Bob and Joyce Friesner Memorial Scholarship Recipient
We are excited to announce that Andrea Weaver was named the recipient of the Bob and Joyce Friesner Memorial Scholarship, a scholarship given to a West Noble senior! Congratulations Andrea!
Peter R. Bottomley Scholarship Recipient
We are excited to announce that Amrie Trappe has been named the recipient of the Peter R. Bottomley Scholarship! Amrie will be attending Ball State University and pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus on music. Amrie’s first band director enlightened her of the possibilities of music and the need to share it. Amrie wants to pursue her desire for music through performance and growth while sharing music with others.
The 2025 Scholarship season opens on November 25th. Visit https://cfnoble.org/scholarships/ and take the Eligibility Quiz to find out what scholarships you are matched with AND complete the 2025 CFNC Main Application that collects activities, community service, essays, references, etc.
Non-Profit Appreciation
The Community Foundation of Noble County hosted a nonprofit appreciation event on Thursday, June 27, at the 5C Barns in Albion. Approximately 120 individuals representing over 50 nonprofit organizations attended. Guests were welcomed by Jazmin Herrera, Program Director at CFNC, who shared her family’s gratitude for the support and resources they received when her younger sister was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 11. This experience deeply influenced Jazmin’s decision to pursue a master’s degree in nonprofit administration.
The keynote speaker, Gary Gatman, a Noble County community leader, spoke about the wonderful experiences and resources provided by Noble County’s nonprofit sector and highlighted the friendliness of the community through the eyes of his grandchild. Gary expressed his gratitude to the nonprofits for their dedication and hard work, acknowledging that their countless hours of effort provide essential support and benefits to those they serve.
The event concluded with the drawing of two $1,000 grants to the charity of the recipients’ choice. Congratulations to Jennifer Steffey and Rose Benjamin.
The next grant deadline is coming up on July 2. Reach out to Jazmin@cfnoble.org to learn about grant opportunities offered.
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New Scholarship Fund – Victoria Grigsby Scholarship
The Community Foundation of Noble County is honored to share a new scholarship fund for West Noble High School seniors.
Victoria Anne Grigsby was born in Wolf Lake on June 5th 1944. She is remembered by her classmates as an excellent and well behaved student. She grew up on West Third St. with her mom Queenie “Mary”, Sister Olivia, Aunt Olga, and Aunt Ena. The family was originally from South Africa, her mother moving here when she was only 4. Her mother worked as the library director at the Ligonier Public Library for many years. Unfortunately, Victoria passed away in June of 1960 from drowning. Her loss was devastating to the family and community.
This scholarship was established through an individual who knew her mother and was deeply affected by the passing of Victoria.
For a West Noble High school senior with a GPA of 3.00 or better who will be attending a 4-year accredited college/university majoring in any of the physical sciences (biology, medicine, chemistry, physics, etc.) or a branch of engineering (civil, structural, chemical, mechanical, aerospace, etc.), or any other STEM curriculum. Recipient must maintain a 3.00 GPA or better and field of study as listed above in the first semester to receive the second payment during the spring semester. Transcript upload required at completion of first semester. Awards $5,000 to be paid in two installments; $2,500 in the fall and $2,500 in the spring.
Welcome Grant Flora!
My name is Grant Flora, and I have the opportunity to serve as the Marketing/Administrative Intern this summer! As a past beneficiary of the Foundation’s work and the amazing community in Noble County, I’m glad to be able to pour back into the community that helped me develop into the person I am today. I am currently studying Multimedia Communications at Indiana Wesleyan University, where I also compete in the sports of Cross Country and Track and Field! I enjoy playing and watching a variety of different sports in my free time, as well as playing the piano and spending time with friends and family. I’ve been blessed in many different ways throughout my life, and I want to help return the favor in as many ways as possible, which includes what I can do here for the Foundation. I’m grateful for it all, and I’m looking forward to what we can do together!
Bergen Tom Interview – Full Version
Our summer college intern, Grant Flora, had the privilege of sitting down with Bergen Tom, WNHS 2020 alumni and scholarship recipient, to discuss the impact of scholarships on her education and to learn about her future plans.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1qP6B9f8Wo
Noble County Chess Fund Awards Grant!
PICTURE: Superintendent Nate Lowe on the left, Mrs. DeeDee Schermerhorn on the right, 4th graders of Mrs. Schermerhorn’s classroom.
The Community Foundation of Noble County is proud to announce that West Noble School Corporation has been awarded a $1,500 grant from the Noble County Chess Fund. This grant will support the revitalization of chess education and clubs in West Noble schools, providing students with access to quality chess instruction and opportunities to participate in chess competitions.
