Makenna Hiter Named Inaugural Recipient of SW Dubois Education Foundation Scholarships

Southridge High School senior Makenna Hiter is the first recipient of the first annual Southwest Dubois Education Foundation Scholarships. Her senior year was marked by academic success, community service, strong leadership, and commitment to a career in education. She was rewarded for her efforts with both the Verla Flick Scholarship and the Thomas and Virginia Schnellenberger Scholarship. 

The Verla Flick Scholarship provides a renewable award of $5,000 for up to four years for one lucky student. To qualify, applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 and pursue a degree in education at an Indiana university. The Thomas and Virginia Schnellenberger Scholarship honors a graduating senior who demonstrates academic excellence, strength of character, and meaningful service to their school and community. This year, Hiter is the proud recipient of both awards. The funds will help support a future career dedicated to giving back to the community that helped shape her. 

During Makenna’s high school career, she was an athlete, served in leadership roles, participated in numerous clubs, and demonstrated remarkable academic performance. She took part in golf, cheerleading, and track and field, while also serving as president of Educators Rising and secretary of the National Honor Society. She also participated in Raider Ambassadors, Spirit Club, Kindness Club, Key Club, Business Professionals of America (BPA), and the Mayor’s Youth Council. She graduated with Academic Honors and Technical Honors, and also completed the Indiana College Core program. Makenna has earned an Elementary Education Certificate, as well as an Associate Degree from Ivy Tech. 

The newly-minted alumna is planning to attend Indiana University, with a major in Elementary Education and Special Education. Thanking her parents and teachers for their support, Hiter said, “Their constant encouragement and guidance have challenged me to strive for excellence and achieve my goals. My ultimate goal is to return to this community, the one that taught me everything I know, and give back. I hope to step into the role of a teacher and mentor, investing in the next generation just as deeply as this community invested in me.” 

The Southwest Dubois County Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports educational opportunities in Southwest Dubois County schools. The Foundation provides scholarships for graduating seniors, classroom grants for educators, and facilitates partnerships that grow learning experiences. Those who wish to support the Foundation can do so with memorial gifts, planned giving, retirement account donations, and direct contributions. 

For more information on the SW Dubois County Education Foundation, contact [email protected] 

 - Drew Hasselbring