The family of Aurella Hofmockel created this scholarship to honor her memory and her commitment to education. Aurella was a life-long resident of the Sunman/Ripley County area and a teacher in the community for many years. Despite having limited means, Aurella saw that all five of her children graduated from college. She truly believed in the value of a college education.

The Batesville Area Arts Council (BAAC) created this scholarship with funds donated to it from Peter and Elsa Soderberg. Batesville Area Arts Council is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the arts by providing opportunities for arts education, expression, and enjoyment in Batesville and the surrounding area. This scholarship opportunity will assist local residents with their goal of making the arts their life.

Clara Bell Vestal Scholarship was established by Jo Westmeyer in memory of her sister, Clara Bell. Clara Bell was a lifelong resident of the Versailles area who understood the value of furthering one’s education beyond high school. She recognized the impact education can have on one person and on a community. Therefore, her family established The Clara Bell Vestal Scholarship to benefit South Ripley High School graduates and help them offset the cost of college tuition.

The Daryl Lea Van Hook Memorial Scholarship was established in 2001 as an endowment fund in the Ripley County Community Foundation, Inc. Miss Van Hook’s parents, Bill and Marilyn Van Hook of Batesville, created this scholarship to honor their daughter’s memory. Miss Van Hook was a graduate of Batesville High School and Ball State University. Her degree was in Special Education.  This is a four-year scholarship. The amount of the scholarship shall be determined by the annual distribution made from the fund and divided by four years. To renew the scholarship, the recipient shall provide the Ripley County Community Foundation with proof of re-enrollment and verification of a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

This scholarship was established by the family of Doris Brelage in her memory following her untimely death.  A registered nurse and EMS member, she spent 37 years at Margaret Mary Community Hospital as director of nursing, head of surgical nursing, and director of infection control.

Edward Goble was a lifelong Hoosier and dedicated public servant. During his tenure as an Indiana State Representative from 1970 to 1994, he served in numerous leadership roles, including House Majority Whip, providing rural Indiana a strong voice in Indianapolis.  Over the years, Representative Goble proudly served residents from over 10 southeastern Indiana counties.

Representative Goble was a tireless advocate for the constituents he served and believed being a public servant was an honor and a privilege.  Whether it was fighting for improvements in transportation, education, the environment, or public welfare, Ed’s dedication to others and commitment to providing for the public good helped improve the lives and communities of those he served.

Encouraging the next generation of Hoosier public servants was important to Representative Goble.  He hosted numerous students at the State House in Indianapolis and encouraged many to get engaged in public discourse on issues that mattered to them and their communities. The Edward Goble Memorial Scholarship was established to honor his commitment to public service and his desire to encourage future generations to serve their fellow citizens.

The Milan Wrestling program is a unique and special program that has a positive effect on the lives of those who participate. This scholarship encourages students who have been a part of the wrestling team to further their education in their chosen field.

The purpose of this scholarship is to aid worthy boys or girls of Batesville, Indiana, or the nearby surrounding territory to secure a higher education.  The amount of this scholarship shall not exceed $500 per year for four years and shall cease in the event the grade point average of the recipient falls below the standard of the scholarship established by said university or college, or in the event of expulsion, incapacity, or death. 

This scholarship was established in 2012 to honor and memorialize Greg and Candy Wehr. Greg and Candy were community members who believed in bettering the lives of those around them through active community engagement. Greg was a Ripley County farmer who graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Ag-Engineering. He served on the Southeastern Indiana REMC Board of Directors and was a private pilot. Candy was a former teacher at South Ripley Elementary and National Consultant for Renaissance Learning who graduated from Indiana State with her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Elementary Education. She enjoyed spending time in her garden. Both enjoyed traveling to new places and flying in their plane. Greg and Candy were innovative thinkers and had high aspirations for themselves and those around them. They will be remembered for their generous hearts, love for family and friends, and happy smiles.

Harry Thompson was the editor and publisher of the Versailles Republican until the time of his death in 1964. A longtime resident of Southeastern Indiana, he was active in many civic organizations and believed in leaving a worthwhile legacy. The scholarship was begun to honor his name.

This advised scholarship pass-through fund was established in 2019 by Integrity Tool to support local students planning to pursue a degree in the machine technology trades.

Friends of Dr. Hansen created this scholarship to honor his memory. Dr. Hansen practiced in the Batesville area and at Margaret Mary Hospital. He had a great appreciation for the nurses with whom he worked. The scholarship is for graduating students from Ripley County who intend to study nursing.

