2020 Starke County Scholarship Winners
To read donor stories for several of the scholarships below, check out https://www.nicf.org/starkecounty/funds/ and select the scholarship you wish to read more about!
- Starke County Lilly Winner
Jaigan Allport, a Knox High School graduating senior, has been named the 2020 Starke County Community Foundation Lilly Endowment Community Scholar. Jaigan will receive a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to an Indiana college or university of his choice and a $900 yearly stipend for required books and equipment. Jaigan is the son of Rusty and Jennifer Allport and plans to attend Purdue University, where he will major in Mechanical Engineering. Jaigan is a member of Speech, Debate, Theater, National Honor Society and Student Council. Jaigan was nominated for the prestigious Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship from a field of thirty-six applicants by the Starke County Community Foundation Scholarship Committee. The students who were finalists and interviewed for the scholarship were Allison Krause of North Judson- San Pierre High School, Miranda Mills and Jayden Worthington of Oregon Davis High School, and Nicholle Vandy of Knox High School.
- Altman Family Scholarship
The Paul and Donna Altman Scholarship Fund was established in 2010 by the family of Paul and Donna to honor and commemorate their belief that a person should never settle for a career that doesn’t bring happiness. Instead, they thought that one should strive to push his or her own limits and expand his or her opportunities. Paul and Donna Altman were both raised on farms in central White County, Indiana. Growing up during the Depression, they each developed a deep appreciation for hard work and a quality education. It is the hope of the Altman family that, through this scholarship, Paul and Donna’s belief in the importance of post-secondary schooling will be realized by high school seniors for many years to come.
This year’s recipient from North Judson-San Pierre High School is:
- Emma Shireman
- Linda and Louis Berg Scholarship
The Linda and Louis Berg Scholarship honors the lives of Linda and Louis Berg by assisting students with outstanding merit. It was established to provide support for educational scholarships for students who have graduated from and have attended at least two full school years at Oregon-Davis School Corporation and is a resident of Starke County.
This year’s recipients from Oregon-Davis High School are:
- Elaine Zebell
- Miranda Mills
- LaVergne M. Brown and Lois L. Spenner Educational Scholarship
The LaVergne M. Brown and Lois L. Spenner Educational Scholarship was created by Phil Brown and Leta Chaney in 2004. The Brown family is one that has ties to Starke County since the time of the Civil war, and the family has always been passionate about the community and education. LaVergne and her daughter, Lois, matriarchs of the Brown Family, both had a passion for education and were teachers in Starke County. Phil, Kathy, and their two sons continue to work in and contribute to the Starke County community, just as LaVergne, Lois, and their other ancestors did for so many years. This scholarship helps their family legacy live on forever.
This year’s renewal recipient is:
- Hannah Shidler
- Helen and Ware Edgar Scholarship
The Helen and Ware Edgar Scholarship benefits graduating seniors in Starke County who plan to pursue a career in journalism. The Edgars were extremely dedicated and successful citizens of Starke County. They both devoted themselves to their community and the newspaper business. The Edgars’ passion for these areas shined bright throughout Starke County and Indiana, as they were involved in a multitude of organizations. Their legacy now lives on through the Helen and Ware Edgar Scholarship.
This year’s recipient from North Judson-San Pierre High School is:
- Allison Kraus
- Richard H. Gumz Agricultural Scholarship
The Richard H. Gumz Agricultural Scholarship was created by Jerome and Cherry Gumz, Richard’s son and daughter-in-law, to honor Richard by benefiting students looking to study agriculture. Farming was always the center of Richard’s life. His family recalls that he would often drive around his farm, checking on the crops and the land, even in the winter. Over his lifetime and because of countless hours of hard work, a small farming operation that began with 40 acres had grown to one of the largest farms in the Midwest. The scholarship exists to honor Richard’s legacy and his never-ending quest for advanced farming techniques.
This year’s recipient from North Judson-San Pierre High School is:
- Megan Krzyzanowski
- Hamblin Scholarship in Honor of Eleanor and Jim Hamblin
The Hamblin Scholarship was established in 2008 by Jane Hamblin in memory of her parents Eleanor and Jim Hamblin. Eleanor G. Hamblin was an accomplished teacher who participated in the life of Starke County for more than 50 years. She was dedicated to the profession of teaching, she taught English, business studies, shorthand, typing, accounting, and secretarial practice to three generations of students in the Knox Schools. Upon her retirement from her 36-year teaching career, she received a governor’s commendation and was also named a Sagamore of the Wabash. Jane, Elanor’s daughter, said, “I could go on and on about my mom. But I don’t need to, because through the Hamblin Fund, I have a tangible way of showing how important she was to me and my family and to the Knox Schools.”
