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Adams County, IN
Scholarships
Many donors create scholarship funds to honor or memorialize an individual or to serve a specific purpose that is important to the donor (for example-education or financial need). These scholarships can enable students to pursue traditional higher education or vocational training. Many scholarship funds are endowed funds. As a result, income from the endowment provides the funds necessary each year for the scholarship.
Tiffany Abner Memorial Scholarship
Tiffany Grace Abner was very active with the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bryant, Indiana,
where her husband was the pastor, and the Adams and Jay County communities. Tiffany was already an
avid violinist before moving to Bryant. Shortly thereafter, she enrolled in the Arts Place Music Works
program to expand her skills by studying cello. Tiffany passed away from injuries sustained in an auto
accident in December 2013.
This fund in her honor serves as an annual tribute to Tiffany, her talents and her love of music.
Students should be proud to receive this award as it recognizes hard work, and her love of
music and education
where her husband was the pastor, and the Adams and Jay County communities. Tiffany was already an
avid violinist before moving to Bryant. Shortly thereafter, she enrolled in the Arts Place Music Works
program to expand her skills by studying cello. Tiffany passed away from injuries sustained in an auto
accident in December 2013.
This fund in her honor serves as an annual tribute to Tiffany, her talents and her love of music.
Students should be proud to receive this award as it recognizes hard work, and her love of
music and education
Adams Central Schools Fund
The Adams Central Scholarship Foundation (ACSF) Scholarships are for Adams Central Students. This fund is comprised of several donors: JF & Ethel Mae Sanmann, Meyer Building LLC & Miller Land Surveying, Paul and Betty Zurcher, Monroe Lions, DAL Appreciation, AC School Board, Brickhouse on Jackson, and First Bank of Berne.
Don and Louise Ray Scholarship Endowment Fund was established in 2013 for Adams Central Students whose GPA is not in the top 20% with priority to those students planning to major in #1 Agribusiness or #2. Christian Ministry. Don loved life and lived it fully. Married Louise in 1966, Donald 'Don' Ray and Louise had one daughter, Chastity and on grandson, Payton. It is because of their love for their husband and father, Don's love of family and community, and his family's desire to continue good works in his name, that the Donald 'Don' Ray Memorial Scholarship Fund was created.
Dave and Maxine Ringger Scholarship Endowment Fund was established in 2013 for an Adams Central student with priority to students who plan to major in #1. Agriculture, or #2. Health Care and plans to return to Adams County after graduation.
CWR Schwartz Scholarship Endowment Fund was established in 2013 for an Adams Central student who exhibits outstanding community and school leadership. This student also plans to return to Adams County after graduation.
Glen and Rowena Stucky Scholarship Endowment Fund was established in 2013 for an Adams Central Student that preferable has held leadership positions with Sunshine Society and/ or on yearbook staff.
Glen was born May 26,1915 in Monroe of Adams County and passed away on March 8,1994 at the age of 78. Rowena J. (Walker) Stucky was born on September 11, 1913, in Wells County, IN and died on February 14,1995 at the age of 81.
Each year, the Adams Central Scholarship Committee interviews all applicants to determine who will be presented with the $1,000 scholarship. Presented to Adams Central students, scholarships from this fund are administered by the Adams Central Scholarship Committee. Students complete an ACCF traditional student application and submit it to the ACCF. The fundraising effort by this active committee is to be commended as they work each year to recognize more students.
Don and Louise Ray Scholarship Endowment Fund was established in 2013 for Adams Central Students whose GPA is not in the top 20% with priority to those students planning to major in #1 Agribusiness or #2. Christian Ministry. Don loved life and lived it fully. Married Louise in 1966, Donald 'Don' Ray and Louise had one daughter, Chastity and on grandson, Payton. It is because of their love for their husband and father, Don's love of family and community, and his family's desire to continue good works in his name, that the Donald 'Don' Ray Memorial Scholarship Fund was created.
Dave and Maxine Ringger Scholarship Endowment Fund was established in 2013 for an Adams Central student with priority to students who plan to major in #1. Agriculture, or #2. Health Care and plans to return to Adams County after graduation.
CWR Schwartz Scholarship Endowment Fund was established in 2013 for an Adams Central student who exhibits outstanding community and school leadership. This student also plans to return to Adams County after graduation.
Glen and Rowena Stucky Scholarship Endowment Fund was established in 2013 for an Adams Central Student that preferable has held leadership positions with Sunshine Society and/ or on yearbook staff.
Glen was born May 26,1915 in Monroe of Adams County and passed away on March 8,1994 at the age of 78. Rowena J. (Walker) Stucky was born on September 11, 1913, in Wells County, IN and died on February 14,1995 at the age of 81.
Each year, the Adams Central Scholarship Committee interviews all applicants to determine who will be presented with the $1,000 scholarship. Presented to Adams Central students, scholarships from this fund are administered by the Adams Central Scholarship Committee. Students complete an ACCF traditional student application and submit it to the ACCF. The fundraising effort by this active committee is to be commended as they work each year to recognize more students.