The Noble County Chess Fund was established in December 1996 by a close friend, in memory of Chet Dekko. Mr. Dekko was a respected entrepreneur, business and community leader, and dedicated family man who believed in education as the key to an independent, successful life. To honor Mr. Dekko’s legacy and support chess education for elementary school children in Noble County. This donor created this fund in lieu of flowers.
West Noble School Corporation will use the grant to rejuvenate the West Noble Chess Club. Although some chess activities currently take place in classrooms and clubs across all four school buildings, the existing chess sets are outdated, the boards are worn out, and many pieces are missing. Furthermore, there are no clocks or notation books available. With the new equipment purchased through this grant, it is anticipated that chess participation will significantly increase during lunch periods, study halls, and classroom sessions.
“I spent an afternoon one week in a 5th-grade math class teaching chess etiquette and some basic patterns,” said Dr. Nate Lowe, superintendent of West Noble School Corporation. “The kids and the teacher were hungry for more …This grant will enable us to provide the necessary equipment and resources to foster a thriving chess culture in our schools.”
Dr. Nate Lowe also shared a heartwarming story that highlights the unifying power of chess.
“In Mrs. Kiser’s first-grade classroom at West Noble Primary, there are two students currently learning English. These children do not speak much since they are learning the language, but when they see the chess board, they beam with excitement. Both students had played chess with their families. These two first graders then taught their entire classroom how to play chess. It was a beautiful moment that demonstrated how chess can unite people of all backgrounds, no matter their language, abilities, age, or anything else.”
The grant will also be used to purchase chess clocks and notation books for students ready to advance to the next level of competition.
“When I coached the chess team at the high school 15 years ago, we participated in several scholastic chess tournaments in our area. We have students who could and should be competing at this level again,” added Lowe. “It is time to bring chess back to West Noble in a significant way.”
The Community Foundation of Noble County is excited to support West Noble School Corporation in this initiative through the Noble County Chess Club.
For more information about the Noble County Chess Fund, grant opportunities, or to learn how you can support educational initiatives in our community, please contact Program Director Jazmín Herrera at jazmin@cfnoble.org or 260-894-3335.
Grants Awarded
Community Foundation of Noble County Awards $112,740 in Grants
The Community Foundation of Noble County is pleased to announce the recipients of its first 2024 grant cycle. A total of 16 organizations have been awarded funding to support a variety of programs and initiatives that will benefit residents throughout Noble County. The total amount awarded is $112,740.
- Noble Educational Initiatives (dba “Turning Point”) – $10,000 for business expansion. This grant will fund Turning Point Coffee business expansion as they acquire a food truck and more barista tools. The program will equip students with skills for employment in local coffee shops and event planning.
- Life & Family Services – $6,240 to support the bilingual coordinator with traveling workshops in Noble County. The bilingual coordinator will enhance the reach of services in underserved communities, such as Ligonier, making vital resources accessible to those unable to travel to Kendallville.
- RespectTeam – $2,500 to deliver programming in middle and high school health classrooms. The RespectTeam will engage students in activities focused on mental health, social media, and relationships, while fostering an understanding of the value of respect.
- Community Learning Center, Inc. – $2,000 to expand children’s programming. Funds will help lower the cost of classes, pay teachers, and provide materials, allowing K-12 students access to affordable educational programs.
- New Community Initiative – $5,000 for the Charge Back to School Event hosted at West Noble Schools. In preparation for the new school year, this event will supply students with essential items such as school supplies, backpacks, hygiene kits, and more to ensure they are prepared.
- Honor Flight of Northeast Indiana, Inc. – $5,000 to help underwrite its 49th flight on October 16, 2024. This flight will enable 85 veterans to visit monuments and memorials in Washington, DC, honoring their service.
- City of Kendallville – $2,500 for KidCity, an event designed to increase awareness of and reduce barriers to accessing community resources for Noble County Families.
- Kate’s Kart – $5,000 to support purchase of books for the book carts at Parkview Noble Hospital. Pediatric patients and their families can select free, age-appropriate books, promoting literacy and comfort during hospital visits.
- YWCA Northeast Indiana – $5,000 to support comprehensive prevention education and intervention services for domestic and sexual violence in Noble County.
- Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Indiana – $7,500 to support programs aiding Noble County families, including overnight stays, the Comfort Cart, and Connection Kits.
- Boys and Girls Club of Elkhart County – $10,000 to support KidsCare, a before and after-school program serving West Noble and Central Noble Schools, potentially benefiting up to 80 children.
- Healthier Moms and Babies – $10,000 to support in-home visits to at-risk pregnant women in Noble County by providing prenatal health education and postpartum support.
- AWRC Crisis Services – $7,500 for Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) train-the-trainer training. This initiative will equip staff to deliver ASIST training locally, addressing the shortage of trainers in the region.
- Impact Institute – $20,000 to purchase new welding booths for the expanded space in Fairview Plaza, enhancing vocational training opportunities.
- Trinity Daycare Ministry – $10,000 to support the purchase of mulch, educational resources, field trips, and professional development for staff.
- Faith in God Ministry – $4,500 to support women in the Noble County Jail struggling with addiction. Programs include substance abuse classes, recovery support, and assistance with locating and transitioning to recovery homes.
The Community Foundation of Noble County is proud to support these organizations and their valuable contributions to our community. These grants are made possible through the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our board, volunteers, and staff.
For more information about the Community Foundation of Noble County and its grant programs, please contact Jazmín Herrera, Program Director, at jazmin@cfnoble.org or 260-894-3335. The next grant application deadline is July 2.
2024 Scholarship Recipients
Central Noble Jr/High School Scholarship Recipients
Avery Phillips Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Education Scholarship
Avery Phillips Jack R. and Maxine C. Frymier Scholars Award
Avery Phillips Cathy S. Knopp Theatrical Scholarship
Avery Phillips Carol Ann Tieman Scholarship
Brianna Lackey Dr. David and Alvena VanMeter Scholarship
Courtney Gray Hazel Brown Truelove Scholarship
Haddi Hile Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Education Scholarship
Jacelyn Hawk Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Bachelor’s Program Scholarship
Jacelyn Hawk P.U.L.S.E. SENIOR Scholarship
Jayden Stump Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Education Scholarship
Kaylee Knight Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Education Scholarship
Keith Knafel Top Honors Scholarship
Lydia Replogle Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Medical Profession Scholarship
Madelynn Mays Ignite Your Future Scholarship
Paige Hopf Paul Glass Memorial Scholarship
Paige Hopf Noble County Memorial Scholarship – 1
Paige Hopf Noble County Memorial Scholarship – 2 (Sport)
Paige Hopf John E. and Joan E. Robinson Scholarship in Memory of their son Bill Robinson
Paige Hopf John and Mary Schermerhorn Memorial Scholarship
Robert Thompson Ignite Your Future Scholarship
Churubusco High School Scholarship Recipients
Elizabeth Dreibelbis Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship
Madison Lehman Tony and Gertrude Kichler Scholarship
Madison Lehman Top Honors Scholarship
Sydnee Przemielewski Top Honors Scholarship
Warner Ott John E. and Joan E. Robinson Scholarship in Memory of their son Bill Robinson
Warner Ott Top Honors Scholarship
Warner Ott Ignite Your Future Scholarship
College/Adult Scholarship Recipients
Aletha Hoover Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Previous Award Winner Scholarship
Aletha Hoover Noble County Retired Teachers’ Association in Memory of Deceased Teachers
Christopher Miller Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Previous Award Winner Scholarship
Courtney Roberts Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Previous Award Winner Scholarship
Cy Wolheter Nathan Shumaker Memorial Scholarship
Felicia Patrick Max and Elizabeth Roesler Memorial Scholarship
Jackson Hoover Charles and Bernard Duesler Scholarship
Jackson Hoover Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Previous Award Winner Scholarship
Jordan Hartleroad Max and Elizabeth Roesler Memorial Scholarship
Kaitlyn Ray Paul Pelikan Memorial Scholarship
Lillian Mast Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Previous Award Winner Scholarship
Lillian Mast David O. Kile and Marjorie B. Kile Scholarship
Lillian Mast Hal Prickett Memorial Scholarship
Lillian Mast Chuck Schlemmer Memorial College Scholarship
Lillian Mast Fred and Mildred Seymoure (Young) Memorial Scholarship
Lillian Mast Jonah W. Slater Memorial Scholarship
Lotus Sibert Captain James M. Treesh Scholarship
Miriam Kline Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Previous Award Winner Scholarship
Susan Haviland Max and Elizabeth Roesler Memorial Scholarship
Will Hoover Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Previous Award Winner Scholarship
East Noble High School Scholarship Recipients
Alyssa Speicher Benjamin B. and Kathleen June Earley Memorial Scholarship
Alyssa Speicher Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Medical Profession Scholarship
Alyssa Speicher Dr. Richard R. (MD) and Theresa M. Gutstein Memorial Scholarship
Alyssa Speicher Joseph A. and Lolita J. Hornett Memorial Scholarship
Alyssa Speicher Noble County Memorial Scholarship – 1
Alyssa Speicher Noble County Memorial Scholarship – 2 (Sport)
Alyssa Speicher Hilda H. Rehwinkel Scholarship
Alyssa Speicher John E. and Joan E. Robinson Scholarship in Memory of their son Bill Robinson
Alyssa Speicher Josh Stahl Scholarship
Alyssa Speicher Max Sneary, M.D. Memorial Scholarship
Alyssa Speicher Top Honors Scholarship
Amrie Trappe Peter R. Bottomley Scholarship
Audrey Beiswanger Arthur A. and Hazel Auer Scholarship
Benjamin Barker Top Honors Scholarship
Benjamin Barker Ignite Your Future Scholarship
Braydon Collins Arthur A. and Hazel Auer Scholarship
Emily Roark Ignite Your Future Scholarship – Associate*
Erin Pippenger Chester A. and Bessie C. Throp Scholarship
Erin Pippenger Top Honors Scholarship
Jacob Frazier Delta Theta Tau Sorority IOTA IOTA Chapter Scholarship in memory of Tammi Riecke
Jacob Frazier Ignite Your Future Scholarship
Julianna Crow Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council Scholarship
Kora Beachy Benjamin Murray Memorial Scholarship
Kylee Hood East Noble Class of 1969 Scholarship
Kylee Hood Dave Smith Memorial Scholarship
Lauren Munson Noble County Memorial Scholarship – 1
Lauren Munson Top Honors Scholarship
Lauren Munson Clarence and Marie Woolf Scholarship
Reese Rouch Ignite Your Future Scholarship – Bachelors*
Sadie Potts P.U.L.S.E. SENIOR Scholarship
Sadie Potts Top Honors Scholarship
Tyson Reinbold Benjamin Murray Memorial Scholarship
Prairie Heights High School Scholarship Recipient
Rachel Link Kris Campbell “Any Dream Will Do” Scholarship
West Noble High School Scholarship Recipients
Alayna DeLong Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Bachelor’s Program Scholarship
Alayna DeLong Chuck Schlemmer Memorial High School Scholarship
Alexia Mast Prudence E. Gardner Memorial Scholarship
Andrea Weaver Doris Gene Alber Ferrari Scholarship
Andrea Weaver Edward and Beverly Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship
Angelina Contreras Ligonier Elks Scholarship
Angelina Contreras Noble County Memorial Scholarship – 2 (Sport)
Angelina Contreras Brandon A. Replogle “Celebrate the Arts” Memorial Scholarship
Angelina Contreras John E. and Joan E. Robinson Scholarship in Memory of their son Bill Robinson
Angelina Contreras Susan Marie Stone Scholarship
Breanna Moreno Oliver and Eleanor Ellenbecker Medical Profession Scholarship
Breanna Moreno Bob and Joyce Friesner Memorial Scholarship
Breanna Moreno Victoria Grigsby Scholarship * (non-perm)
Breanna Moreno Caitlyn Marie Halferty Memorial Scholarship
Chloe Sprague Ligonier Elks Scholarship
Corbin Keene Russell Smith Music Scholarship
Lilianna Pedroza Wawaka Alumni Scholarship
Lily Klein Gerald and Catheleen Hayes Scholarship
Lydia Gow Cromwell High School Alumni Scholarship
Lydia Gow P.U.L.S.E. SENIOR Scholarship
Madison Lazar Richard and Mary DeMotte Scholarship
Madison Lazar Doris Gene Alber Ferrari Scholarship
Madison Lazar Pauline (McClish) Leaman Scholarship
Madison Lazar Timothy J. Martin Memorial Scholarship
Ruby Clark Susan A. Price Memorial Scholarship
Tyler Shisler Jennie Thompson Scholarship
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Welcome Courtney!
Help us welcome Courtney!
Hello! My name is Courtney Roberts and I am excited to serve as the PULSE summer intern! It is great to return to the place that ignited my love for philanthropy. I am going into my junior year of college at Ball State University to become an English teacher. I currently study English Education and Creative Writing. During my time at Ball State, I’ve served as Vice President of Leadership for hall council, President of English Education Club, and I currently work as the Education Academic Peer Mentor during the school year. I love writing, coffee, and spending time outdoors! I’m very excited and grateful for the opportunity to serve my community in this capacity. I hope to return to Noble County as a teacher someday. I really feel that before you teach a community of kids, you really need to get to know the community and the community should know you. Although I’ve grown up here, I know our community is always changing. I am grateful for this opportunity and I feel that I am one step closer to achieving my teaching goals because of it!