Residents of Osgood and the surrounding area are aware of the good Mr. Wagner did for their community. Much of this good was done anonymously through the Ripley County Community Foundation. Though he appeared “gruff” on the outside, he was a very good and very generous man who loved his family, church, and community. When Mr. Wagner passed away, a scholarship was endowed to benefit students of Jac-Cen-Del High School

who want to pursue a career in nursing or business.

Joseph Shotwell was a pilot, A&P mechanic, director of maintenance, airport manager, little league baseball coach, husband, and loving father to his eight children. Joe lived 67 years serving aviation, his family, the community, and his friends until his death in 2000. He earned his A&P mechanic’s license at Purdue University where he helped to build the university’s department fleet of restored DC 3s and salvaged C 47s. Joe joined Hillenbrand Industries in 1961 as a mechanic, co-pilot, and airfield manager. Over the next 35 years, Joe accumulated over 6,000 hours of flight time and became the full-time director of maintenance.

The John Moorman Memorial Scholarship was established in 1999 by John’s friends, family, and co-workers to recognize and remember him for his dedication to turf management of golf courses. John was a life-long resident of Batesville and Golf Superintendent for many years at Hillcrest Country Club.

The Joshua Edward and Jeremy David Ebinger Memorial Scholarship was established in 2002 (and amended in 2021) as an endowment fund in the Ripley County Community Foundation, Inc. David and Lisa Ebinger, their parents, created the scholarship in memory of Joshua and Jeremy. Applicants must be a graduating senior at South Ripley High School or Jac-Cen-Del High School planning to further his/her education in Diesel Mechanics; second priority as a member of the South Ripley or Jac-Cen-Del High School FFA program seeking higher education; or, third priority as a member of 4-H seeking higher education.

The Cain family, in memory of Karen and Heather Cain, established this scholarship fund in 1998. This mother and daughter were killed in an automobile accident. Tom, the father of Heather and husband of Karen, chose to give the first scholarships from this fund in 2003, the year Heather would have graduated from Jac-Cen-Del High School.

• Reside in Indiana with preference given to students who reside in Ripley County and Franklin County; 
  

• Must be accepted into a certified nursing program pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Registered Nursing (RN). 

This scholarship was established by family members in honor of Matt and Cleo, both upstanding citizens in their community and church. The couple worked hard to raise their 17 children. Both Matt and Cleo felt a good education, hard work and a willingness to give to those in the community were important qualities to achieve. They passed their belief on to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. It is in their name that this scholarship has been established to assist a qualified student in achieving his or her dreams.

This scholarship was established in 2011 by friends, family, and co-workers to recognize and remember Melody for her 25 years of dedicated service to the farmers of Ripley County while working at the Farm Service Agency. Melody administered the Conservation Reserve Program and was instrumental in most of the grass waterways, filter strips, riparian buffers, quail habitats, etc. implemented in Ripley County during her time with FSA. She also helped county farmers in obtaining commodity loans each year, allowing them to market their grain later in the year. She was loved by the farmers and her fellow co-workers, and other FSA persons around the state. Melody will be lovingly remembered for putting the needs of others before her own, deep love of her family, and always having a smile on her face.

Nicole Christie grew up in Akron, Ohio, where she developed a strong work ethic. She was an excellent student and, due to scholarships and multiple jobs, she put herself through college. She was dedicated to her family and would do anything to help them. She spent countless hours helping her children, Jacob and Kaitlyn, with their homework, studying for tests, working on projects, taking them to practices and games, and even shagging baseballs in the outfield during batting practice. Her family moved to Batesville because her husband, John, started working at Hillrom. Nicole started working in Batesville Schools, going from a substitute teacher to teaching aid, and finally to a receptionist at the Batesville Middle School. Over time, her family grew to include the staff and students of the Middle School. She wanted this scholarship created so she could continue to care for the students of Batesville Middle School.

Family members want to honor the memory of Nixie Koelling with a scholarship to help Batesville or East Central students attend college. The recipient shall attend a four-year degree program at an accredited public or private college or university. Priority will be given to those applicants who are involved in golf, tennis, or debate club.

• Priority will be given to those applicants with a learning disability.

• Applicant must be a graduating senior from Batesville High School OR East Central High School; and

• Be planning on studying in the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math); AND

• Have a GPA between 3.25 and 3.75 on a 4.0 scale

• Must be a resident of Indiana
• Must be a student at Jac-Cen-Del High School, or Milan High School preparing to graduate in the Spring of the year of application.
• Preference shall be given to scholarship applicants who have some connection to the Fraternity i.e. father, grandfather, brother who are/were Masons in good standing.  If there are none in the applicant pool, then to any applicant meeting the other qualifications.
• Preference shall be given to scholarship applicants who are pursuing trade school.
• Applicants shall not be accepted if the applicant is related to someone who is serving on the selection committee.  (Great-grandfather, grandfather, father, brother). 