This year’s recipient from Knox Community High School is:
- Kaitlyn Fitzgerald
This year’s renewal recipient is:
- Alyssa Okeley
- Ed Hasnerl/WKVI Scholarship
The Ed Hasnerl/WKVI Scholarship was created in February of 2000 by Ed Hasnerl and WKVI. Ed is known for his unmistakable voice on WKVI. His friendliness, positivity, success, and devotion to others around his community and world make him something of a celebrity in Starke County. Ed and WKVI created this scholarship to help support students seeking degrees in media-related subjects. Ed’s drive and utmost moral character are a positive influence to all students in Starke County and beyond.
This year’s recipient from North Judson-San Pierre High School is:
- Allison Kraus
- Nella Kersting Memorial Scholarship
The Nella Kersting Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of Nella Kersting. Nella was a friend to all and was dedicated to the Kersting’s Cycle Center that she and her husband, Jim, began. After her children became old enough to be involved in the family business, Nella turned her attention to their World of Motorcycles Museum located at the Cycle Center. The museum houses an amazing and extensive collection of motorcycles and historic memorabilia and is a major tourist attraction in the area. Thanks to Nella and her loving family, future generations will know her name and benefit from her caring spirit through this scholarship.
This year’s recipient from North Judson-San Pierre High School is:
- Allison Kraus
- Knox VFW Post 748 Auxiliary Scholarships
The Knox VFW Post 748 Auxiliary Scholarship was created to help local students achieve their goal of a college education. The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, with its Auxiliaries, have a mission to “honor the dead by helping the living” through veterans’ service, community service, national security, and a strong national defense. This scholarship helps these men fulfil their mission to serve others.
This year’s recipients are:
- Jonathan Bone (Knox High School)
- Rikki Risner (Oregon-Davis High School)
- Cooper Hochstedler (North Judson-San Pierre High School)
- James and Carris Lucas Scholarship
The James and Carris Lucas Scholarship was established in 2010 to honor their dedication to teaching and to support students in furthering their education. Together, James and Carris taught for a combined 52 years within the Knox Community School System. Education played an important role in their lives and they instilled the value of education in the lives of their children, their grandchildren, and a countless number of students they taught. With this scholarship, James and Carris will continue to impact the lives of students in Knox, an act they were so passionate about as educators in the community. The scholarship is awarded to students who are pursuing a degree in either education or a science-related field while also demonstrating meaningful involvement in their community and high school.
This year’s recipients from Knox Community High School are:
- Madison Emigh
- Kaitlyn Fitzgerald
- Malina Ghebenei
- Abbigail McClure
- Nicholle Vandy
- Jyra Vincent
- Runkle Family Scholarship
The Runkle Family Scholarship was created by Habo Runkle in an effort to commemorate those she had lost that meant so much to her. Barbara, Habo’s daughter is one loved one the scholarship serves to commemorate. Barbara was very bright and enjoyed accounting and biology classes. She earned her degree from Ball State University shortly before passing. The scholarship was also made in memory of Habo’s husband, Clifford, and mother-in-law, Dorothy. Clifford loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling. Dorothy graciously welcomed Habo into the family when she and Clifford married. She enjoyed bowling, traveling, and quilting.
This year’s renewal recipient is:
- Destiny Bennett
- Jerry Scherf Scholarship
The Jerry Scherf Scholarship was established in 2013 to provide support for students who are furthering their education. Jerry Scherf, an eager businessman, and long-time resident of Starke County can often be found at local restaurants catching the latest news over breakfast and a steamy cup of coffee. Jerry recalls moving to Starke County in 1983 when his father pursued his dream of owning his own farm. After being raised in Starke County, Jerry wants to give back to the community that has given so much to him. Jerry said, “There are all kinds of opportunities in Starke County if you want them.”
This year’s recipient from Oregon-Davis High School is:
- Elaine Zebell
- Dorothy Johnson Shei Scholarship
The Dorothy Johnson Shei Scholarship was created in 2007 by Harold Ray Shei, Jr and family in memory of Dorothy. Dorothy was born and raised in Knox and had a great love for her community. She was also a graduate of Knox High School. Through this scholarship, her family hopes to help Knox students attain their educational goals.
This year’s recipient from Knox Community High School is:
- Joie Grenner
- Winifred J. Simpkins Spirit of Nursing Scholarship
The Winifred J. Simpkins Spirit of Nursing Scholarship was created by Winifred’s daughter Kathy and her son-in-law John Norem. Winifred was a Registered Nurse with immense passion for what she did. She encouraged her daughters and other women to be anything they wanted to be and never place limits on themselves. This scholarship was created in an effort to influence, encourage, and perhaps inspire residents of Starke County to follow in her footsteps to join the profession of Nursing.
