Scholarships and Criteria

The Community Scholarship Program is active from November 15 through June 30 each school year. The information contained on this page is NOT to be considered current at any other time.

The Foundation administers separate scholarship funds established by individuals, families, corporations, and organizations to assist local students in pursuit of advanced education. Together, these scholarships make up our Community Scholarship Program. Eligibility, criteria, and supplemental requirements are different for each scholarship. To apply for one or more of these scholarships, visit the Apply for a Scholarship page for further instructions.

Cassin-David Scholarship
Annual scholarship created by Stephen and Mary David.

Eligibility Criteria: Graduating seniors of any accredited Vanderburgh County high school with a maximum 3.4 cumulative grade point average (4.0 scale) planning to attend any accredited college, university, or technical/vocational school.

Selection Criteria: Selection will be based on demonstrated moral character and integrity, willingness to work to overcome obstacles, and a desire to give back to the community.

Supplemental Requirements:
1.  Statement of Perseverance (not to exceed two typewritten, double-spaced pages) describing challenges or obstacles faced in order to pursue past and/or future aspirations and goals and describing successes at overcoming these challenges or obstacles. 
2.  Two letters of recommendation in support of applicant's moral character/integrity and community service activities. 

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Deadline: February 18, 2009   

Central High School Class of 1943 Evelyn Church Hatfield Scholarship
Annual scholarship created by the Central High School Class of 1943 in honor of Evelyn Church Hatfield, a former business teacher and a class sponsor.

Eligibility Criteria: Outstanding business education seniors at Central High School.

Selection Criteria: Selection will be based on academic ability and involvement in business classes at Central High School.

Supplemental Requirements:
1.  Statement of Aspirations and Educational Goals (not to exceed two typewritten, double-spaced pages) describing applicant's involvement in his or her high school business classes and how these courses will help prepare applicant for the future. 
2.  Letter of recommendation from a teacher or other school official in support of applicant's educational abilities and involvement in business classes.

Award Amount: $1,190

Application Deadline: February 18, 2009   

Harrison High School Class of 1965 Scholarship
Annual scholarship created by the Harrison High School Class of 1965.

Eligibility Criteria: Graduating seniors of Harrison High School with a minimum 2.5 grade point average (4.0 scale) planning to attend a two- or four-year college, university, or technical/vocational school.

Selection Criteria: Selection will be based on self-motivation and a strong desire to learn, moral character, school and community activities, and financial need.

Submission Instructions: Submit completed application packet to your high school guidance counselor. 

Supplemental Requirements:
1.  Statement of Aspirations and Educational Goals (not to exceed two typewritten, double-spaced pages).
2.  Submission of the "FAFSA4caster" financial information sheet and the Estimated Family Contribution report (To access the FAFSA4caster on-line early EFC estimator, visit the United States Department of Education website at http://www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/).

Award Amount: $990

Application Deadline: February 18, 2009   

David A. Koehler Sr. Memorial Scholarship
Annual scholarship created by Peggy J. Koehler and her family in memory of her husband.

Eligibility Criteria: Graduating seniors of Central High School who have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale) and have obtained the Gold and Brown rating for at least six semesters.

Selection Criteria: Selection will be based on applicants' participation and involvement in school activities and demonstration of exceptional support and loyalty to Central High School.

Supplemental Requirements:
1.  Two letters of recommendation from teachers or other school officials describing applicant's loyalty to Central High School and school spirit. 
2.  Official documentation confirming applicant's achievement of the Gold and Brown rating for at least six semesters.  Applicants who do not submit this required documentation will not be considered for the award. 

Award Amount: $1,270

Application Deadline: February 18, 2009

Russ Mason Memorial Golf Scholarship
Annual scholarship created by Constance J. Mason in memory of her husband.

Eligibility Criteria: Graduating seniors who are residents of Vanderburgh County or are graduating from an Evansville high school and who are planning to play college golf.

Selection Criteria: Selection will be based on scholastic achievement, character, sportsmanship, leadership, golf ability, and the required essay.

Supplemental Requirements:
1.  Documentation of activities and achievements relating to the sport of golf.
2.  Statement of Aspirations and Educational Goals (not to exceed two typewritten, double-spaced pages).

Award Amount: $1,110

Application Deadline: February 18, 2009

Rease Henry McDaniel Memorial Scholarship
Annual scholarship created in memory of Rease Henry McDaniel, a 1985 graduate of Harrison High School, who passed away in 1986 after a courageous battle against cancer during his four years of high school. Determined to conquer the disease, he not only maintained a high scholastic average but also was involved in many activities including marching band, Boy Scouts, and newspaper delivery. He traveled extensively during high school, making trips to Yugoslavia, Italy, the 1985 National Boy Scout Jamboree in Virginia, Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, and Washington, DC, with the Close-Up Foundation. At graduation, Rease earned several scholarships and entered the University of Evansville as a pre-med student. Three weeks later he was forced to withdraw because of medical problems. Before his death, Rease expressed his desire to help others with the money he had earned for college as a newspaper carrier and from various scholarships awarded to him. Rease's contribution, together with those of friends and relatives, made this ongoing scholarship possible.

Eligibility Criteria: Graduating seniors of Harrison High School who have or have had cancer, a physical handicap, or a serious medical problem. Applicants must have maintained a scholastic letter grade average of C or above and demonstrate good citizenship, participation in school and community activities, personal achievement, and good personal qualities.

Selection Criteria: Selection will be based on all sections of the application form and on the supplemental document(s).

Submission Instructions: Submit completed application packet to your high school guidance counselor.

Supplemental Requirements:
1.  Statement of Aspirations and Educational Goals (not to exceed two typewritten, double-spaced pages).
2.  Applicants must provide documentation of health status.

