Wabash High School seniors earn Community Foundation Scholarships

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 Wednesday, May 25, Foundation Program Assistant and Wabash High School class of 1984 graduate, Cathy McCarty attended the Wabash High School (WHS) Awards Night to celebrate the achievements of WHS 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.  McCarty announced the following recipients of Community Foundation of Wabash County Scholarships.

Dennis Horn presented the Dennis Horn Cross Country Scholarship to Tyler Cox. This scholarship was created by Dennis’ wife Carol, friends, and family to honor his many years of caching cross county at WHS.  Recipients are chosen based on their commitment to and longevity in the Wabash Cross Country Program, positive mental attitude, and individual success.

Christin Macaluso was awarded the Robert L. and Fay M. Elliott Scholarship. The Elliott’s taught in the Wabash City School System for many years and their children established this scholarship to honor their parents’ memory. Selection is based on financial need, a statement from the applicant detailing their plans for the future, and academic performance, along with other criteria.

The Kevin M. Jones Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Jenna Ferguson by Paul Sites.  The scholarship was established in 1998 in memory of “Little Brother, Kevin Jones” by “Big Brother, Paul Sites.”  The scholarship continues Kevin’s unfulfilled dreams by letting others fulfill theirs. To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must have been a little brother or little sister through the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Wabash County.

Brock Ireland was awarded the Paul Thomas Reahard Memorial Scholarship. Reahard taught English, creative writing, and theatre arts at Whitko High Schools.  His parents created this scholarship to carry on their son’s legacy of bringing out the best in students. Recipients will be chosen based on academic performance and financial needs, as well as community service, work experience, or an indication of interest in and dedication to activities in performing arts, drama, theater, English, literature, or creative writing.

Joseph Burns, Matthew Dietrick, Alexander Hentgen, Jack Holly, and Brandon Holmes were all awarded the Chris Rood Memorial Baseball Scholarship from baseball coach Matt Stone. This endowment was established to provide scholarships for baseball players. Selection is based on financial need, baseball ability, academic performance, and a desire to excel.

The George W. & Donna Mae Russell Scholarship was awarded to Neil Miller. 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.

Fred Squires presented the Dorothy Squires Memorial Scholarship to Neil Miller. When Fred retired from Beauchamp & McSpadden in 2009, he was presented with an unnamed endowment held at the Community Foundation.  After many months of consideration and many family discussions, the Squires family decided to create a scholarship endowment in memory of Dorothy Squires, Fred’s mother. During her teaching career, Dorothy taught English at both Wabash High School and Northfield High School. 

Brock Ireland was awarded this year’s Joseph G. & Earleen Ulery Memorial Scholarship. Kent Ulery and Joleen Ulery Sodervick and their families established this scholarship in memory of their parents who were well-known lifetime residents of Wabash County. Recipients must be pursuing higher education in the study of art, music, dance, and/or drama from any accredited university, college, or conservatory.

The Wabash High School Class of 1951 Scholarship was awarded to Neil Miller. This scholarship was established by the Wabash High School Class of 1951 and is awarded to a graduate pursing a two or four-year undergraduate degree at an Indiana university or college.

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 .