Craig & Sue Anderson Educator Scholarship
Thankful for their combined 60+ years as educators in Adams County, Craig and Sue Anderson have created a scholarship to encourage students to enter the field of education.
Craig started his teaching career at Northwest Elementary, then moved to Bellmont Junior High School, and on to become the the school's principle in 1982 where he was the principal and athletic director there for nine years. He completed a 32-year career as an educator and 24-year career in the United States Army Reserve, retiring as a major.
Sue has been an 'all-Adams County' educator, teaching at different points in time at all three schools during her 30 years of service. She taught at South Adams (Geneva & Berne Elementary) and while at Adams Central she was substitute teacher and library media specialist. She went to North Adams Schools as the library media specialist, gifted and talented coordinator and technology coordinator at Monmouth Elementary where she retired.
Craig and Sue are the parents of three sons: Eric, Brian, and Ian. Though they have retired, they are living part time in Decatur, IN and New Bern, NC. Though they left the working-world of education, they did not dismiss their effort to encourage and educate.
They have established a fund in the Adams County Community Foundation to insure a student going into education will be recognized each year with a Craig and Sue Anderson Scholarship Award.
Craig started his teaching career at Northwest Elementary, then moved to Bellmont Junior High School, and on to become the the school's principle in 1982 where he was the principal and athletic director there for nine years. He completed a 32-year career as an educator and 24-year career in the United States Army Reserve, retiring as a major.
Sue has been an 'all-Adams County' educator, teaching at different points in time at all three schools during her 30 years of service. She taught at South Adams (Geneva & Berne Elementary) and while at Adams Central she was substitute teacher and library media specialist. She went to North Adams Schools as the library media specialist, gifted and talented coordinator and technology coordinator at Monmouth Elementary where she retired.
Craig and Sue are the parents of three sons: Eric, Brian, and Ian. Though they have retired, they are living part time in Decatur, IN and New Bern, NC. Though they left the working-world of education, they did not dismiss their effort to encourage and educate.
They have established a fund in the Adams County Community Foundation to insure a student going into education will be recognized each year with a Craig and Sue Anderson Scholarship Award.
Anonymous Contributor Scholarship Fund
Each year, the ACCF has generous donors which to support local youth. Contact the ACCF if you are interested in a pass-through gift for our community.
Dixie Harvey-Arven Memorial Scholarship
Dixie Harvey was born February 21, 1922. She was a 1991 graduate of Rochester High School, a homemaker, and a member of Rochester First United Methodist Church. She lived till March 15, 2000, 78 years old
In 2000, a generous scholarship endowment was added to the Adams County Community Foundation by Dixie's husband, Dean Arven of Logansport. The endowment was created by Mr. Arven in loving memory of his wife, Dixie (Harvey) Arven of Decatur, to whom he was married for 59 years.
The endowment is a way to remember Mrs. Arven and to honor her parents: Mr. and Mrs. G. Harvey, and her relatives: Francile Burger Harvey, Wane and Ester Burger, Harold Burger, and Mrs. Arven's brother, Don Harvey who lives in Monroe.
The first scholarship from the Dixie Harvey-Arven endowment was awarded to a 2001 graduate from Adams Central and an award has been presented every year since, now reaching (as of 2024) 24 scholarships awarded. This year, 2025, will be the 25th, anniversary for this fund. Graduating high school students (AC / NA) with family members associated with the military (current or past) are invited to apply for the Dixie Harvey-Arven Scholarship.
Students should be proud to receive this award as it recognizes the student's quality high school career and their association with a member that served in the United States military.
In 2000, a generous scholarship endowment was added to the Adams County Community Foundation by Dixie's husband, Dean Arven of Logansport. The endowment was created by Mr. Arven in loving memory of his wife, Dixie (Harvey) Arven of Decatur, to whom he was married for 59 years.
The endowment is a way to remember Mrs. Arven and to honor her parents: Mr. and Mrs. G. Harvey, and her relatives: Francile Burger Harvey, Wane and Ester Burger, Harold Burger, and Mrs. Arven's brother, Don Harvey who lives in Monroe.
The first scholarship from the Dixie Harvey-Arven endowment was awarded to a 2001 graduate from Adams Central and an award has been presented every year since, now reaching (as of 2024) 24 scholarships awarded. This year, 2025, will be the 25th, anniversary for this fund. Graduating high school students (AC / NA) with family members associated with the military (current or past) are invited to apply for the Dixie Harvey-Arven Scholarship.
Students should be proud to receive this award as it recognizes the student's quality high school career and their association with a member that served in the United States military.
Mike Baker Scholarship Fund
Mike W. Baker, 72, Decatur was best known as the coach. He coached baseball for more than 50 years and also coached basketball at St. Joseph Catholic School. Mike prepared hundreds of young boys to become hardworking, capable, and community minded young men. He was a volunteer firefighter for ten years, an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, trapping and was also a fur buyer.
