1. North Miami Alumni Scholarship Fund, created by the class of 1965

The North Miami Alumni Scholarship Fund was created by the class of 1965. This scholarship was established as a legacy of the first class to complete all four years of high school at North Miami.

This year’s recipient from North Miami High School is:

  • Thomas Lane

 

  1. Janice Nowling Memorial Scholarship

The Janice Nowling Memorial Scholarship was established in 2007 by the family of Janice Nowling in memory of Janice. Janice “Jan” Nowling taught Family and Consumer Sciences at Peru High School for nearly thirty years. “Her devotion to her students made a lasting impact on many. Her volunteer work for the community has made Miami County a better place to live for all of us,” said Jenni Marsh, Associate Director of the Miami County Community Foundation at the time of the creation of the scholarship. Jan’s impact will be remembered forever through this scholarship.

This year’s recipients from Peru High School are:

  • Sofia Babcock
  • Gabriel Baker
  • Michael Chandler

 

  1. Randy Steg Memorial Scholarship

The Randy Steg Memorial Scholarship was created by Randy’s family and friends in 2012 to honor his memory. Randy was a very well-respected officer for the Indianapolis Police Department. When off duty, he donated his time and funds to many local charities. He also enjoyed Baltimore Orioles baseball and Indianapolis Colts football. Randy was a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend who will be remembered forever through this scholarship.

This year’s recipient from Maconaquah High School is:

  • Caleb Winegardner

 

  1. MC Retired Teachers Scholarship

The Miami County Retired Teachers Scholarship was created in 2014. At the October 2013 meeting of Miami County Retired Teachers, Deana Glassburn, a retired teacher, and administrator at Maconaquah, had a goal of establishing a scholarship fund to benefit Miami County students wishing to pursue a degree in Education. As a member of the Indiana State Teachers Association and president of the Miami County Retired Teachers Association, Deana truly had a heart that cared deeply for each student within the corporation.  Following her death in March 2014, the Miami County Retired Teachers wanted to see her dream become a reality and worked hard to fund this scholarship in Deana’s honor.

This year’s recipient from Peru High School is:

  • James Walsh

 

  1. Mary Lee Temple Memorial Scholarships

The Mary Lee Temple Memorial Scholarship was created in 2011 in remembrance of Mary Lee Temple. Mary taught elementary school and was a woman of great character, integrity, and enthusiasm as evidenced through her professional, personal, and charitable achievements. Her legacy will live on forever through this scholarship.

This year’s recipient from North Miami High School is:

  • Maryann Freeman

 

  1. Lynn Smith Tharp Memorial Nursing Scholarships

The Lynn Smith Tharp Memorial Nursing Scholarship was established in 2010 by Emma Lou Koch and Karen Filler in memory of Lynn. Lynn was a dedicated individual who poured her heart into her endeavors. She was a mother, a daughter, a homemaker, and a friend. She was always kind and caring, and the community of Miami County was made better because of her.

This year’s recipient from North Miami High School is:

  • Hannah Hall
  1. Howard C. Unger Memorial Scholarship

The Howard C. Unger Memorial Scholarship was established in 2013 to provide scholarships for students who are pursing college and graduate training in string music.  A wish upon his death, he wanted to help support students who were entering into the field of music in honor of the passion that he had for music.  Thanks to the generosity of Howard C. Unger and his passion for music, students will be able to continue on and learn more about a thing that made a huge impact on his life.

This year’s recipient from Peru High School is:

  • Hailey Ewer

 

  1. Sam Waltz Health and Science Scholarship

The Sam Waltz Health and Science Scholarship was established in 2013 in honor of Samuel Waltz to provide support for educational scholarships for Miami County students who are graduates of a Miami County High School and are attending an institute of higher education.  Particular attention is given to students who are majoring in a medical science or research field.

This year’s recipient from Peru High School is:

  • Elsie Walters