Samantha was in her senior year at South Ripley High School when an automobile accident tragically took her life. She was very involved in her church and community and active in many organizations at her school. But most important to her was her 10-year membership in 4-H. At the time of her death, she was serving as the President. “Sam”, as she was known to her family and friends was also a 4-year member of FFA. She was serving as the President of this organization also. On her Senior Memory Book page titled “My Bucket List”, she listed many things she wanted to do to help others. Her family and friends wanted to make sure she could continue to do that so a scholarship was started in her name. Now she continues to make a difference in young people’s lives … forever. 

The Sandra Michelle Riggle Memorial Scholarship was established in 2009 as an endowment fund in the Ripley County Community Foundation, Inc. Miss Riggle’s parents, Steve and Sandy Riggle, and brothers, Jonathan and Jeremy Riggle, of Jeffersonville, created this scholarship in honor of their daughter and sister’s memory. Sandra Michelle Riggle was a 26-year-old Science teacher at South Ripley Junior/Senior High School in the 2007 to 2009 school years. She was a 2001 Honors graduate of Jeffersonville High School as well as a member of the National Honor Society. Miss Riggle was a 2006 graduate of Indiana University Southeast with degrees in Biology and Chemistry and Secondary Science Education. She was a Girl Scout Silver and Gold Award Recipient as well as a Lifetime Member of the Girl Scouts of America. She was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church of Jeffersonville. She resided in North Vernon.

Robert Wortman of Morristown, Indiana is the president of the Southeastern IN Natural Gas Co. which services Ripley Counties. He is also a philanthropist who is very involved in his community. He wants to contribute to the educational opportunities of the patrons of Southeastern IN Natural Gas Co. This scholarship allows him to do that.

Upon the urging of his former students, family members of Sylvester J. “Bess” Bartling established a scholarship in 2005 to honor his memory. A long-time resident of Batesville, Bess Bartling retired from teaching music at all levels in the Batesville Community Schools in 1972 after nearly forty years. He also directed the Eureka Band for 57 of his 63 years as a member, and directed the St. Anthony Choir at Morris and later the St. Louis Choir at Batesville for many years.

The Tammy J. Pickett Memorial Scholarship was established in 2019 to keep her spirit and love of gardening and agriculture alive. Tammy tragically passed away in a car accident on December 5, 2018. Tammy was a graduate of South Ripley Jr. Sr. High School. She was a lifelong resident of Ripley County and spent most of her career working in Decatur County. Tammy spent her free time enjoying the country and outdoor life. She had a love for flowers, gardening, animals, and her family. Any typical spring and summer involved Tammy growing her flowerbeds and garden of fresh vegetables. It was not uncommon for Tammy to share her garden goodies or teach people about properly growing flowers and vegetables. It is our hope that this scholarship will provide eager students with an opportunity to pursue their dreams.

Tanner Tucker was an amazing young man who was taken from this world too soon. He was involved in a fatal, single-car accident on August 7, 2010, the weekend before his senior year at South Ripley was to begin. Tanner was the president of his class, as well as a leader in the other various activities in which he was involved. Tanner participated on the Raider varsity basketball and baseball teams. He was voted Homecoming prince, was a member of the Student Council, and an anchor with the CNNSR media staff. He was an active member of the Versailles Baptist youth group, as well as a volunteer coach for Special Olympics. Tanner loved life and was known for his continually optimistic outlook. “Don’t Worry….Be Happy,” was his mantra. He was an “A” student, who possessed an affinity for both mathematics, and for making innumerable friends. His plans were to study engineering at Purdue University. In honor of Tanner, and with the generous outpouring of friends and family members, the Tucker family established a memorial scholarship fund. Tanner is sorely missed by his family and others who loved him, but through this scholarship, his legacy will live on.

The Triplett family established roots in Osgood in 1919 when G.A. and Jessie Triplett purchased the Dopp drug store.  Still operating in its original location, the Triplett family passed ownership of the drug store on to their cousins, the Buxton family, in 1974.  In the family’s 100 year presence in Osgood, the community has nurtured and benefited three generations of the Triplett family with values found only in this closely knit town.  It is the family’s wish that its legacy continues through this scholarship.

