Existing Funds

The following is a list of funds administered by the Blackford County Community Foundation. These funds are set aside for the purposes indicated by the donor, i.e. projects related to health, education, the arts, community, youth, animals, faith, and overall foundation operations.

You may contribute to any fund at any time and all donations are tax exempt.

 

Below is a complete listing of the funds available in every category.

 
Arts Place Blackford County Arts Center Designated Endowment Fund

In Loving Memory of Sarah L. Garrett
The children of Sarah L. Garrett created an endowment fund in 2014 in memory of their mother for the express purpose of supporting operations and programs at the Blackford County Arts Center in downtown Hartford City. Mrs. Garrett and her late husband Charles were farmers and former owners of several local businesses. Mrs. Garrett was an avid and accomplished painter

Blackford County Animal Shelter

This fund was established by the Blackford County Animal Shelter in 2010, with the generous assistance of the Blackford County Humane Society, for supporting its mission to provide temporary shelter, care, and medical attention for stray, surrendered, or otherwise homeless cats and dogs in Blackford County; to prevent animal cruelty and neglect and prosecute offenders; to strengthen the human-animal bond through education and adoption; and to promote the importance of spaying and neutering to help control the pet overpopulation.

Blackford County Civil War Monument Fund

This fund was initially established to support the maintenance of the Civil War monument located on the southwest corner of the Courthouse square. The names of more than 950 Blackford County Civil War veterans are displayed along with the Gettysburg Address on the granite base of this monument.

Blackford County Community Foundation Administrative Endowment Fund

This fund was established to help cultivate, nurture, and grow legacies for donors to the Foundation.

Blackford County Community Foundation Unrestricted Fund

This fund receives donations from community members for purposes of providing grant support for projects proposed to the Foundation by local nonprofit groups.

Blackford County Promise 529 Fund

This fund was established in 2016 for community donors to provide funding for incentives that encourage young local students and their families and friends to contribute to CollegeChoice 529 accounts. These incentives are available to students who are enrolled in the Promise Indiana Blackford County program.

Blackford County Dolly Parton Imagination Library Endowment Fund

In the effort to provide more permanent funding to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program in Blackford County, local advocates established this permanent endowment fund in 2014. The fund’s earnings help support this early reading program that puts a high-quality children’s book into the hands of any enrolled local child each month from the time of the child’s birth to his or her fifth birthday.

Blackford County Dolly Parton Imagination Library Pass Through Fund

This fund supports the short-term expenditures needed for the Blackford County Imagination Library Program. The program provides a monthly book to each enrolled Blackford County child between the ages of 0 and 5 years.

Blackford Youth Soccer League Fund

This fund begun in 2015 provides an annual payment to the Youth Soccer League for upkeep and operations at the Blackford Youth Soccer League complex.

Annette Ervin Blalock Memorial Fund

This fund was established by the Ervin family in memory of Annette Ervin Blalock, who especially loved spending time with her Great Danes. The fund supports the Blackford County Animal Shelter and is dedicated to the welfare of companion animals.

Cancer Support for Blackford County

This fund was established to provide HOPE (Handing Out Positive Encouragement) to those Blackford County residents who have been diagnosed with cancer. The goal is encourage patients through giving emotional, spiritual, and financial support.

CAPE Endowment Fund

This fund was started from Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Community Alliance to Promote Education (CAPE) initiative. The original grant was awarded to the Blackford County Community Foundation and Blackford County Schools in 2001 to fund programs focused on improved literacy learning for young children. The fund continues to aid literacy projects.

Vincent F. and Anna C. Cimino Community Fund

Vincent F. and Anna C. Cimino created this fund in order to provide support for newly identified community needs, such as a school program for developing an awareness of the trades as a career option for students and also the Blackford County Youth Golf Program.

East Central Opportunities Endowment Fund

In 2012 this fund was established from the remaining funds of the dissolved East Central Opportunities nonprofit organization. The funds are designated for Work One of Blackford County to provide help to displaced workers in Blackford County.

