Ashley Cole TCHS	Kaitlin Kimbrough TCHS	Whitney Macon THS
Ian Ragains THS	Kyle Salsbery TCHS	Joni Stafford THS

Two students have been named recipients of full, four-year scholarships as the Tipton County Foundation 2009 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars. Morgan Lively and Cami Thomas will receive full tuition to the Indiana college of their choice and an $800 yearly stipend for required books and equipment.

Twenty-five Tipton County residents applied for these prestigious and valuable scholarships this year. Their applications were anonymously and independently reviewed by the Foundation’s scholarship committee, composed of education and business leaders, who selected eight candidates to be interviewed in person. The criteria included academics, leadership, community involvement, activities (including work and travel experiences), and an essay about their most significant accomplishment to date.

After completing the nomination process, the Tipton County Foundation submitted the finalists’ names to the Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. (ICI) for selection of the recipients. ICI is a nonprofit corporation that represents 31 regionally accredited degree granting, nonprofit, private colleges and universities in the state. The scholarships are the result of a statewide Lilly Endowment initiative to help Hoosier students reach higher levels of education. Indiana ranks among the lowest states in the percentage of residents over the age of 25 with a bachelor’s degree. There were 216 scholarships awarded statewide.

Thanks to the bequest of Howard N. Myerly, who established a significant George R. Myerly & Sons scholarship fund in memory of his grandfather, the Tipton County Foundation was able to grant Myerly Scholarships of $2,000 each to the remaining six finalists in the demanding LECSP process.

Receiving the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships

Morgan Lively is the daughter of Kyle and Jennifer Lively of Tipton. She will attend either Butler University or Purdue University majoring in pre-pharmacy. Morgan is president of her senior class, National Honor Society, and Key Club. She is member of the Varsity Volleyball and Tennis teams. Morgan plans to spend the next few years working toward her goal of becoming a Pharmacist, perhaps in research.

Cami Thomas is the daughter of Jack and Michelle Thomas of Kempton. She will attend IUPUI to major in Biology and Pre-Dentistry. Active in Student Council as President, National Honor Society, SADD, and Student Ambassadors, Cami plans to seek a career in Dentistry.

The Myerly Scholars

Ashley Cole is the daughter of Mike and Terri Cole of Sharpsville. She plans to attend Taylor University and major in Elementary Education. Ashley has been involved with Student Council, National Honor Society, Student Ambassadors, Project Connect, and a peer tutoring program. She plans to work as an Elementary Teacher with a focus in Special Education.

Kaitlyn Kimbrough is the daughter of Scott and Rhonda Kimbrough of Windfall. She will be attending Indiana Wesleyan University as a Social Work major this fall. She is the president of Future Christians of America and the Drum Major of the band. Kaitlyn is also involved with National Honor Society, Student Ambassadors, and the Windfall Christian Church Youth Group. She plans to become a family counselor.

Whitney Macon of Tipton is the daughter of Rod and Carla Meyer and David Macon. She will be attending Hanover College as an Elementary Education major. She is a student director of the THS Band and was a delegate to Hoosier Girls State. Whitney was also involved in National Honor Society, Varsity Cheerleading, and served as her class Treasurer. Whitney’s future plans include continuing her volunteer activities with various organizations.

Ian Ragains of Tipton is the son of Risa Regnier and Pat Ragains. He will attend Hanover College or Wabash College to major in Biology, planning to go into Medicine. Ian is involved with Young Originals, THS Band, Science Club, and Tipton Community Theatre.

Kyle Salsbery is the son of Tim and Darlene Salsbery of Sharpsville. He will be attending Taylor University in as a Science major this fall. He is President of the National Honor Society and is a 10-year 4-H member. Kyle is also involved in Student Council and his church youth group, and enjoys playing the piano. His future plans include graduate school hoping to work in laboratory research.

Joni Stafford is the daughter of Tim and Monica Stafford of Tipton. She plans to major in Exercise Science at Taylor University. Joni serves as her class Secretary and was a delegate to Hoosier Girls Stats. She is also involved in National Honor Society, volleyball, cheerleading, and tennis. Joni is also the co-editor of the school yearbook.

Pioneer Family Establishes Permanent Legacy

The late Howard N. Myerly (1925-2004) and his wife Marjorie valued education. In planning his estate, Howard set up a means to provide scholarship opportunities for his neighbors' children for all time.

Five generations earlier, in 1842, George Myerly and his wife Susannah, originally from Maryland, established a farm in eastern Tipton County. They took part in the official organization of the County. Their son Silas, his son George R., and his son Lee all continued farming, as did Lee's son Howard. Howard was also a die setter at the Guide Lamp Division of General Motors in Anderson for 32 years, retiring in 2000.

Howard made arrangements that, upon his death, the farm would be sold and the proceeds given to the Tipton County Foundation in honor of his grandfather, to provide an endowment that would assist in funding higher education for county high school graduates, forever.

According to TCF Scholarship chairman Brad Nichols, "The size of this endowment is so noteworthy, it will produce a significant amount of money that can be awarded each year. We were pleased that Mr. Myerly's heirs agreed with us that the rigorous Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship selection process was the best way to determine who should receive the Myerly scholarships as well."

TCF's Role

Through philanthropic donor services, strategic grantmaking, and constructive leadership, the Tipton County Foundation, your hometown community foundation, unites the gifts of many to sustain the causes that matter to all— now, and for all generations to come.

Founded and guided by Volunteers since 1986, the Foundation is a trustworthy enterprise to assist donors with any charitable purpose, whether your resources are great or small. TCF manages dozens of scholarship and other targeted funds, promotes the United Community Fund to sustain a network of social service agencies, coordinates Ducky Day in Tipton Park, and encourages higher education, volunteer involvement, and a host of other community benefits. You can select the fund you wish to support— or start one of your own.

Contributions to the Tipton County Foundation are tax-deductible under section 501(c)(3) and the public charity provisions of sections 509 and 170 of the Internal Revenue Code. The IRS recognized TCF in July 1986 as exempt from federal income tax. You can read and/or print a copy of our determination letter. (Federal ID 31-1175045) Confirmed in compliance with national standards for U.S. community foundations. Member of the Indiana Association of United Ways.

Last modified: Tuesday, June 15, 2010