Mike was a parishioner of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 864. Mike was co-owner and president of Baker & Sons Plumbing.
Mike and Mary had four children. Shelly, Gary, Doug, and Randy, 13 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Because of Mike’s involvement in sports, the successful scholarship candidate will have experience in sports primarily baseball and/or wrestling.
Mike was a parishioner of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 864. Mike was co-owner and president of Baker & Sons Plumbing.
Mike and Mary had four children. Shelly, Gary, Doug, and Randy, 13 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Because of Mike’s involvement in sports, the successful scholarship candidate will have experience in sports primarily baseball and/or wrestling.
David & Carol Bailey Vocational Scholarship
David was a past member of the Central Soya Quarter Century Club, the Rollin Thunder Car Club, American Quarter Horse Association, an avid Hot Rod and Classic Car enthusiast and loved working on his 1952 Ford 'Frog' truck and 1966 Chevelle. David enjoyed restoring old vehicles. At any time he could be found in his garage sanding, greasing, repairing, or installing pieces to bring old, outdated, worn out vehicles to its original shiny impressive appearance. Carol loved that David took such great pride in his hobby. She well remembers sitting in the garage as David tinkered with his newest, old vehicle. She said David often had boys stop by to learn from his skills and experience. Carol opted to establish a memorial scholarship in the ACCF so that David's love of restoration of old vehicles and interest automotive repair could be carried on, long remembered, and honored.
Phil & Carolyn Barger Scholarship
Adams County, Phil and Carolyn married in 1957 and were able to celebrate 51 years of marriage together. Phil and Carolyn retired as business owners of the well-known Gerber's Super Valu grocery store in Decatur, IN. Lifetime residents of Adams County and parents of three children, all who lived in Adams County: Mike (passed away Nov. 4, 2026), Michele, and Ted. Their three children and all seven grandchildren attended Adams Central School. They were faithful parents, dedicated to one another, and community-minded supporters.
Phil served as the trustee, staff parish, on many boards at the Monroe Methodist Church. He also was an usher for many years and served on the North Indiana Conference trust. He was on the Board of the Decatur Bank and Trust for nearly 30 years and served as chairman for five years. He was a member of the Adams County Community Foundation (ACCF) Board and grants committee, the ACCF, John and Kay Boch supporting organization, he served two terms on the Adams County Council, was a member of the Adams County Economic board, the Decatur Optimist Club, and Adams Memorial Hospital bonding Board member, was a Boy Scout leader for Monroe Troop 372, and a Little League coach for many years.
Carolyn was an active board member for the Adams, Jay, and Wells County Youth for Christ, Adams County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and volunteered regularly at the Golden Meadows Retirement Center and with the Monroe Methodist Church.
Both Phil and Carolyn were active members of their church and other numerous civic minded activities. They knew the importance of helping our community whenever and however possible. Some people give their time, and others give financial support. Phil and Carolyn were grateful to be able to do both.
As avid supporters of the Adams County area and its residents, they continue to give and provide support through the Phil and Carolyn Barger Scholarship Fund for Adams Central high school seniors. Through this scholarship fund, an award will be presented every year to hard working, promising young adults that have shown they have talent and perseverance. Students should be proud to receive this award as it recognizes hard work and determination.
Phil served as the trustee, staff parish, on many boards at the Monroe Methodist Church. He also was an usher for many years and served on the North Indiana Conference trust. He was on the Board of the Decatur Bank and Trust for nearly 30 years and served as chairman for five years. He was a member of the Adams County Community Foundation (ACCF) Board and grants committee, the ACCF, John and Kay Boch supporting organization, he served two terms on the Adams County Council, was a member of the Adams County Economic board, the Decatur Optimist Club, and Adams Memorial Hospital bonding Board member, was a Boy Scout leader for Monroe Troop 372, and a Little League coach for many years.
Carolyn was an active board member for the Adams, Jay, and Wells County Youth for Christ, Adams County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and volunteered regularly at the Golden Meadows Retirement Center and with the Monroe Methodist Church.
Both Phil and Carolyn were active members of their church and other numerous civic minded activities. They knew the importance of helping our community whenever and however possible. Some people give their time, and others give financial support. Phil and Carolyn were grateful to be able to do both.
As avid supporters of the Adams County area and its residents, they continue to give and provide support through the Phil and Carolyn Barger Scholarship Fund for Adams Central high school seniors. Through this scholarship fund, an award will be presented every year to hard working, promising young adults that have shown they have talent and perseverance. Students should be proud to receive this award as it recognizes hard work and determination.