William E. Ervin Memorial Fund

This fund was created in memory of William E. Ervine, a local attorney who enjoyed local history and was a lifelong reader. The fund provides grants to literacy programs, most recently providing dictionaries to all Blackford County third graders and the “Life of Pres. A. Lincoln” portraits displayed in all Blackford County Schools.

Jeffery W. and Peggy L. Fisher Unrestricted Endowment Fund

In 2019, the Fishers created an unrestricted fund at the Foundation that provides for a wide variety of community projects. The fund was partially supported by a grant directed to the Foundation by the Fishers, who participated on a program sponsored by the Monsanto Fund that allows farmers to support local nonprofits about which they care.

Richard M. Flatter and Ruth L. Flatter Community Fund

Ruth Flatter-Oswalt established this fund upon her death as a gift to four community organizations, the Hartford City Public Library, the #106 Masonic Lodge, the Hartford City Elks Lodge #625, and Cancer Support of Blackford County. Mrs. Flatter-Oswalt was a native and lifelong resident of Blackford County. She and her first husband were married for fifty-one years and spent most of their lives farming. Mr. Flatter died in 2000; Mrs. Flatter-Oswalt later married Robert Oswalt.

Jack and Golly Forcum Arts Place, Inc./Blackford County Arts Center Endowment Fund

The family of Jack and Golly Forcum established an endowment fund in 2014 to provide permanent financial support to the Blackford County Arts Center located in Hartford City. Jack Forcum served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and later worked as an engineer at Delco Remy for 33 years. He and his wife Golly were married for over 60 years.

Dorothy Gadbury Fund

This fund was created in memory of Dorothy Gadbury, an elementary teacher who taught in Roll, Carney School, and Ervin School. She was also one of the first teachers at Licking Elementary. She and her husband Dwight owned a dairy farm west of Hartford City. The fund provides support for local projects that help improve the health of local residents.

Andy Glentzer Fund

This fund was established in memory of Andy Glentzer. Andy was a long time middle school principal and impacted the lives of hundreds of students. He was also well known for his community involvement. This fund supports a variety of projects and organizations in Blackford County, much like Andy did!

Don and Caroline Goetz and Family Fund

Don and Caroline Goetz established this fund to leave a legacy in Blackford County. This fund supports a variety of organizations and projects each year.

Opal Greenlee Memorial Fund

This fund was created in memory of Opal Greenlee, who enjoyed playing violin and teaching piano. The fund offers financial assistance in providing music or voice lessons and/or musical instruments to students.

Hartford City Cemetery Association, Inc. Designated Endowment Fund

The Hartford City Cemetery Association Board of Directors established this endowed fund in 2014 to help generate funds for the continued beautification and maintenance of the Hartford City Cemetery (formerly the I.O.O.F. Cemetery).

Hartford City Rotary-Tracy Kerlin Memorial Fund

The Hartford City Rotary Club established this fund in 2012 to provide support for its community projects and for maintenance and repair of the Girl Scout House in Hartford City.

Christopher B. and Kristie A. Jennerjahn Advised Pass-Through Fund

In 2013 Christopher and Kristie Jennerjahn set up a donor-advised fund that allows them to recommend to the Foundation which charitable organizations they wish to support with grants. This fund is specifically designated for nonprofits that advance Christianity.

Thomas and Bernice Johnson Memorial Fund

This fund was established in memory of Thomas Dwight and Florence Bernice (Bowman) Johnson, who lived to the ages of 72 and 91 respectively. Mr. Johnson was the first letter carrier in Montpelier, and Mrs. Johnson was a telephone operator there for many years. The fund will provide support and enhance the charitable work of the Blackford County Community Foundation.

Rusha Marine Memorial Fund

This fund was originally established to help senior citizens in Montpelier with their hospital expenses and now provides financial assistance up to $1,000 per year for a wide range of needs for the senior citizens in Harrison Township.