This scholarship was set up to support non-traditional students, specifically, those individuals who are pursuing technical degrees, are pursuing education later in life or who need assistance to finish their college degree. Special emphasis will be placed on financial need, community involvement, and the demonstration of extreme circumstances. Examples of individuals who qualify for this scholarship are as follows:

1. A high school senior who has been accepted in a course of study other than college, such as a technical

school program (i.e. cosmetology, diesel mechanics); or

2. An older individual who has decided to further his/her education. This may include college or trade school enrollment; or

3. A college student who has completed at least one semester of studies and is continuing his/her undergraduate or graduate studies.

The Unsung Hero Award was established in 2014 to honor the selfless, lifelong service of Betty Ricker English, mother of Nancy Durham. Betty Ricker English was a WWII Army nurse prior to her career as a community health nurse, hospital nurse, and school nurse. She grew up in the Depression and worked her way through Ball Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. After her service in North Africa and Italy during WWII, Betty earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Minnesota. Later she obtained her teacher’s license and finished her master’s degree the same year her oldest daughter graduated from college. Betty always espoused the importance of supporting others in need and willingly gave of her time and talents to community organizations such as the RN Club in Rush County, the Ball State Alumni Association, the Rush County Retired Teachers, the Main Street Christian Church in Rushville, and the 105th Station Hospital reunion organization. She was a devoted friend who, without reservation, nursed loved ones with debilitating illnesses or who were recovering from surgical procedures.

As one of the world’s oldest and largest fraternal organizations, Freemasonry seeks to improve the community by improving and strengthening the character of the individual man. It stands for citizenship of the highest order, for enlightenment and orderly liberty; civil, religious, and intellectual. It wages war only against the powers of darkness – ignorance, superstition, and tyranny. Its grand aim is to teach, encourage, and inspire those who join its ranks to take their places in society as responsible citizens, each with a genuine concern for his fellow men, to the end that God may be glorified and His children may live together on this earth as brothers. The Freemasons of Versailles Masonic Lodge #7, F&AM recognize that the future of our community rests solely on the shoulders of our youth of today. We are pleased to have this opportunity to invest in our community by supporting our students and future leaders.

This scholarship was established in memory of Jesse H. Westmeyer, Sr., Jesse H. Westmeyer, Jr., and Stephen B. Westmeyer in recognition of their devotion to service to God and community. The scholarship will be awarded each year to a graduating South Ripley High School student pursuing post-secondary education for a career in the building trades, law enforcement, or an undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university in any field of study. Hoping to find students that are following the good example of these three men, consideration will be given to applicants who have demonstrated involvement in community and church organizations. It is the desire of the Westmeyer family to help change the lives of deserving students in the future.

This scholarship was given in memory of William H. (Gus) Moorhead and Mary Margaret Moorhead. Mr. Moorhead was the first basketball coach and then principal at South Ripley High School for 23 years. Mrs. Moorhead taught journalism and speech at South Ripley for 25 years, serving as the advisor for the school newspaper for 25 years and the school yearbook for 12 years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Moorhead continued their work with print media after retirement from SRHS at the end of the 1991 school year. Employed by Ripley Publishing Company from 1991-2006, Mr. Moorhead wrote sports columns and Mrs. Moorhead was a staff writer. The Moorhead Print Media Scholarship benefits a graduating member of the Raiders Riot staff at SRHS.

This scholarship was given in memory of William H. (Gus) Moorhead and Mary Margaret Moorhead.  Mr. Moorhead was the first basketball coach and then principal at South Ripley High School for 23 years. Mrs. Moorhead taught journalism and speech at South Ripley for 25 years, serving as the advisor for the school newspaper for 25 years and the school yearbook for 12 years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Moorhead continued their work with print media after retirement from SRHS at the end of the 1991 school year. Employed by Ripley publishing Company from 1991-2006, Mr. Moorhead wrote sports columns and Mrs. Moorhead was a staff writer. The Moorhead Student Athlete Scholarship honors a member of the South Ripley graduating class who has excelled in athletics, scholarship, leadership, and attendance.

“Life is a game and Zach knew most of the rules. He may have bent a few but he knew right from wrong. He never wanted to let anyone down. He loved life, sports, and more importantly his family and friends. His smiling face and positive attitude made it easy to love him. He worked hard and he played just as hard. He had dreams which he didn’t get to finish. It is in his honor the Zachary A. Litzinger Memorial Scholarship was developed so that other young adults, just like Zach, have an opportunity to achieve their dreams.” ~The Litzingers~