Barkley-Pettibone Scholarship Fund
The families of Floyd Barkley and Lorena, Lester and Daniel Pettibone are excited to offer a scholarship fund in the Adams Central and North Adams School Districts. Mr. Floyd Barkley and Mrs. Lorena (Myers) Pettibone both served as teachers in Indiana One-Room School Houses and have passed on their legacy to their grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Dan Pettibone was a student-athlete at both Decatur High School and Bellmont High School. It is a privilege to be able to give back in remembrance of these individuals who have left a legacy for their families and friends. Floyd Barkley was the grandfather of Mrs. Carol Pettibone, elementary school counselor at Northwest Elementary School in the North Adams School District. Mr. Barkley was born in 1880 and passed in 1969. Floyd attended Valparaiso University in 1900. Mr. Barkley taught in several one-room school houses from 1900 to 1940 in the South Bend and Lakeville , Indiana, areas. He served as the principal of Lakeville School beginning in 1915 until 1940. Mr. Floyd Barkley left a legacy of learning.
Mrs. Lorena Myers Pettibone and Mr. LC Pettibone are the grandparents of Mike Pettibone, Adams Central superintendent. Lorena was born in 1897 in Portland and passed in 1976. Lorena attended Ball State Teacher’s College. She taught school in the Portland area until 1926. Lorena was the oldest of ten children, five girls and five boys. All five of the girls became teachers and two of the boys joined the teaching profession. LC was born in 1896 and passed in 1974. LC served as the Superintendent of the City Light Department from 1943 to 1967. They were great role models for their family.
Dan Pettibone was a three sport athlete at Decatur and Bellmont High Schools. He played four years of varsity football, wrestled and played baseball. Dan was the Gilbert Award recipient in 1969. Dan was a true supporter of Decatur athletics and academics.
It is with honor that the present grandchildren of Floyd Barkley and Lorena and Lester Pettibone, and the brothers and sisters of Dan Pettibone can sustain their memory with a scholarship to the communities these people dedicated their lives and loved.
Dan Pettibone was a student-athlete at both Decatur High School and Bellmont High School. It is a privilege to be able to give back in remembrance of these individuals who have left a legacy for their families and friends. Floyd Barkley was the grandfather of Mrs. Carol Pettibone, elementary school counselor at Northwest Elementary School in the North Adams School District. Mr. Barkley was born in 1880 and passed in 1969. Floyd attended Valparaiso University in 1900. Mr. Barkley taught in several one-room school houses from 1900 to 1940 in the South Bend and Lakeville , Indiana, areas. He served as the principal of Lakeville School beginning in 1915 until 1940. Mr. Floyd Barkley left a legacy of learning.
Mrs. Lorena Myers Pettibone and Mr. LC Pettibone are the grandparents of Mike Pettibone, Adams Central superintendent. Lorena was born in 1897 in Portland and passed in 1976. Lorena attended Ball State Teacher’s College. She taught school in the Portland area until 1926. Lorena was the oldest of ten children, five girls and five boys. All five of the girls became teachers and two of the boys joined the teaching profession. LC was born in 1896 and passed in 1974. LC served as the Superintendent of the City Light Department from 1943 to 1967. They were great role models for their family.
Dan Pettibone was a three sport athlete at Decatur and Bellmont High Schools. He played four years of varsity football, wrestled and played baseball. Dan was the Gilbert Award recipient in 1969. Dan was a true supporter of Decatur athletics and academics.
It is with honor that the present grandchildren of Floyd Barkley and Lorena and Lester Pettibone, and the brothers and sisters of Dan Pettibone can sustain their memory with a scholarship to the communities these people dedicated their lives and loved.
Kenneth & Mary Beer Scholarship
Kenneth was a well known farmer and president of Dewbrook Farms. He was a member of Cross Community Church. He was an entrepreneur in the dairy and farming business. .He assisted many young farmers and neighbors.
Mary was a member of Cross Community Church and was co-owner of Dewbrook Farms. She worked at the dairy full time. She is remembered for her hospitality and love of family.
Ken and Mary had three children: daughter, Diana (Barry) Humble and sons, David (Lynn) Beer, Dean (Jennifer)Beer, seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Established by Diana and Barry Humble, this fund is to remember her parents and to recognize students, like her parents, that are hard-working and community minded.
Mary was a member of Cross Community Church and was co-owner of Dewbrook Farms. She worked at the dairy full time. She is remembered for her hospitality and love of family.
Ken and Mary had three children: daughter, Diana (Barry) Humble and sons, David (Lynn) Beer, Dean (Jennifer)Beer, seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Established by Diana and Barry Humble, this fund is to remember her parents and to recognize students, like her parents, that are hard-working and community minded.
Bird-Walther Music Scholarship
Barbara 'Bobbi' Mauller reports that she has frequently imagined a public means to honor her two grandsons in a way that would recognize their hard work and musical talents. In doing this, she felt she could also inspire and acknowledge future hard-working music students.