City of Montpelier, Indiana, 100-Year Fund

Established in 2004 with the help of former mayor Kenny Neff, the 100-Year Fund was created by ten donors. Additional donations may be made in order to increase even further the fund’s financial growth. The anticipated payout to the local community should exceed $1 million by 2104.

Montpelier American Legion Veterans Assistance Fund

This fund was established in 2015 to provide veterans and their families living in Harrison or Washington Townships in Blackford County or Chester Township in Wells County to receive grants for attending an Indiana college or vocational training or for emergency assistance for food, shelter, or utilities.

Montpelier-Harrison Township Cancer Fund

This fund was established by Florence Bernice Johnson to support and enhance charitable work related to cancer prevention and treatment for residents in Montpelier and Harrison Township. Mrs. Johnson was a long-time resident of Montpelier and a telephone operator there for many years.

North Central Indiana Youth for Christ, Inc., Fund

This fund was established in 2000 by North Center Indiana Youth for Christ, Inc., in order to benefit the Youth for Christ program in Blackford County.

Oddfellows Cemetery Fund

This fund was established by Florence Bernice Johnson, long-time resident of Montpelier and a telephone operator there for many years. This financial resource is used to maintain the Oddfellows Cemetery in Montpelier.

Rapid Relief Fund

The board of directors of the Foundation began this fund in 2020 to address the needs of local nonprofit agencies and programming that may be dealing with the economic issues of the COVID-19 pandemic.

T.P. and Helen M. Reidy Memorial Fund

This fund was established by George and Karleen Reidy in memory of George’s parents, T.P. and Helen M. Reidy. T.P. Reidy founded the Hartford Glass Company in 1939 and served as president of the company; upon his death in 1958, his wife Helen took up the position and led the company over the next twenty-five years. This fund is an endowment that provides financial assistance to St. John the Evangelist Church.

Betty L. and Robert W. Renner Community Fund

This fund was created in 2002 by Betty L. and Robert W. Renner. Mr. Renner served many years as president then later as chairman of the board of Citizens State Bank. The fund supplies financial resources for various kinds of projects.

Francis M. Reynolds/Woodlawn Cemetery Fund

This fund was created in 2012 from the estate of Dr. Francis M. Reynolds, a prominent physician and surgeon practicing in Montpelier in the first half of the twentieth century. The fund provides beautification and maintenance for Woodlawn Cemetery in Montpelier.

Paul L. Roderick Memorial Fund

This fund was established in memory of Paul L. Roderick, who worked at the Blackford County Courthouse in maintenance and on the Blackford County Highway Department during the 1950s and 1960s. These financial resources support various community projects.

Paul L. Roderick Memorial Fund for Benefit of Blackford County YMCA

This fund was established in memory of Paul L. Roderick to provide financial assistance to the YMCA with its mission of building healthy spirits, minds, and bodies for Blackford County’s youth. Mr. Roderick engaged in an active lifestyle himself by lifting weights, riding a bike, and walking.

Schantz Endowment Fund

This fund was established by William and Patricia Schantz as a charitable gift that would continue to support fourteen nonprofit organizations after their deaths that they had long assisted during their lifetimes.

Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana Endowment Fund

This fund was established to help provide hunger relief to Blackford County residents who are in need. These endowed funds will insure that a local program aimed at reducing hunger can continue.

Shreves-Poulson Community Fund

In memory of Jerry W. Shreves and Jerry J. Poulson
This fund was established by Patty Shreves Poulson in 2015 as a donor-advised endowment that currently supports the operations of  Women of Worth and their mission to support women and children in Blackford County.

Townsend Fund

This endowed fund was established in 2022 by Mark Townsend to provide continuous funding for projects and programs that the Foundation supports in Blackford County. Mark is a life-long resident of Blackford County who has continued his family legacy in the agriculture community by operating their family farm which is located in Washington Township.

Charles and Betty Walker Unrestricted Fund

Charles and Betty Walker established this endowment in 2015 in order to provide ongoing funding for community projects supported by the Foundation. The Walkers were both born in Blackford County and own a family farm in Harrison Township. They were active in their church and in activities of the local agricultural community.

