Carmel Education Foundation (CEF) has awarded 109 scholarships totaling $139,000 to Carmel Clay students. A majority of these were presented on May 14, 2024, to 97 members of the Class of 2024 Carmel High School (CHS) seniors.
Scholarships represent the legacy of area educators, athletes, scholars, performers, school and civic leaders, and families who have invested in a scholarship to promote life-long learning for Carmel students. Additionally, one CHS junior and 11 Carmel Middle School students received the Nick and Lisa Allemenos Scholarship which funds summer learning in music or journalism camps or programs.
A full listing of Foundation Scholarship recipients, along with photos, can be found at ccs.k12.in.us/foundation/scholarships/2024.
Teggie Rogers awards Katherine Nestor the Teggie Rogers Cherry Tree Patriot Scholarship. (Photo by Ryn Yasin)
The 2024 awards included seven new scholarships, including two funded by CEF community partners, Summers Plumbing Heating and Cooling and The Skillman Corporation, with funding for students pursuing education or employment in a trade related field. The Carmel Culinary Boosters Cheftaculur Scholarship recognized three students who have been active in culinary education during their time at Carmel High School. Two other new scholarships especially hit home to the school community as they honor Eugénie Corbin and Sydney Suiter, former Carmel teachers who made a significant impact on hundreds of children. The Murray Family Scholarship recognizes the legacy of the Brian Murray Memorial Stadium where countless soccer, lacrosse, and other games have been enjoyed by athletes from across the region.
CEF Executive Director Jennifer Penix thanks the 60 donors, and their representatives, who attended the ceremony to present their scholarships in person or by video.
“We are so fortunate to have a community where families and individuals make it a priority to be part of this special evening,” Penix said. “Not only have these families carried on legacies of their loved ones, they support the aspirations for our future leaders. Our scholarship night is a remarkable celebration for all.”
CEF received 518 scholarship applications, representing over one-third of the graduating class. The process uses a “common app” style application providing students the opportunity to qualify for multiple scholarships. To honor as many students as possible, each student may only be awarded one CEF scholarship. Selection of these recipients involves over 65 individuals and families and is a complex and thoughtful process. The annual ceremony is a collaboration between CEF and the Carmel High School Counseling Department.
Jim Streisel, a CHS teacher and 2012 Carmel Clay Schools Teacher of the Year, served as the Master of Ceremonies. A reception for presenters was held prior to the start of the event and all honorees and their guests enjoyed a dessert reception following the ceremony.
“Carmel High School students are truly amazing and this is especially shown in their scholarship applications,” CEF Scholarship Chair Amy Blume said. “Our process is designed to award students who have personal achievements in many areas and facets of life. In fact, oftentimes grades and classroom accomplishments are not the most significant consideration, but assessing how students have overcome obstacles, persevered through scenarios, served their community, and expressed personal insight in living out the mission of Carmel Clay Schools is at the forefront of our selection conversations. Furthermore, all applications are reviewed without names to establish a fair and equitable process.”
CEF is the non-profit partner of Carmel Clay Schools and is governed by a volunteer board of directors who raise funds to support the scholarship program, to fund teacher and school grants, and to provide resources for Carmel Clay Schools.
The CEF scholarship program is the largest public education foundation scholarship program in Indiana. For more information on how to establish a scholarship, visit ccs.k12.in.us/foundation/scholarships or contact Executive Director Jennifer Penix at jpenix1@ccs.k12.in.us or (317) 844-9961 ext. 2680.