Her grandsons come from a long line of talent. Bobbi’s maternal grandfather played clarinet in the John Phillip Sousa Band in WWI. All six of his children played an instrument and sang. Bobbi’s mother taught all four of her children to sing four part harmony at a very young age, and they learned to play at least one instrument. Bobbi reports that she has been involved in choir, talent shows, church worship teams, and band all of her life. As Bobbi’s family before her, it has been passed to the next generation. Her grandsons Travis Bird and John Walther have shown intense interests in the performance arts.
Travis started singing in the Decatur Church of God Choir when he was 10 years old. He began in the soprano section and with age, worked his way to the tenor section. In high school Travis performed in both the band and choir departments winning various awards and competitions. As several of Travis’ relatives were awarded the John Philip Sousa Award before him, Travis followed right along in this musical legacy.
John has had a love for drums since he was young. His late grandfather Jack Walther played drums as well. While in high school John played drums for the Jazz Band and the Brave Generation Show Choir. He plays the drums for the band: Thank you and Goodnight. In 2011, John will have a CD available for purchase.
Travis and John have unique talents. Travis is primarily a singer and John is a drummer. It is because of these talented young men, their grandmother, Bobbi Mauller, wishes to recognize them and encourage the many potential performers to follow.
Her grandsons come from a long line of talent. Bobbi’s maternal grandfather played clarinet in the John Phillip Sousa Band in WWI. All six of his children played an instrument and sang. Bobbi’s mother taught all four of her children to sing four part harmony at a very young age, and they learned to play at least one instrument. Bobbi reports that she has been involved in choir, talent shows, church worship teams, and band all of her life. As Bobbi’s family before her, it has been passed to the next generation. Her grandsons Travis Bird and John Walther have shown intense interests in the performance arts.
Travis started singing in the Decatur Church of God Choir when he was 10 years old. He began in the soprano section and with age, worked his way to the tenor section. In high school Travis performed in both the band and choir departments winning various awards and competitions. As several of Travis’ relatives were awarded the John Philip Sousa Award before him, Travis followed right along in this musical legacy.
John has had a love for drums since he was young. His late grandfather Jack Walther played drums as well. While in high school John played drums for the Jazz Band and the Brave Generation Show Choir. He plays the drums for the band: Thank you and Goodnight. In 2011, John will have a CD available for purchase.
Travis and John have unique talents. Travis is primarily a singer and John is a drummer. It is because of these talented young men, their grandmother, Bobbi Mauller, wishes to recognize them and encourage the many potential performers to follow.
Herman 'Bix' Bixler Scholarship
Herman 'Bix' Bixler was born and raised in Hartford Township. After graduation from Geneva High School in 1941, he joined the Navy serving on the USS Pampanito in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
Upon discharge from the Navy, 'Bix' worked in the Pfennig Insurance Agency in Geneva. In 1952 he was able to buy the agency and expanded the business, opening additional offices in Berne and Portland.
Bix was an avid lover of golf and was a leader in the development of the Wabash Valley Golf Course now known as the Golf Club of the Limberlost in Geneva.
This scholarship, established in memory of 'Bix' and honoring his business acumen and his love of golf, is awarded annually to a South Adams graduate.
Students receiving this scholarship should be proud of their diligence in the classroom and their love of the game of golf.
Upon discharge from the Navy, 'Bix' worked in the Pfennig Insurance Agency in Geneva. In 1952 he was able to buy the agency and expanded the business, opening additional offices in Berne and Portland.
Bix was an avid lover of golf and was a leader in the development of the Wabash Valley Golf Course now known as the Golf Club of the Limberlost in Geneva.
This scholarship, established in memory of 'Bix' and honoring his business acumen and his love of golf, is awarded annually to a South Adams graduate.
Students receiving this scholarship should be proud of their diligence in the classroom and their love of the game of golf.
American Legion, Post #43, Richard Bleeke Scholarship
The Richard Bleeke Scholarship Fund in the Adams County Community Foundation (ACCF) initially began in 2010. Mr. and Mrs. Bleeke talked with the ACCF about a fund in memory of their son Richard who died while serving active duty in the military. In a terribly unusual accident, Richard was mowing and the tractor turned over and pinned Richard under. Richard died from these injuries.
In their will, Richard’s parents, Justin F. & Elizabeth (Libby) Bleeke, left the funds directly to the American Legion, Post #43 for a scholarship fund in memory of their son. The American Legion, Post #43, then established this fund to insure the tribute to the Bleeke family and Richard’s military service will be always be remembered and honored.
In their will, Richard’s parents, Justin F. & Elizabeth (Libby) Bleeke, left the funds directly to the American Legion, Post #43 for a scholarship fund in memory of their son. The American Legion, Post #43, then established this fund to insure the tribute to the Bleeke family and Richard’s military service will be always be remembered and honored.
John & Kay Boch Scholarship Fund
John Boch was the Decatur postmaster and Kay Boch was the owner of the popular 'Kiddie-Shop' on Second Street in Decatur. Though deceased, they are leaders in the philanthropic giving in Adams County. Establishing a supporting organization in teh ACCF in 1996, this fund has provided stability to the Foundation. Growing the funnd to over $4,000,000, nephew Robert Boch oversaw the investment and the distribution of the grants and scholarships until his death in 2021.
