Milan Community Dollars for Scholars Scholarships - Funds for these Scholarships are generated through fundraising events and donations.
Elsie Baylor Wysong Memorial - Elsie graduated from Milan High School with the Class of 1922. The Baylor Foundation donated money to the Milan Community Dollars for Scholars for a Scholarship to be awarded each year in memory of Elsie.
Milton Winegard Memorial - Milton, a lifelong resident of Milan, enjoyed tending his beautiful roses and gifting them to residents. He was best known for his benevolence to the Community, St. Paul Lutheran Church, and Milan Schools. In November 2002, money from the estate was donated to the Milan Community Dollars for Scholars and Scholarships are awarded each year in Milton's memory.
Chris Volz Memorial - Chris Volz Sr. was a longtime business leader in the Milan community. In 1994 his family established a Memorial Scholarship to be awarded each year.
David and Carol Ridenour Memorial - Dave and Carol (Ludeker) Ridenour graduated from Milan High School in 1948. Carol was a founding member of the Milan Community Dollars for Scholars. Carol worked tirelessly for the program's success until her death in 1993. Dave continued to work for the program~especially the annual golf fundraiser. He established the Carol Ridenour Memorial Scholarship. Dave received the Milan High School Alumni Award in 2003. Upon Dave's passing in 2014, the family and Milan Dollars for Scholars renamed the scholarship to the Dave and Carol Ridenour Memorial. The family continues to support the Chapter.
Chester & Ruth Baylor - Mr. Baylor graduated from Milan High School in 1937. He and wife, Ruth, started the Baylor Trucking Company in 1945. Both have been very supportive of the Milan Community Dollars for Scholars from its beginning in 1989. Both have been very supportive of the Milan Community Dollars for Scholars from its beginning in 1989. While Ruth passed away in August 2008 and Chester in January 2017, the Baylor Scholarships are awarded each year to students continuing their education at a College, University, or Trade School.
Class of 1993 in Memory of Tommy Brewington - Tommy Brewington was a 1993 graduate of Milan High School. He had a love of skateboarding and music. While some were gifted athletically, Tommy wasn't. However, he outworked everyone and was extremely dedicated. He was considered a loyal and devoted friend, who would do anything for you. Just months following graduation Tommy passed away after a tragic accident. Funds remaining in the Class Treasury at the time of graduation were used to establish this Scholarship in memory of their fellow classmate whose smile and laugh brought them joy. Funds are kept current with donations from their 1993 Class Reunions and other donations.
Milan Elementary Cafeteria - Scholarship created for all the planning and work the Milan Elementary School Cafeteria Ladies performed in preparing the Annual Turkey Dinner.
Milan Community Dollars for Scholars Continuing Education Scholarships - During the February 2012 Milan Community Dollars for Scholars meeting, known then as the Milan Scholarship Foundation, the members voted to establish scholarships to show support for continuing education. Milan High School graduates who have already completed a successful year in college will have the opportunity to apply. These scholarships are funded through fund raising events and donations.
William R. Rayner, Harold & Barbara Graue Memorial Rhea Dawn Metz, a 1956 graduate of Milan High School established a fund with the Decatur County Community Foundation to earn money to be sent to Milan Community Dollars for Scholars for a Scholarship to be awarded to a Milan Senior Class Member. She initiated the fund in honor of her late husband, William R. Rayner, a 1954 graduate of Milan High School and Indiana State Police Officer killed in the line of duty in December 1966. The fund was also established in memory of her parents Harold and Barbara Graue.
Milan Lions Club - This Community Service Organization utilizes Milan Community Dollars for Scholars to administer their Scholarships.
Milan High School - Milton Winegard Memorial - The estate of Milton Winegard, a lifelong resident of Milan, left money to the Milan High School to award Scholarships to Milan graduating Seniors.
William & Janice Schein - Mr. & Mrs. Schein have been Ripley County educators for many years. Mrs. Schein worked for the Milan School Corporation for 3 years before moving into the Batesville School Corporation. Mr. Schein began his career with the Milan School Corporation in 1958 and was a dedicated Music teacher before his retirement in 1997. He initiated Good Will Band Tours with the High School Band Members spreading cheer to many nursing home residents over the years. Mr. Schein passed away in 2015, but Mrs. Schein continues to offer a Scholarship for continuing education to a Milan High School student enrolled in their second year of College, University, or Trade School.
