Carmel Education Foundation (CEF) awarded 88 scholarships totaling nearly $120,000 to Carmel High School’s Class of 2023 on May 16.
CEF scholarships represent the legacy of area educators, athletes, scholars, performers, school and civic leaders, and families who have invested in a scholarship to promote the life-long learning of Carmel High School (CHS) seniors.
CEF received over 430 scholarship applications, representing nearly one third of the graduating class. The process uses a “common app” style application providing student the opportunity to qualify for multiple scholarships. However, to honor as many students as possible, each student may only be awarded one CEF scholarship. Selection of these recipients involves over 50 individuals and families and is a complex and thoughtful process.
“Students at Carmel High School are extraordinary. The applications reflect the many accomplishments and talents of our students,” CEF Scholarship Chair Ann Bernard said. “Grades and classroom achievement are considered for some scholarships, but not all. Some scholarships recognize contributions to the school and community, and others recognize grit and perseverance. Each applicant provides a personal statement to tell the committee a little about themselves. Additionally, all applications are reviewed without names to establish a fair and equitable process.”
The 2023 scholarships included seven new awards, including The Carmel Education Foundation Scholarship, funded by the foundation and honoring a student who has been actively engaged in learning beyond the classroom and has been integral in building a strong and connected community. CEF Vice President of Impact Kris Wheeler presented this scholarship to Ashilyn Joseph who has served in multiple leadership roles including those in advocacy, outreach, and education about Multiple Sclerosis, micro-influencers, and social issues such as poverty, homelessness, and inequality.
Other new scholarships focused the pursuit of a degree in mental health, a scholarship in honor of honoring Carmel’s first female mayor Jane A. Reiman, and another honoring Ryan Forrest, a 2019 graduate who was in a fatal automobile accident in March 2022.
During the scholarship award ceremony, many donors presented their awards in person, while others joined by video to share the story of their scholarship and to honor the recipient. Jim Streisel, a CHS teacher and 2012 Carmel Clay Schools Teacher of the Year, served as the Master of Ceremonies. CEF provided a reception for donors and presenters prior to the ceremony, and the Spanenberg family provided a dessert reception for all honorees and their guests.
CEF Executive Director Jennifer Penix congratulates all 88 extraordinary young adults on their scholarships.
“CEF is proud to recognize these students not only for their involvement in philanthropy, school and community organizations,” Penix said, “but for their incredible character as it was expressed through their applications. I have been incredibly inspired by the Class of 2023.”
A full listing of the Carmel High School CEF Scholarship recipients, along with photos of the recipients and a video presentation of the ceremony can be found at ccs.k12.in.us/foundation/scholarships.
About the Carmel Education Foundation
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 Jennifer Penix at jpenix1@ccs.k12.in.us or (317) 844-9961 ext. 2680.