Each year, several students are recognized with a John and Kay Boch Scholarship. Primarily focusing on Adams County residents (5 year look back) for Nontraditional students (out of high school five or more years), the John and Kay Boch Fund also recognizes promising OnTrack students with support. An OnTrack Scholar has been out of high school 1-5 years.
Students should be proud to receive this award as it recognizes hard work and perseverance.
Each year, several students are recognized with a John and Kay Boch Scholarship. Primarily focusing on Adams County residents (5 year look back) for Nontraditional students (out of high school five or more years), the John and Kay Boch Fund also recognizes promising OnTrack students with support. An OnTrack Scholar has been out of high school 1-5 years.
Students should be proud to receive this award as it recognizes hard work and perseverance.
(Madonna) Pauline Borders Scholarship
Madonna Pauline Borders taught science for 40 years at South Adams as well as many years at Ivy Tech in Portland. Pauline was passionate about helping all improve their lives. She expected excellence from herself and demanded it from her students.
Upon her death in 2016, family and friends established this scholarship in her honor as an ongoing memorial.
The intent of this scholarship is to help any South Adams graduate or graduate of a Home School program residing in the South Adams School District to reduce his/her financial burden while obtaining a post-secondary education in a Science, Health, Information or Technology field, including majors in Natural resources and aviation.
Students receiving this award should be proud of demonstrating excellence in their studies.
Upon her death in 2016, family and friends established this scholarship in her honor as an ongoing memorial.
The intent of this scholarship is to help any South Adams graduate or graduate of a Home School program residing in the South Adams School District to reduce his/her financial burden while obtaining a post-secondary education in a Science, Health, Information or Technology field, including majors in Natural resources and aviation.
Students receiving this award should be proud of demonstrating excellence in their studies.
Kevin & Becky Bowman Scholarship Fund
This fund was established to encourage and support young adults with their current education and expand it. Upon completion of their advanced education and as they begin looking for that new career, it will be in the field of their choice and not just a job.
Kevin, upon graduation from Adams Central High School, started his career in the transportation industry at Case Leasing & Rental and worked there for 25 years. By his choice, in 1999, he left and went to work for Supervalu as one of their multi-temp refrigeration technicians. In April 2009, he was given a lay-off notice and went career hunting. He stayed in the transportation industry but this time as a driver for National Oil & Gas.
Becky, upon graduation from Huntington North High School, attended Huntington College (University) for 1 year. She started her career at Our Sunday Visitor and worked there for 17 years. For the past 10 years, she has worked at Adams Woodcrest in housekeeping.
Kevin and Becky were married in 1992 and have resided in the Monroe area for over 25 years. It is their wish to show support for the students of Adams Central High School through this scholarship.
Kevin, upon graduation from Adams Central High School, started his career in the transportation industry at Case Leasing & Rental and worked there for 25 years. By his choice, in 1999, he left and went to work for Supervalu as one of their multi-temp refrigeration technicians. In April 2009, he was given a lay-off notice and went career hunting. He stayed in the transportation industry but this time as a driver for National Oil & Gas.
Becky, upon graduation from Huntington North High School, attended Huntington College (University) for 1 year. She started her career at Our Sunday Visitor and worked there for 17 years. For the past 10 years, she has worked at Adams Woodcrest in housekeeping.
Kevin and Becky were married in 1992 and have resided in the Monroe area for over 25 years. It is their wish to show support for the students of Adams Central High School through this scholarship.
David & Penny Bressler Family Scholarship
This scholarship was established by her parents David and Penny in memory of their daughter, Eleanor Bressler. Ellie was a pre-school student at St. Joseph Catholic School with her siblings, Anna and Chance, when she passed suddenly in an automobile accident in September 2006.
Ellie’s mother, Penny, was a ball of energy that brightened any room she entered. After an extended illness and a gallant battle with cancer, Penny joined Ellie in November 2016.
This scholarship is to recognize the joy that Ellie provided her family in her short time with us.
Students that earn this award should be proud of their academic achievements, their involvement in our community, and, like Ellie, the joy they bring others.
Ellie’s mother, Penny, was a ball of energy that brightened any room she entered. After an extended illness and a gallant battle with cancer, Penny joined Ellie in November 2016.
This scholarship is to recognize the joy that Ellie provided her family in her short time with us.
Students that earn this award should be proud of their academic achievements, their involvement in our community, and, like Ellie, the joy they bring others.
Charlie & Jean (Porter) Brune Engineering Scholarship
This fund was established by the Charlie and Jean (Porter) Brune Family who have dedicated a major portion of their lives to youth and community service. To encourage academic excellence and to honor their three sons, who were all valedictorians at Bellmont High School (Jason - 2003, Ryan - 2007, Nathan - 2011) and earned their engineering degrees from Ohio Northern University, the Brunes established this scholarship.