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Deadline: February 18, 2009

Melba Jean Racener Scholarship (Not awarding new scholarship in 2009)
Annual scholarship created through the estate plan of Melba Jean Racener.

Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be entering their third year of study majoring in advertising, marketing, communications, or a related field, who have a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average (4.0 scale), and whose home residence is in Daviess, Gibson, Knox, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, or Warrick counties in Indiana. 

Selection Criteria: Selection will be based on academic performance and financial need, with preference given to applicants who demonstrate active participation in extracurricular activities, especially as they relate to the applicants' major. 

Supplemental Requirements:
1.  Statement of Aspirations and Educational Goals (not to exceed two typewritten, double-spaced pages).
2.  Submission of the "FAFSA4caster" financial information sheet and the Estimated Family Contribution report (To access the FAFSA4caster on-line early EFC estimator visit the United States Department of Education's website at http://www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/.) 

Award Amount: $1,500. Renewable for senior year provided recipient has maintained full-time status, a minimum 2.5 grade point average (4.0 scale) during the junior year, and good standing with his or her college or university.  Renewal award amounts will differ from the original award.

Application Deadline: Not accepting new applications during the 2008/2009 scholarship season.

Dorothy Rapp Music Scholarship
Annual scholarship created by the First Baptist Church of Evansville in honor of Robert and Dorothy Rapp to assist young people with their pursuit of education or development of music skills consistent with Christian principles.

Eligibility Criteria: Active members of any Baptist church in Evansville, Indiana.  Applicants must plan to pursue education or development of music skills consistent with Christian principles and lifestyle for the furtherance of church music. Past recipients may reapply; however, renewal awards are not guaranteed.

Selection Criteria: Selection will be based on all sections of the application form and on the supplemental document(s).

Supplemental Requirements:
1.  Statement describing how the scholarship will be used to further the applicants' development of music skills and participation in music for the church.
2.  One letter of recommendation from the applicant's music teacher/instructor and one from the pastor of the applicants' church.

Award Amount: $920

Application Deadline: February 18, 2009

Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard Scholarship
Annual scholarship created by Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard.

Eligibility Criteria: Graduating seniors of Harrison High School who demonstrate the greatest potential for leadership in public affairs and contributions to the community.

Selection Criteria: Selection will be based on all sections of the application form and on the supplemental document(s).

Submission Instructions: Submit completed application packet to your high school guidance counselor.

Supplemental Requirements: Statement of Aspirations and Educational Goals (not to exceed two typewritten, double-spaced pages).

Award Amount: $1,085

Application Deadline: February 18, 2009

Eligibility Criteria:  Graduating high school seniors who participate in the Evansville Youth Hockey Association, have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7 (on a 4.0 scale), and provided that the high school ranks its students, be in the top 20% of their graduating class.  Applicants must be planning to pursue post-secondary education at any accredited college, university or technical/vocational school. 

Selection Criteria: Selection will be based on academic achievement, level of participation in the EYHA and/or other high school sports, and evidence of excellent character and leadership skills.  If there are no qualified EYHA applicants, the scholarship may be made available to other graduating high school seniors who are involved in any sport.

Supplemental Requirements:  Two letters of recommendation - one from a teacher and one from the applicant's coach - addressing the applicant's sportsmanship, character, and leadership skills.

Award Amount:  $1,000

Application Deadline:  February 18, 2009

Contact for Application and Deadline: YMCA Camp Carson at the beginning of the 2009 summer camp season.

Award Amount: $4,450.

Jeremy A. Weil Memorial Art Scholarship
Annual scholarship created by Mark and Deborah Weil in memory of their son. Jeremy was born in Evansville, Indiana on July 26, 1980. Even at an early age, Jeremy excelled in art. His early drawings were cartoons -- his first was a mouse. His talent was obvious, even in second grade, and his parents encouraged his abilities. It is said that artistic talent is not in the hand but in the eye, and Jeremy had a keen eye. Jeremy progressed to pastel charcoals through B.J. Goetz and private art lessons, but he did not stop there. He also took lessons in photography and pottery, and his work was exhibited at several art and science expos, where he won first-place awards. While attending the University of Southern Indiana, he continued to study all artistic media, such as wood, pottery, photography, and graphic design. Several of his pieces were sold at USI's annual art show. Jeremy made jewelry and origami, and he could carve intricate designs on pumpkins. He also did graphic design work for a small business by creating its letterhead. While visiting Florida with friends, Jeremy died in an accidental drowning. He is now in the hearts and memories of those who love him. Before he entered the water someone asked Jeremy why he was in Florida and his response was, "to experience life." Jeremy's favorite motto was carpe diem, or "seize the day." Jeremy was kind, intelligent, and, his friends believe, genuine. It is for these reasons that his parents created this perpetual scholarship for artistic students.

Eligibility Criteria: Graduating seniors of any Vanderburgh County high school who have completed a minimum of three full years of high school art classes and plan to enroll in art training at a college/university, vocational school, summer school/camp, or private lessons to be used for tuition, fees, or books.

Selection Criteria: Selection will be based on the applicant's grade point average from his or her high school art classes, the number of art classes taken, and participation in juried or competitive shows resulting in recognition/awards. No school or community activities or work history unrelated to art will be considered. No school nomination or endorsement of an applicant is allowed.

Supplemental Requirements: Statement of Aspirations (not to exceed two typewritten, double-spaced pages) describing applicant's artistic talent and how he or she plans to use this talent in the future.

Application Form: Click here to access the Jeremy A. Weil Memorial Art Scholarship Application.

Award Amount: $500

Application Deadline: February 18, 2009