Graham Family Outstanding Volunteer Scholarship - Gerald retired from the Air Force in 1977 with 22 years of service. He was active in the Milan American Legion, Milan VFW, St Pius Church and the Milan July 4th Parade & fireworks before his passing in July 1987. Johanne Garteman Graham graduated from Milan High School in 1956 and was a retired paralegal and spent most of her time volunteering for Ripley Crossing, the Milan 54 Museum, the Milan American Legion and St. Pius Catholic Church. In August 2008, Johanne's family & friends established this Scholarship as a birthday present to honor her outstanding community spirit. Jerry & Johanne's children were all graduates of Milan High School - Debbie (1978), Michelle (1981) & Doug (1982). Johanne passed away in 2012 and the Scholarship was established as a permanent endowment at the Ripley Community Foundation. In Feb 2014, Doug lost his battle with cancer and to recognize his outstanding volunteer work with Indiana Make-A-Wish, the Indiana Patriot Guard, St. Pius Catholic Church, Batesville Knights of Columbus and the Batesville Life Squad & Fire Department, his memory will also be honored with this scholarship. This Scholarship is awarded to a Milan Senior class member who has shown outstanding commitment to the Milan Community as a volunteer .
Ryan Doyle Memorial - Ryan Doyle was a member of the Milan High School Class of 2012. Following Ryan's death in a car accident in the summer of 2011, his family established a Memorial Scholarship in his honor. This scholarship continues to be awarded from the Doyle family.
Civista Bank Charitable Foundation Civista Bank is honored to award a scholarship to a graduating senior who is pursuing a 4 -year post graduation degree. The Bank intends to encourage our community's youth in further education while awarding the individual for their present involvement in our community.
Milan Community Dollars For Scholars Volunteer Scholarship During the October 2013 Board meeting the Milan Community Dollars For Scholars members approved a Volunteer Scholarship to be given annually beginning with the Class of 2015. Every volunteer hour a Milan High School student works with a parent at a MCDFS event results in one entry submitted for a random drawing for this Scholarship. So the more a student volunteers during their high school career the more entries he or she will have for this scholarship. The premise behind the scholarship is to not only promote volunteerism among high school students but also to make it apparent to them and their parents what it takes to raise scholarship funds.
Mortara Family Grant David W. Mortara, PhD. is the founder and president of Mortara Instrument, a medical technology company based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin which designs, manufactures, and distributes equipment world wide. He is a leader in the field of electrocardiography and over the course of his career has made significant contributions to cardiology. After graduating from Milan High School in 1958 he received a BS from Purdue University and a PhD in Physics from University of Illinois. Dr. Mortara attributes much of his success to the Milan High School community, who supported and facilitated his educational accomplishments. This scholarship is intended to extend similar opportunities to exceptional Milan students pursuing a 4-year degree from an accredited college or university.
MAPS- Milan Alumni Paid to Stay- Milan Community Dollars for Scholars was awarded a matching grant from Scholarship America in the fall of 2014. As part of the grant condition MCDFS had to raise an initial $5000 to receive the matching $5000. The fundraiser used was the "Alumni Pay It By Year." All MHS alumni were asked to donate the amount matching their graduation year. With many donors willing to give to this cause the money was raised by the Spring of 2015 and money was received from Scholarship America to develop a renewable scholarship for graduates who are in their first year of post-secondary education. The students awarded this scholarship will receive funds for their sophomore, junior, and senior year of college.
The Holly J. Noel Scholarship- Holly Noel has dedicated her life to the students of Milan Community Schools. She served as a physical education and swimming teacher for 35 years, plus coached a variety of sports from elementary through varsity levels, including volleyball, basketball, softball, and cheerleading. Both her children and many extended family members have graduated from Milan High School over the years, and she has supported Dollars for Scholars as a board member since 1997. Now retired, Miss Noel hopes to continue helping deserving kids in the community pursue their college educations.