This scholarship will be presented to the Bellmont and Adams Central senior with the highest GPA who will major in engineering at a 4 year college program
This scholarship will be presented to the Bellmont and Adams Central senior with the highest GPA who will major in engineering at a 4 year college program
Earl & Alta May Caston Memorial Fund
Earl and Alta May Caston served this community well for many years. They were active in their church as officers and active participants in the church's organizations. They gave much of their time, talent, and treasury, even while raising a large family of eight children all born in Decatur. Both Earl and Alta May truly served others with no thought of personal gain or reward.
Earl M. Caston was born May 13, 1911, in Arcola, IN. At the age of nine, Earl began working in the tile mill in Arcola and helped his father in farming. He graduated from Arcola High School in 1929, he started working as a messenger for Old National Bank in Fort Wayne. He began working for the First State Bank in Decatur as a general bookkeeper on March 6, 1934. In 1935 he advanced to teller and over the years became the assistant cashier, vice president, a member of the Board of Directors, secretary of the board, trust officer, and executive vice president. After nearly 55 years in banking, he retired December 31, 1983, but continued to attend board meetings as a director emeritus. Earl was involved in various civic and charitable organizations through the years. He was Adams County's War Bond Chairman during WWII. He served as treasurer of the Salvation Army Emergency Aid Fund in Decatur from its inception until 1983 when he retired. He was also treasurer of the local Vietnamese Resettlement Committee. He and his family were active members of the Zion Lutheran Church in Decatur.
On September 24, 1938, he married Alta May Ruhl of Hoagland, IN. Alta May graduated from Ossian High School and Warner's Beauty college. Earl and Alta May resided in Decatur until 1954 when they moved to rural Decatur.
In Earl's many years working at the First State Bank of Decatur, he assisted many community groups with his expertise, and he always helped individuals when he could obtain financial assistance and support. Alta May was a homemaker. At the bank, Earl hired and trained many students from North Adams and Adams Central. That is why there are scholarships awarded to these two schools. Earl and Alta May Caston Memorial Scholarship was established in 1997.
This fund is endowed in the Adams County Community Foundation; therefore, these scholarships will be awarded forever. These scholarships are Earl and Alta's 'thank you' to the community they served and loved.
Students should be proud to receive this award as it recognizes hard work and perseverance.
Earl M. Caston was born May 13, 1911, in Arcola, IN. At the age of nine, Earl began working in the tile mill in Arcola and helped his father in farming. He graduated from Arcola High School in 1929, he started working as a messenger for Old National Bank in Fort Wayne. He began working for the First State Bank in Decatur as a general bookkeeper on March 6, 1934. In 1935 he advanced to teller and over the years became the assistant cashier, vice president, a member of the Board of Directors, secretary of the board, trust officer, and executive vice president. After nearly 55 years in banking, he retired December 31, 1983, but continued to attend board meetings as a director emeritus. Earl was involved in various civic and charitable organizations through the years. He was Adams County's War Bond Chairman during WWII. He served as treasurer of the Salvation Army Emergency Aid Fund in Decatur from its inception until 1983 when he retired. He was also treasurer of the local Vietnamese Resettlement Committee. He and his family were active members of the Zion Lutheran Church in Decatur.
On September 24, 1938, he married Alta May Ruhl of Hoagland, IN. Alta May graduated from Ossian High School and Warner's Beauty college. Earl and Alta May resided in Decatur until 1954 when they moved to rural Decatur.
In Earl's many years working at the First State Bank of Decatur, he assisted many community groups with his expertise, and he always helped individuals when he could obtain financial assistance and support. Alta May was a homemaker. At the bank, Earl hired and trained many students from North Adams and Adams Central. That is why there are scholarships awarded to these two schools. Earl and Alta May Caston Memorial Scholarship was established in 1997.
This fund is endowed in the Adams County Community Foundation; therefore, these scholarships will be awarded forever. These scholarships are Earl and Alta's 'thank you' to the community they served and loved.
Students should be proud to receive this award as it recognizes hard work and perseverance.
Adams County Coon Hunters Scholarship Fund
Adams County Coon Hunters Scholarship Fund was established to recognize students who have an interest in outdoor hunting sports. The first scholarship from this fund was awarded in May 2013.
Eligible graduating high school seniors in Adams County, Indiana who complete the Adams County Community Foundation Scholarship application process will be considered for this scholarship.
Eligible graduating high school seniors in Adams County, Indiana who complete the Adams County Community Foundation Scholarship application process will be considered for this scholarship.
Jack Dailey Memorial Scholarship
An only child and only maternal and paternal grandchild, Jack was a gifted musician and earned high academic honors. After he graduated from the Decatur High School in 1960, Jack attended Indiana University, Bloomington campus.
During the fall of his sophomore year, following a minor accident, it was discovered that jack had a congenital brain tumor. The tumor led to his death shortly thereafter.