Joanne and Nolan Willman Unrestricted Fund

This endowed fund was created in 2014 to provide resources for the many and varied projects proposed by local nonprofit organizations and approved by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. The Willmans have been active supporters of the Blackford County Civil War Reenactment Club, community choir events, and their local church.

Women of Worth Advised Pass-Through Fund

Along with a complementary endowment fund, this fund was created in 2009 to provide grant awards to local nonprofits proposing projects that benefit the women and/or children of Blackford County. The fund is replenished each year with half of the donations made by the Women of Worth members.

Women of Worth Endowment Fund

This fund was established in 2009 with half of the donations from approximately 250 local women interested in the welfare of women and children in Blackford County. The endowment supports projects proposed by local entities that will benefit the women and children of the community.

Woodlawn Cemetery Fund

This fund was created by Ida Beard to assist in the upkeep of the Woodlawn Cemetery in Montpelier where her own family is also buried.

Young Men’s Christian Association of Muncie, Indiana, Fund

This is an endowed fund that provides financial support for capital improvements for the Blackford County YMCA.


Scholarships and Scholarship Funds

Dianna Mae Alfrey Memorial Scholarship Fund

This fund was created in memory of Dianna Mae Alfrey, who as a teacher for 42 years, dedicated her life to educating and helping others. This scholarship grants financial assistance to a student from Montpelier or Harrison Township who plans to pursue a college degree in education.

Bruce C. Bade Scholarship Fund

This fund was established by Jeanine M., Jennifer Ann, and Brian W. Bade in honor of their father Bruce C. Bade, who served as Blackford County Circuit Court judge until 2009. The scholarship will provide financial support to a student who plans to pursue postsecondary education in the fields of criminal justice, law, or a law-related field.

Robert L. Bales Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was created in 2015 to honor the memory of Robert Bales, a native and long-time resident of Blackford County. Mr. Bales was an active leader in the community serving on various boards, including the Blackford Golf Club, Hartford City Kiwanis, First Presbyterian Church of Hartford City, the Blackford Economic Development Corporation, and the Blackford County School Board. This scholarship goes to support a student pursuing a vocational degree or certification.

Blackford County Retired Teachers Association Scholarship

This scholarship is given by the Blackford County Retired Teachers Association to a graduating Blackford High School senior pursuing postsecondary education. This scholarship each year names specific teachers who have retired from Blackford County Schools to honor or memorialize in the presentation of the award.

Harry and Arlene Bohr Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established by Harry J. Bohr and his wife Arlene. After Mr. Bohr graduated from Hartford City High School in 1931, he and his best friend Ralph Wood hitched rides on freight trains traveling the United States during the height of the Depression. Mr. Bohr wrote about these adventures in Teenage Hobos published in 1998. This scholarship supports a student planning to pursue postsecondary education in journalism, creative writing, composition, English, or other fields related to writing.

Erma Bradford Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was established as a legacy of Erma Bradford, a Hartford City native who worked many years at the Knecht Grain Elevator in Hartford City and was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church. This scholarship supports a student planning to pursue postsecondary education.

Kelsey Nichole Clamme Memorial Scholarship

This fund was established by Kile and Brandy Clamme in memory of their daughter, Kelsey. Kelsey graduated from Blackford High School in 2020, was a 10 year 4-H’er and had plans to study at a vocational or technical school. This scholarship was awarded for the first time in 2021 to a student who also graduated from Blackford High School, was a 10 year 4-H’er and had plans to study at a vocational or technical school.

Cline-Cooley Nursing Scholarship Fund

Hazel Cline, lifelong resident of Blackford County and nurse at Blackford Hospital, chose to give back to the community in 2016 by establishing a scholarship fund for local students studying nursing.

Mike Collins and Jerald E. Snyder Hartford City Kiwanis Memorial Scholarship Fund

This fund was created in 2014 by Donald and Caroline Goetz and the Hartford City Kiwanis Club to honor the memory of two long-time Kiwanians and local businessmen, Mike Collins and Jerald Snyder. The scholarship will go to a Blackford High School graduate.

