Carmel Education Foundation celebrates legacy & student achievement with 109 scholarships

Submitted

Last Tuesday, May 20, the Carmel Education Foundation (CEF), in partnership with presenting sponsor and CEF Community Partner Ascension St. Vincent, held its annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony at Carmel High School.

During the event, CEF awarded 103 scholarships totaling more than $143,000 to CHS seniors and underclassmen. The ceremony honored the culmination of years of dedication, growth, and achievement by Carmel Clay Schools students.

In total, CEF has awarded 109 scholarships in 2025: 100 to graduating seniors, three to underclassmen, and six to middle school students (presented separately earlier in the spring). These awards reflect CEF’s expanding commitment to supporting students throughout their academic journeys, marking a significant milestone in the Foundation’s nearly 60-year history.

“Our scholarship program is a powerful demonstration of what our community values: leadership, perseverance, service, and a belief in lifelong learning,” CEF Executive Director Jennifer Penix said. “This ceremony was more than recognition – it was a celebration of the hard work students have invested throughout their time in Carmel Clay Schools and a testament to the community that stands behind them.”

The 2025 awards included newly established scholarships for students pursuing careers in architecture and health professions, as well as the Eagle Scout Leadership Scholarship, which recognized students who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. A particularly meaningful moment came with the presentation of a scholarship to a student graduating from the alternate diploma program in honor of Thomas Hunter, a 2023 graduate whose legacy continues to inspire inclusive support and opportunity for all learners.

More than 60 donors and community members participated in the ceremony, presenting awards in person or through virtual messages. CEF received 469 scholarship applications this year, representing over one-third of the CHS senior class. To maximize the reach of the program, each student was eligible to receive one CEF scholarship.

CEF Board Member and Scholarship Chair Amy Blume highlighted the thoughtful and thorough nature of the selection process.

“We’re grateful to the many volunteers who dedicated time to carefully reviewing each application,” Blume said. “Students were considered not only for their academic accomplishments, but also for how their experiences and contributions align with the intent of each scholarship. It’s a complex process, and one we approach with respect and care.”

The event was emceed by CHS teacher and 2012 Carmel Clay Schools Teacher of the Year, Jim Streisel. A pre-ceremony reception welcomed presenters, and the evening concluded with a dessert celebration for students and their families. Along with more information about the scholarships, along with more photos, can be found at ccs.k12.in.us/foundation/scholarships.

The Carmel Education Foundation is the non-profit partner of Carmel Clay Schools and is governed by a volunteer board of directors. In addition to leading Indiana’s largest public education foundation scholarship program, CEF provides classroom and school grants and supports programs that prepare students for lifelong success.

To learn more about establishing a scholarship, visit ccs.k12.in.us/foundation/scholarships or contact Stacey Hetrick at shetrick@ccs.k12.in.us or (317) 844-9961.