(Osgood, IN) – The Carson Hughes Foundation was honored as the Organization of the Year at the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce’s 27th annual Business Recognition Luncheon Wednesday afternoon.
The organization is named in memory of Carson Hughes, who was 18-years-old and a senior at Jac-Cen-Del High School when he drowned in the Versailles State Park Lake in March 2024 while doing what he loved – photographing nature.
Carson’s mother Mandy Hughes says she was surprised to learn the foundation was receiving the award.
“I don’t know if we feel like we’re deserving but we’re honored for the recognition, and we’re going to just continue with the foundation, and spread as much good as we can to find something good that can come from such a tragic accident,” she said.
Carson’s father Jason says the organization is involved in several initiatives.
“We continue to give out scholarships to area seniors. This year, we’re doing four scholarships to the local Ripley County schools,” Hughes said. “We’re working with Versailles State Park and Indiana DNR to do an observation point at the lake in Versailles State Park honoring Carson.”
He added they also sponsor Jac-Cen-Del athletics and various conservation efforts – things that were near and dear to his son.
Twenty-one businesses that have joined the Ripley County Chamber since last May were also recognized.
Wednesday’s luncheon and awards program took place at the Upper Room in Osgood.