Delta Theta Tau Sorority, Inc., Nu Chapter, Scholarship in Memory of Dorothy Gadbury Endowed Fund

This fund was created in memory of Dorothy Gadbury, who taught in various schools in Blackford County. She was one of the first teachers at Licking Elementary School in the early 1960s. She and her husband Dwight also owned a dairy farm west of Hartford City. This scholarship provides financial support to a student who plans to pursue an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, or education.

Lawrence H. and M. Irene Dick Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was established by the Dick family in tribute to their parents, who farmed just west of Roll for many years. Mr. Dick worked at 3M, and Mrs. Dick worked at the Montpelier Glove Company. She also played the piano at Roll United Methodist Church for fifty years. This scholarship supports a student planning to study music education or the performing arts.

Richard M. Flatter and Ruth L. Flatter Memorial Scholarship Fund

Ruth Flatter-Oswalt established this scholarship fund as a gift to the community upon her death. Mrs. Flatter-Oswalt was a native and lifelong resident of Blackford County. She and her first husband were married for fifty-one years and spent most of their lives farming. Mr. Flatter died in 2000; Mrs. Flatter-Oswalt later married Robert Oswalt. The fund was created in 2018 and will award at least two postsecondary scholarships each year beginning in 2020.

David C. Ford Memorial Scholarship Fund

This fund was established by Joyce A. Ford in memory of her husband David C. Ford, who served as an Indiana state senator for four terms. The scholarship provides financial support to a student committed to Christian principles and good citizenship who plans to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study in pre-law, technology, math, or science at a college or university in Indiana.

Geezer Memorial Scholarship Fund

In 2007, Brian Jenerjahn and Dave Snyder established the Geezers and they have met as a group on Wednesday mornings for breakfast every week since. During their conversations on how to “solve the world’s problems” they decided to establish a scholarship fund at the Foundation, which they did in 2023. This fund will award it’s first scholarship in 2025 and every year following; the recipient must live in Blackford County, graduate from Blackford Junior Senior High School and plan to pursue a post-secondary education.

Earl Greaf Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established in memory of Earl Greaf, long-time Blackford County assessor. Mr. Greaf was first elected in 1974 and served for over twenty years. The scholarship financially assists a student pursing a postsecondary education.

Hartford City Elks #625 Scholarship Fund

The Hartford City Elks Lodge #625 has provided this scholarship to the youth of Blackford County since 1900. The scholarship provides financial support to a student who plans to pursue postsecondary education.

Hartford City Kiwanis Scholarship

This scholarship is given each year by the Hartford City Kiwanis Club in memory of a local Kiwanians who have been active in civic affairs Jim Evans and Max Mecklenburg. The scholarship supports a student pursuing postsecondary education.

Hartford City Kiwanis Scholarship in Memory of Mike McDougall

The Hartford City Kiwanis Club established this scholarship in memory of Kiwanian Mike McDougall, local dentist. Dr. McDougall was active in Masonic Lodge, the Shrine Club, and other civic organizations. This scholarship supports a student planning to attend Indiana University or pursuing a degree in a health care field.

Hartford City Rotary Scholarship in Memory of Lloyd Hall

This scholarship was honors the memory of Rev. W. Lloyd Hall, a well-known pastor at Grace United Methodist Church. Rev. Hall was also active in the Hartford City Rotary Club for many years. This scholarship supports a student pursuing a postsecondary education.

Floyd E. and Betty J. Huffman Memorial Scholarship Fund

This fund was established by Lois (Huffman) Hoffman and Edgar Huffman in memory of their parents Floyd and Betty Huffman, who were local accountants and county auditors dedicated to helping others and were involved in many Blackford County activities. Floyd Huffman started the first radio station in the county, WHCI, in 1954. This fund provides post-secondary scholarships each year.

Hartford City Tri Kappa, Beta Xi Chapter Scholarships

The Hartford City Tri Kappa chapter provides two scholarships to local high school students as part of its mission of supporting charity, culture, and education: a scholarship for a student who plans to pursue an academic course of study and a second scholarship for a vocational course of study.

Hartford City Tri Kappa Associates Scholarship in Memory of Martha Archer and Arlo Fadely

The Hartford City Tri Kappa Associates provides a scholarship in memory of two highly involved members, Martha Archer and Arlo Fadely. Both worked tirelessly on various civic and church affairs in the community.

Ed and Ruth Henderson Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Henderson family to commemorate their parents’ devotion to educating the youth of Blackford County. The scholarship is given each year to a Blackford High School senior planning to study journalism or English, secondary education, or music. These career areas honor the life work of Ed and Ruth Henderson, both teachers at Hartford City High School and then Blackford High School for over thirty years.

Hollander Family Scholarship

This fund was established by Ed Hollander. Beginning in 2023, this fund will support a student pursuing a post-secondary education in Indiana.

Jones Family Farms Scholarship

This scholarship was created by the families of David and Thomas Jones, who wish to help Blackford High School graduates fund a college education. The scholarship financially supports a student who plans to pursue a two-year or four-year course of study at an accredited college.

Voyance I. and Zella J. Kegerreis Memorial Scholarship Fund

This fund was established by Voyance I Kegerreis, a former teacher, and his wife Zella. The scholarship provides financial support to a student planning to pursue postsecondary education.

Travis R. Keplinger Memorial Fund

This fund was established by Dennis and Andrea Keplinger in memory of their six-year-old son, Travis. The scholarship provides financial support to a student who participated in art, music, or soccer during his/her public school years and plans to pursue postsecondary education.

Clara C. Kitterman Memorial Scholarship Fund

Clara C. Kitterman was just four months shy of living to her one hundredth birthday. She had no children but believed strongly in the importance of education. She established this scholarship fund to give financial support to a student who plans to pursue an education in the trades or to study at a business school, technical school, or four-year college.

Lake Trout Clean Energy Advocate Scholarship Fund

This fund was established by Lake Trout Solar Company in 2022. The scholarship awarded from this fund supports a Blackford High School graduate pursuing a post-secondary education in STEM, construction or a construction management related field.

Paul and Delight Ely Lee Scholarship Fund

This fund was established by Paul and Delight Ely Lee’s daughter in memory of her parents who were residents of Roll, Indiana. The scholarship goes to a Blackford High School graduate holding a 3.33 GPA with first preference to Elementary Education and second to any area of Education.

Levy Scholarship

This scholarship was established to help a Blackford High School graduate pursue postsecondary education.

Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship

Lilly Endowment Inc. supports one high school graduate each year with full tuition and an additional allocation for books and required equipment for each of the student’s four years of undergraduate study at an accredited Indiana college or university.

Cindy K. Maddox Memorial Scholarship Fund

This fund was established by John R. Maddox, Jr., in memory of his wife Cindy K. Maddox, who was a member of the Blackford Golf Club. The scholarship grants financial support to a student who plans to pursue a degree in elementary or middle school education or in language arts education.

John R. and Jane C. Maddox Family Scholarship Fund

This fund was created by John R. and Jane C. Maddox in order to help high school graduates fund a college education. The scholarship makes financial support available to a student who plans to pursue a postsecondary education at a Christian college or university.

Guy C. and Grace Glancy Mahorney Scholarship Fund

This fund was established by Jane Maddox in honor of her parents. The scholarship will provide financial support to a student who plans to pursue a degree in elementary education at Ball State University. This scholarship is renewable for a second year to a student who remains in good academic standing. Mrs. Grace Mahorney received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Ball State. She taught in the elementary schools of Blackford County for many years.

