Community Foundation of Wabash County awards Common Scholarships to Southwood High School Seniors

The Community Foundation of Wabash County holds many scholarship endowments that were established to honor or memorialize loved ones, or because a person or group decided that a scholarship is an opportunity to enhance the quality of life in our community forever. Each year, students complete the Foundation’s common application in the hope of receiving scholarships to help them pursue higher education.

On Monday, May 9, Foundation Executive Director Sally Benson attended the Southwood High School (SHS) Awards Night to celebrate the achievements of SHS students and to honor the effort and dedication of families, school personnel and members of the community – those who play an important part in nurturing and supporting our youth. Benson announced the following recipients of Community Foundation of Wabash County Scholarships.

Jared Stouffer received the 2011 Briannon Joelle Curless Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship was established after Briannon’s untimely death. Recipients must demonstrate a commitment to academic achievement and a desire to serve the community.

Brooke Vielee and Shiloh Wilson were awarded The Wabash County Society for Crippled Children and Adults Scholarship. This endowed scholarship was created to provide assistance to students who are pursuing post-secondary education opportunities that will prepare them to work with children and adults who have learning disabilities or who are mentally and/or physically disabled.

The John L. Eckert Memorial Educational Scholarship was created in 1995 by friends and family of John.  Recipients must be pursing the field of education.  Rebecca Haynes, Shiloh Wilson, and Tyler Wright were this year’s recipients. 

Shiloh Wilson received the Charles and Florence Emrick Scholarship.  This scholarship was established in 2009 and is intended for a SHS or White’s Residential & Family Services, Inc. graduate pursuing an education major.

In 2008, Nancy Radabaugh established the Jerry L. Radabaugh Memorial Scholarship Endowment at the Community Foundation to honor Jerry’s commitment to youth and higher education.  Nancy presented this year’s award to Rachael Bridegroom.

The George W. & Donna Mae Russell Scholarship was awarded to Olivia Forthofer.  The scholarship was established in 2011 upon George’s death.  Criteria for this scholarship include financial need, academic achievement, moral character, leadership, and attitude towards the school and community.

Julie Tiede announced Tyler Combs as this year’s recipient of the Franklin S. Tiede Memorial Educational Endowment.  The scholarship was established in memory of Charles R. and Julie G. Tiede’s son Franklin.  The purpose of the fund is to award a scholarship to a person or persons between the ages of 18 and 25 pursing a vocation or educational objective and are committed to the propagation of the Christian faith as set forth in Matthew 28: 18-20.

Common Applications for students graduating in 2012 will be available at www.cfwabash.org in the fall of 2011. Scholarship descriptions and lists of scholarships are available at each local high school and at the Foundation’s website. If you have questions about Foundation scholarships, contact Cathy McCarty at 260-982-4824 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .