(Batesville, IN) – The Ripley County Community Foundation (RCCF) celebrated a year of giving at Tuesday evening’s Annual Dinner at the Hall (Knights of Columbus) in Batesville.
One of the highlights was the celebration of 59 scholarships awarded to 37 students from high schools across Ripley County.
Among the recipients who were recognized at the event:
- 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship – Shivam Patel.
- Lilly Finalists – Ethan Rahschulte, Ella Carpenter, Rachel Suttman, and Bridget Lohmueller.
- Hansen Scholarship – Lanie Narwold.
- Brelege and Duerstock scholarships – Calli Fletcher.
- Knisely Scholarship – Fletcher, Narwold, and Emma Leap.
RCCF Board President Ben Peetz says they were able to grow the foundation’s assets in the past year, thanks in part to opportunities presented by the Lilly Endowment.
“I’m very excited about what we have going on here in the community, very blessed, and we’re very appreciative of all of the community and how much they support us,” Peetz said. “The product of what the foundation produces is really a product of what the entire community is dedicated to.””
Peetz says they were able to grow the organization’s coffers last year, thanks to a variety of factors, and credits Ripley County residents for stepping up when a need arises.
“I think everyone is a helper in way or another, whether that’s giving their time or giving their money…however they can support the foundation, we certainly appreciate that and we don’t turn anyone away.”
Genesis: Pathways to Success Executive Director Clarice Patterson Gordon was named recipient of the President’s Award.
Gordon says she was surprised but honored to receive it.
“There are so many other deserving candidates, and volunteers, and organizations that deserve this award. It should not have gone to me,” Gordon said.
Genesis began its existence under RCCF’s umbrella, and went off on its own early last year.
“It’s been a really exciting time for us. It’s always been a long-term vision of the community foundation’s Board of Directors for Genesis to spin off, becomes its own entity,” she said. “I’m super honored and have the privilege and responsibility to help lead the organization, guide it, help it become its own entity. It’s been really rewarding. It’s been really hard work but I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.”
The dinner was also a send-off for three retiring board members – Doug Rump, Andy Jaisle and Shayla Sattler.