Ronald A. and Melanie J. Mason, Steve R. and Michelle Stafford, and G. Jewel Wilson Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was created in 2013 by Ronald and Melanie Mason, Steve and Michelle Stafford, and Jewel Wilson, long-time owners, managers, and employees of a well-known local restaurant. This scholarship is awarded to students pursuing an associate’s degree in culinary arts or bachelor’s degrees in pre-med, pre-vet, veterinary science, education, or business.

Donald McAfee Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund is an endowment that was created in 2020 by the McAfee family in memory of Don McAfee. Mr. McAfee was a highly respected teacher at Blackford High School, much loved by his students. He taught physics and chemistry for many years and then was instrumental in developing a computer programming/technology program in the mid-1980’s when students were just beginning to gain access to personal computing in the schools. The scholarship supports a student studying a STEM area major, i.e., science, engineering, math, computer science, health or medicine, at a four-year college. The student must be a Blackford High School graduate and, preferably, a current college student.

Helen and Howard McCollum Family Scholarship Fund

This endowed fund was established in 2015 by Helen McCollum in order to provide a scholarship for a student already enrolled in an accredited two- or four-year degree program in a private or public college. The scholarship also honors the memory of Mrs. McCollum’s husband, Howard McCollum, sheriff of Blackford County during the 1970s.

Thomas E. McGeath and Jesse Lee Reynolds Memorial Scholarship Fund

This fund was created in 2014 by Joan McGeath in order to honor the memories of husband Tom McGeath and their grandson Jesse Lee Reynolds. Mr. McGeath taught sixth grade for many years with Blackford County Schools, retiring in 1995. Jesse Reynolds was a sophomore at Blackford High School at his death. This fund will provide two separate scholarships each year with preference given to students entering the teaching field, especially those planning to teach industrial technology.

Montpelier Alumni Association Scholarship

The Montpelier Alumni Association gives two scholarships, one to a boy and one to a girl, graduating from Blackford High School and living in Montpelier or Harrison Township.

Montpelier Lions Club Scholarship Fund

The Montpelier Lions Club contributes two scholarships to Blackford Junior Senior High School graduates from Montpelier and two to Southern Wells Junior Senior High School graduates from this endowment fund in order to support the graduate’s pursuit of postsecondary education.

Montpelier Pony and Saddle Club Scholarship Fund

This fund was established after the Montpelier Pony and Saddle Club sold their property and split the proceeds between the Blackford County Community Foundation and the Wells County Community Foundation. The fund provides a scholarship to a graduate of Blackford High School who is a member of the 4H Horse and Pony Club.

Geraldine McFerren Myers Scholarship Fund

Geraldine McFerren Myers was a long time resident of Hartford City working in her family’s business, the McFerren Grocery, until the 1960s. The scholarship gives financial support to a Blackford High School graduate who will be or is currently pursuing a postsecondary education.

George A. Mundrake Scholarship Fund

This fund was established by Benjamin E. Oswalt in memory of his long-time friend, George A. Mundrake, in 2022. This scholarship is awarded to a Ball State University student who has graduated from Blackford High School for their 2nd, 3rd and 4th years of college.

Jorden W. Nickols Memorial Scholarship Fund

This fund was established by Shelli L. and Jeffrey J. Nickols in memory of their son Jorden W. Nickols, a 2009 graduate of Blackford High School who was active in sports. The scholarship provides financial support to a student who participated in sports during high school and who plans to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study in education/coaching, criminal justice, or a science-related field.

Hal and Gretchen Oberholzer Scholarship Fund

This fund was established by Hal and Gretchen Oberholzer, both retired Blackford County Schools elementary teachers. The scholarship financially supports a Blackford High School student who plans to pursue a four-year degree in elementary education.

June E. Overmeyer Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was established in 2013 by Mark Weseli in memory of his grandmother June E. Overmeyer. Mrs. Overmeyer operated a linotype machine at the Harford City News-Times office for many years and raised five children. The scholarship goes to a student pursuing Mrs. Overmeyer’s journalism and communication interests.