Thomas J. Poole Scholarship - Thomas "Tommy" Poole completed his schooling at Milan Community School in 1999. He had many wonderful special education teachers and therapists during his years attending Milan. The special education and therapy he received from many dedicated and skilled staff members at Milan were a very large part of his growth as an individual. It is with this gift that we hope to continue his legacy of appreciation for all of his staff and teachers by establishing this scholarship in his name for students entering the careers that helped him achieve the skills he needed to move forward in life.
Roselyn McKittrick Memorial Scholarship - To honor its founder, the '54 Museum established the Roselyn McKittrick Memorial Scholarship. This $500 scholarship will be awarded to a second year college student who played basketball for Milan High School. Roselyn spent countless hours improving our community and its residents. She loved people and wrote a history of the town entitled, "Milan, Indiana-A Storied Past." She was also instrumental in publishing the cookbook, "Recipes and Memories, Milan 1854-2004." Roselyn passed away on March 16, 2019.
Gene Simpkins Memorial Scholarship - Officer Gene Simpkins started his police career in 1957 with the Cincinnati Police Department. He spent the first 5 years as a patrolman on a beat in the city. He felt his calling was to work with the youth in the community to build a relationship between them and the police that served the local neighborhoods. As a result of that passion, he worked his way up to the Youth Aid Division. He developed many groups and clubs that would work side by side with the police to help promote goodwill in their communities . Officer Simpkins also provided field trips for the inner- city boys and girls. He had a pony that he and his son, Dave would take to them to ride and experience what it was like to be around animals that were not accessible to them in the city. His last 20 years of service in the department were spent as a School Resource Officer, which he dearly loved! He was based out of Western Hills High School. There were about 30 feeder schools in that district. He was constantly trying to bridge the gap between the Police and the youth in the city. He retired in 1984 but never gave up on his passion of working with the children. He always said, "They are our Future." His Grandson, Sam Simpkins, a Milan graduate is now following in his Grandfather's footsteps and pursuing a career in law enforcement. Our family is very proud of Officer Simpkins. This scholarship is dedicated to his memory. He would be honored to see this go a student who has the same passion to protect and serve.
Hats Off to Seniors Scholarship- In 2022, the Milan High School Penny Wars Scholarship became the Hats Off to Seniors Scholarship. This allowed all students at Milan Community Schools, K-12, participate in a corporation wide Hat Day! All students and staff pay $1 to wear a hat in support of Milan Community Dollars. The money raised is given to one senior applicant. All students learn that they can help in generating scholarship dollars.
Linda Baurley Memorial Scholarship - A 1966 graduate of Milan High School, Linda Baurley had a life-long career teaching health and physical education as well as coaching many sports teams at Milan. She made such an impact on the school that she was named Most Distinguished Alumni in 2011. Linda loved the Milan Community and spent countless hours volunteering for many organizations whose purpose was to better the lives of the residents and promote her hometown. One of her biggest contributions was to serve as Secretary of Milan Community Dollars for Scholars. Linda had been a longtime board member and the foundation of our organization for many, many years until her passing in March of 2021. This scholarship in memory of Linda serves as a continuance of her impact on Milan students and her strong belief in community service.
Larry Ralston Memorial Scholarship- In recognition of Larry Ralston, an outstanding agricultural educator, Doctors Bill (Milan class of '67) and Judy Jordan have established this endowed scholarship in 2025 to honor Bill's teacher. Lawrence Ralston, known in the community as Larry, taught Agriculture and was the FFA leader at Milan High School for many years. Mr. Ralston not only taught the basics to be successful in agriculture, but also contributed to youth development with FFA. By his encouragement of leadership and competition skills through the FFA program, his students excelled in local, regional and state competitions. While preference will be given to students who demonstrate passion for shooting sports and interest in agriculture at Purdue University, this scholarship may also be used to support students with financial need to attend trade schools, colleges or universities of their choice.
Nathan Vogelsang Memorial Scholarship- The Nathan Vogelsang Memorial Scholarship has been established to honor the life and legacy of 2019 Milan High School graduate, Nathan Vogelsang - a young man remembered for his extraordinary compassion and quiet acts of kindness. Nathan's life was defined by true selflessness: giving to friends in need without expectation of repayment, caring deeply for his special needs brother, and even traveling to help a stranger in crisis. His empathy, generosity, and courage touched countless lives and continue to inspire those who knew him. This scholarship celebrates Nathan's spirit by supporting students who demonstrate the same compassion, integrity, and commitment to helping others that he so naturally embodied.
Sherry Hawk Memorial Scholarship- The Sherry Hawk Memorial Scholarship acknowledges a woman who touched countless lives throughout the Milan and Sunman communities. Through this scholarship, she will be able to continue this legacy of helping others out in her community. The scholarship was funded by a 5K event held in early October 2025, which drew over 70 registrations and more than 60 participants, which is a testament to the deep and lasting impact Sherry had on her friends, family, and students. Sherry was a devoted educator at St. Nicholas in the Sunman area, where she taught for over twenty years. The impact she had on her students and colleagues was lifelong for many, achieved effortlessly through her genuine desire to help others in any way she could. This scholarship stands as a tribute to her selflessness and the countless lives she touched. Sherry was a loving mother, wife, and friend. She passed away in the summer of 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer, but her spirit continues to live on in the hearts of those she touched.
Past Scholarships:
Geraldine (Jerry) Walker Memorial- Jerry Walker was born and raised in Wyandotte, Oklahoma. She attended Wyandotte elementary, junior high and high school. After high school she attended Northeastern State Teacher College in Tahlequah,Oklahoma where she received her teaching degree. She started teaching in Seneca, Missouri. After marrying and moving to Milan Jerry received her Masters in Education from Indiana University. She married Henry Walker, they had 4 children all of which graduated from Milan High School. Jerry had a passion for teaching and taught for a total of 44
years, most of which was in second grade. She also taught preschool for many years after retirement. Jerry was a member of the Seneca-Cayuga Nation Indian Tribe, Eastern Star, Ripley County Historical Society, Ripley County Homemakers, Ripley County Retired Teachers, Delta Kappa Gamma, New Harmony and Internationally Yours. She was an active member of the Milan United Methodist Church for over 60 years. She loved to travel and was a loyal Milan Indians supporter. Jerry loved Milan, the community and the school. She was an inspiration to many over the years, living life to its fullest. To teach is to touch a life forever, Jerry did just that. After her passing in 2024, this scholarship was created in her memory.
The Cowboy and Indian Scholarship- In collaboration with The Heritage Hill Group and Go West America, we've established a scholarship to champion trade schools and the essential tradespeople they produce. With many professionals in these fields approaching retirement over the next decade, a significant gap is anticipated. This scholarship highlights the excellent, often overlooked career opportunities within the trades and supports the upcoming generation of skilled workers to bridge this gap. By investing in our future tradespeople, we're not only filling this void but also strengthening our communities. Apply today and be part of the future of skilled trades!
Micayla Acra Memorial Scholarship- Micayla Acra's life was cut short because of a car accident 12-13-16. She was a senior at Milan High School, Class of 2017. She was on the honor roll and had perfect attendance. She loved archery, being outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping, and riding 4-wheelers. She loved going to the woods because there wasn't much she couldn't do from walking in the creek, sawing wood, hunting, riding quads on the trails, or just walking the trails. She also was in Building Trades for 2 years because she loved building stuff. She loved her dogs, and helping others when she could. That is one reason we set the scholarship up in Micayla's honor and memory, so that she could still help others, and do what she had planned for herself. Micayla touched so many lives in the community, and this is another reason that we decided to do the scholarship, so that she could continue to help dreams come true.
LeVon and Joan Winters Scholarship LaVon and Joan Ashcraft Winters graduated from Milan High School in 1948, Joan as Valedictorian. LaVon pursued a career in education becoming the first principal of East Central High School. He and Joan established the Winters Insurance Company in Milan, which served the community for many years. Upon Joan's death in 2014, LaVon established this scholarship for the youth of the Milan Community.
Milan High School Penny Wars Scholarship In the Spring of 2014 Milan High School Guidance Counselor, Gayle Healy, initiated this scholarship by promoting a Milan Community Dollars for Scholars week at school. The highlight of the week was a Penny War between the classes. The winning class would receive the money raised in the form of one scholarship awarded to one classmate drawn at random and awarded at their senior awards program.
Ethan Strassell Memorial Scholarship- Ethan John Strassell Memorial Scholarship was established in 2018. Ethan died January 24th, 2018 in a tragic accident during his junior year at Milan High School.The family would like to honor Ethan's legacy. Ethan's friends and family would say that he had a way of making others smile and laugh. Ethan had a way to brighten up a room like a light, he was the light of our family. Ethan loved spending time with his family and friends. He loved the outdoors, from riding quads and dirt bikes to fishing. He had his own unique personality and talents and was truly one of a kind. His life, while lived to short was a journey worth celebrating. In his memory, we honor and celebrate Ethan's life by giving back. #Forever17
Reed Thompson Football Scholarship - This scholarship was established in 2019, by his sister, Nancy Thompson-Glaser and Reed's cousin Tom Kohlmeier. Reed was the son of Bill and Mary Gray Thompson and was a graduate of Milan High School. He was a four year varsity football player from 1967 through 1970. He married Appie Schaefer Thompson in 1973. Reed's 17 year coaching career began in the 1980's when he coached his four sons in the A and B PeeWee Football League at Milan, then moving on to become an assistant coach for the Freshmen, Reserve and Varsity football teams. Reed felt it was important that players do their best academically, enabling them to further their education, as well as play their best on the field. He wanted to help them learn to be members of a team while helping them prepare themselves for successful lives and careers beyond the classroom. In his memory and due to his devotion and love for football, this scholarship will honor an outstanding lineman.
Class of 1965 Scholarship- This scholarship was created by the Class of 1965 after celebrating their 50th class reunion. The Class had a fund to hold the reunion and with the money remaining they decided to award a scholarship to a Milan Graduate.
Class of 1994 Scholarship - This scholarship was originated by the Class of 1994 in honor of their 25th year since graduating from Milan High School. The class is presenting this as a way to give back to MHS, in particular,to the senior class. They want this to express their hope and encouragement for other Milan graduates as they extend best wishes for their future.
Class of 1941 -Denny Gault Memorial- This scholarship is now being given in memory of Alice Gault Bingham's nephew, Denny Gault, a 1962 graduate of Milan High School. Alice was raised in the Stringtown area and graduated from Milan High School with the Class of 1941. She moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where she studied and became a Registered Nurse. She has been married to Dr. Harry Bingham for over 60 years living in the Pleasant Ridge area and they have 3 sons. Mrs. Bingham sent a nice note and a donation to the Milan Community Dollars for Scholars for a Scholarship to be awarded to a Milan High School Senior Class Member for continuing education.
Milan Family Dentistry-Dr. Brian Lee and his family recently moved to southern Indiana. Dr. Lee and his wife believe in true education and the increased opportunity, wisdom and compassion that it tends to bring into the lives of those who seek it. With this scholarship, they would like to recognize and encourage a student who has demonstrated a desire to improve their situation in life and seize the opportunities available to them.
"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free"John 8:32
Alberta Miller Nursing Scholarship - This scholarship was created by Alberta Miller and was founded upon her passing in 2015. Alberta's children, Don Miller and Brenda Miller Busek, as well as granddaughters, Tamara Gordon and Elizabeth Busek Heppner were graduates of Milan High School. Alberta was passionate about the field of nursing and the caring of others. It was her dream to award a scholarship to MHS graduates who were pursuing a nursing degree.
"I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."Philippians 4:13
Aubrey Holt Memorial Scholarship - Aubrey Lee Holt, born August 15, 1938, near Milan graduated from MHS in 1956. He had a great love for Country/Bluegrass music. He wrote his first song at age fourteen. He traveled all across the U.S. and into Canada with his band, "The Boys From Indiana," leaving behind many fans. He was inducted into the SPBGMA Hall of Greats in 2011 for his song writing. He will live forever through the words of his songs. This scholarship is given in the memory of Aubrey Lee Holt.