This year’s recipients are:
- Isabella Dietrich (North Judson-San Pierre High School)
- Madison Emigh (Knox High School)
- Malina Ghebenei (Knox High School)
This year’s renewal recipients are:
- Kendra Bickel
- Haley Bailey
- Starke Memorial Auxiliary Scholarship
The Starke Memorial Auxiliary Scholarship was established in 2014 by Starke Memorial Hospital Auxiliary to support educational scholarships for students attending an institution of higher education pursuing a career in the medical field. The auxiliary was founded in 1951 by a group of individuals who dedicated themselves to their cause. From purchasing hospital equipment, holding bake and uniform sales, providing mammograms, and many other services, the Auxiliary uses all that it earns to bring comfort to patients and visitors to support community needs. Through the auxiliary’s selflessness and generosity, countless patients and visitors have been given comfort and a sense of hope, and students who wish to one day serve these patients will be supported in their education. Their impact is never-ending.
This year’s renewal recipients are:
- Abigail Belcher
- Haley Bailey
- Marlaina Hounshell
- Starke Memorial Hospital and Medical Staff Health Occupation/ Medical Education
Scholarship
The Starke Memorial Hospital and Medical Staff Health occupation/Medical Education Scholarship was established in 1988. The Starke Memorial Hospital Staff created the scholarship to support graduating seniors in Starke County who are pursuing a career in a health-related field. IU Health-Starke Hospital has a long history of serving the nearly 40,000 people who live in Knox and the surrounding area and is committed to serving our community in the future.
This year’s recipients from Knox Community High School are:
- Malina Ghebenei
- Jyra Vincent
This year’s renewal recipients are:
- Haley Bailey
- Tara Conley
- Amanda Krzyzanowski
- Abigail Belcher
- Steve L. Toth and Donna M. Toth Family Fund Scholarship
The Steve L. Toth and Donna M. Toth Scholarship was established in 2010 in memory of Steve Toth. His wife Donna and their entire family established the scholarship in hopes to support local students with their dreams of receiving a college education. Steve was a retired electrician with NIPSCO and a member of many organizations including United Steel Workers Union, the LaPorte County Farm Bureau and Starke County CO-OP. He was also a devoted member of the Knox United Methodist Church. Donna said, “I want to give my scholarship to the student who has academic goals and good character” and that, “Steve and I always had a deep feeling of sharing our blessings.” His legacy now lives on through the Steve L. Toth and Donna M. Toth Family Scholarship.
This year’s recipient from Oregon-Davis High School is:
- Rikki Risner
- 1897 Charley Vorm Memorial Scholarship
The 1897 Charley Vorm Memorial Scholarship was established by Charley’s wife, Emily Vorm, in 1998 to honor Charley and his dedication to the North Judson community. Charley was an avid traveler and was even known as one of the world’s most renowned big-game hunters. Furthermore, he was an amazing photographer and filmed movies his son, Fred, said they were “just as good as Disney’s.” Charley was quite the adventurous and driven man. His legacy now lives on through the 1897 Charley Vorm Memorial Scholarship.
This year’s recipients from North Judson-San Pierre High School are:
- Isabella Dietrich
- Allison Kraus
This year’s renewal recipients are:
- Hannah Gundlach
- Morgan Schumacher
- Alex Radtke
- Robert O. and Doris E. Winters Scholarship
The Robert O. and Doris E. Winters Scholarship was created by Doris in 1999 following her husband, Robert’s, passing. The couple spent 33 years together serving their community in a variety of ways. Robert was a past Starke County Treasurer, past member of the Starke County Council, past precinct committeeman, the former State Treasurer of Young Democrats, and a U.S. Navy Veteran of WWII. He was also involved with other groups throughout the years. Doris spent her time as the Starke County Veteran Service Officer for seventeen years and working at the Starke County Treasurer’s office for several years. She had previously been the Secretary of the Starke County Democrat Central Committee and the President of the Pulaski County Democrat Women’s Club as well. Their legacy now lives on through this scholarship.
This year’s recipients from Knox Community High School are:
- Jonathan Bone
- Joie Grenner
- Abbigail McClure
- Nicholle Vandy
- Jyra Vincent
- Carl and Josephine Wozniak Scholarship
The Carl and Josephine Wozniak Scholarship was created by their son, David. Carl (Chuck) and Josephine (Jo) always had the mindset of education first, everything else second. Jo always said, “Whatever comes up, you just accept [it] and move on and try to work it out.” The success David has been able to achieve in his career is directly attributable to his parents’ desire to make him the best he could be. David believes that his parents will not know how the impact of their efforts and hard work has defined his life and brought him to where he is today. This scholarship fund allows David to express his appreciation for the impact his parents had on his life and to leave a legacy to honor them.
This year’s recipient from Oregon-Davis High School is:
- Elaine Zebell
This year’s renewal recipient is:
- Deanna MacMillan