Pete Redmond Family Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was established by the Redmond family in 2014 to provide financial assistance to a Blackford High School graduating senior studying education at an Indiana college. Mr. Redmond was a Blackford County native who began teaching at Northside Elementary School in Hartford City and then spent most of his 28-year career as a special education teacher at Marion High School. He lived with his family on a farm east of Hartford City.

Kevin P. Reichard Memorial Football Scholarship Fund

This fund was established by Charles P. and Marcia B. Reichard in memory of their son Kevin P. Reichard. The scholarship will provide financial support to a student who participated in sports, preferably football, during high school and who plans to pursue postsecondary education.

Francis W. and Lucille M. Reidy Memorial Scholarship Fund

This fund was established by Francis W. Reidy in memory of his wife, Lucille M. Reidy. Both were graduates of Blackford County schools. The scholarship provides financial support to a boy and a girl graduating from Blackford High School who plan to attend a college or university to follow a postsecondary course of study in nontraditional studies or in technical training.

Francis W. and Winifred Reidy Memorial Scholarship Fund

This fund was established by Francis Reidy and his children in honor of Francis’s first wife and the children’s mother, Winifred Reidy. The scholarship provides financial support to two students, a boy and a girl, graduating from Blackford High School who plan to attend a technical or vocational school.

Jean Ann Rhodes Memorial Baseball Scholarship

This fund was established by Merrill Rhodes in memory of his wife Jean Ann Rhodes, who served as a secretary at Blackford High School for many years. Mrs. Rhodes also dedicated her time and energy to the high school baseball program, which she steadfastly supported. This scholarship offers financial support to a student who participated in baseball during high school while maintaining at least a 3.0 grade point average, and plans to follow a four-year course of study at a college or university.

Roth Family Scholarship Fund

This fund was created by Dr. Wally Roth, former Taylor University professor of Computer Science and Engineering, and his wife Marlene Roth, retired teacher with Blackford County Schools. The scholarship provides financial support to a student who plans to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study in science, education, or any medical field.

William & Patricia Schantz Scholarship Fund

This fund was established by William and Patricia Schantz, founders of Hartford Concrete. The scholarship financially supports a student planning to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study at a college or university in Indiana. This scholarship can be granted for four consecutive years to a recipient in good academic standing.

Miss Nancy S. Schorey, BSN, MSN, Registered Nurse Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was established by the Schoreys to honor the memory of Nancy Schorey, who had a long and illustrious career in nursing including service in the United States Air Force and as a hospital administrator. This scholarship supports a student planning to study nursing or another medical field and may be renewed for an additional three years for a student who remains in good academic standing.

Rich Scott Memorial Music Scholarship Fund

This fund was established by Dr. R. Lewis and Pearl Scott in memory of their son Rich Scott. The scholarship gives financial support to a student who plans to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study in the field of music, or to a student who plays a musical instrument and/or simply enjoys the world of music.

Kim A. Stump Memorial Scholarship Fund

This fund was created in memory of Kim A. Stump, who was active in sports and athletics. Ms. Stump was the first female sports editor for the Blackford High School yearbook and coached tee ball, Little League, and boys and girls volleyball. The scholarship will provide financial support to a student who plans to pursue a full-time baccalaureate program.

Dr. Severino T and Karen K. Sulit Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is given annually to a Blackford High School graduate who plans to pursue a baccalaureate degree in a medical field. Dr. Sulit was a surgeon in Blackford County for many years while Mrs. Sulit was his office nurse. Both have been active in the community.

Trowel and Error Garden Club Scholarship

The Trowel and Error Garden Club provides a scholarship to a local student pursuing postsecondary education in landscape design or horticulture,

Floyd and Leatha Warner Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is given in memory of Floyd Warner, teacher and guidance counselor at Hartford City High School in the 1950s and 1960s, and his wife Leatha. A student qualifying for this scholarship must have attended Blackford High School for all four years of his/her high school career.

Errol H. Washburn Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is given in memory of Errol Washburn, an industrial arts teacher at Blackford High School for many years. This scholarship supports a student studying elementary or secondary education or a course of study in a medical field.