The Beta Theta Pi Fraternity at Indiana University of which Jack was a member established the Jack Dailey Memorial Scholarship Fund in 1962.
In 1998, the ACCF was awarded the fiduciary responsibilities for the fund thereby establishing the Jack Dailey Memorial Scholarship Fund for a Bellmont student attending IU.
During the fall of his sophomore year, following a minor accident, it was discovered that jack had a congenital brain tumor. The tumor led to his death shortly thereafter.
The Beta Theta Pi Fraternity at Indiana University of which Jack was a member established the Jack Dailey Memorial Scholarship Fund in 1962.
In 1998, the ACCF was awarded the fiduciary responsibilities for the fund thereby establishing the Jack Dailey Memorial Scholarship Fund for a Bellmont student attending IU.
Jim Daniels Memorial Scholarship
Few people have ever heard of the disease 'hemochromatosis', and until 1999 neither had the family of Jim Daniels. Yet it was that very disease which caused Jim's death. With hemochromatosis, the body stores too much iron, allowing it to build up in organs and tissues where it can do severe and permanent damage- even death- if not caught in time and treated.
Jim started working in his dad's shop at 13 and was still working there -as Director of Product Development, when he passed away 27 years later. After graduating from Bellmont in 1977, Jim married Pam Christianer on September 10, 1983. In 1989, they had a son, Dustin, who graduated from Bellmont High School in 2008., Like his father, Dustin plays golf.
Each year, the Jim Daniels Memorial Golf Tournament raises money for a series of purposes. Jim's family wants to be sure Jim and his love of golf is not forgotten, but in addition, because of their unfortunate experience with the disease, they are doing their best to spread the word about hemochromatosis, its diagnosis, and treatment. Because of Jim's deep love of the game of golf, this component is the guiding requirement of a scholarship that was established to annually remember Jim Daniels.
Jim started working in his dad's shop at 13 and was still working there -as Director of Product Development, when he passed away 27 years later. After graduating from Bellmont in 1977, Jim married Pam Christianer on September 10, 1983. In 1989, they had a son, Dustin, who graduated from Bellmont High School in 2008., Like his father, Dustin plays golf.
Each year, the Jim Daniels Memorial Golf Tournament raises money for a series of purposes. Jim's family wants to be sure Jim and his love of golf is not forgotten, but in addition, because of their unfortunate experience with the disease, they are doing their best to spread the word about hemochromatosis, its diagnosis, and treatment. Because of Jim's deep love of the game of golf, this component is the guiding requirement of a scholarship that was established to annually remember Jim Daniels.
DDS, Decatur Dental Services Scholarship
Established by dentists: Dr. Roger Thompson, Dr. Matthew Baker, Dr. Terry Baker, Dr. Michael Johnson, Dr. Pam Johnson, and Dr. Kelly Ulman.
When asked of what they are most proud in the work they do, each one answered the same: the people with whom they work.
One of the most fulfilling events sponsored by the DDS is their annual free clinic: Give Kids a Smile. This free clinic offers dental services at no cost to families who do not have dental insurance. They lauded their staff of employees who volunteer this day to work for the program. The doctors said their staff is loyal, dedicated, and giving.
They care for patients like they are family. The staff comments that they really like it when patients bring in their graduation and wedding pictures to show off their smiles. Says one staff member, "It is a good feeling knowing that we have helped them to smile confidently and to share their smiles of happiness during these important milestones in their lives".
The DDS Scholarship Fund in the Foundation is endowed and awards multiple scholarships to Adams County students majoring in the field of dentistry.
When asked of what they are most proud in the work they do, each one answered the same: the people with whom they work.
One of the most fulfilling events sponsored by the DDS is their annual free clinic: Give Kids a Smile. This free clinic offers dental services at no cost to families who do not have dental insurance. They lauded their staff of employees who volunteer this day to work for the program. The doctors said their staff is loyal, dedicated, and giving.
They care for patients like they are family. The staff comments that they really like it when patients bring in their graduation and wedding pictures to show off their smiles. Says one staff member, "It is a good feeling knowing that we have helped them to smile confidently and to share their smiles of happiness during these important milestones in their lives".
The DDS Scholarship Fund in the Foundation is endowed and awards multiple scholarships to Adams County students majoring in the field of dentistry.
DECA Scholarship Fund
Distributive Education Clubs of American (DECA) - chapter of Bellmont High School established a fund in the ACCF in 1997. This fund was also to recognize Alena Brock who was a teacher of Business for many years. This fund was establish to ensure scholarship for a DECA Bellmont graduate would be awarded annually for an indefinite period of time.
Decatur Optimist Club
The Optimist International is a worldwide volunteer organization made up of more than 2,500 local clubs whose members work each day to make the future brighter by bringing out the best in children, in their communities, and in themselves. The Decatur Optimist club meets at Richard's Restaraunt every Tuesday at noon. The Optimist Scholarship will be presented annually to North Adams and Adams Central students.
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