The future of any community relies on the actions we take in the present. Independence Bank focuses on going forward by giving back and supporting the education of the future leaders and members of the places we call home.
This week, Independence Bank celebrated the Henderson, Hopkins and Webster County 2023 scholarship winners in a reception at Gallery 101 in Henderson. A dozen Community Board Scholarships totaling $10,000 were awarded among the three markets. Each scholarship was formed by the contribution of board members’ gracious donations. This special event introduced students to the line of board members who supplied their local scholarships.
“We wanted to bring our students to life and allow our board members to put a face to the name,” Kelsey Hargis, Community Enrichment Officer of Henderson, Hopkins and Webster Counties explains. “Our students are the reason this program exists and including our board members in the initiative makes the impact so great.”
More than $129,000 was awarded in the 2023 Virtual Scholarship Reception Night earlier this month. Together, the three markets awarded $22,000 of this grand total to 15 students.
The Independence Bank Scholarship Program began in 2001 as a dream of the late Charles A. Reid, founding partner and father of current CEO, Chris Reid and grandfather of Charitable Foundation Director, Lauren Patton. Charles requested the scholarship program be built to provide an opportunity for deserving high school students in need to have the opportunity to receive a college education. The very first scholarship given was in the amount of $10,000. Since then, more than $1.7 million has been awarded to high school seniors to help make their dreams of a college education come true.
425 applications were received and reviewed in the 2023 scholarship season. Independence Bank employees even volunteer to review local applications, each judged on grades, extracurricular activities, community involvement, financial need and personal remarks.
Independence Bank has strong roots in all 15 markets it serves and is proud to provide a helping hand to exceptional students who share this same drive.
“Each year, we come across students with incredibly powerful stories who have big dreams for their future.” Lauren Patton, Independence Bank Charitable Foundation Director said. “We have been so lucky throughout the past 22 years to say we are a part of these journeys. We are excited to see the impact these young people have yet to provide to grow their communities.”
To learn more about the Independence Bank Scholarship Program as well as find a complete list of winners by county visit our 2023 Scholarship Recipient Page.
2023 Independence Bank Scholarship Recipients
Independence Bank is a regional community bank with 27 locations in Calloway, Daviess, Fayette, Franklin, Graves, Hancock, Henderson, Hopkins, Jefferson, Logan, McCracken, McLean, Shelby, Warren and Webster counties. One of the fastest growing banks in Kentucky and fifth largest, Independence Bank possesses the size and experience to serve the largest and most complex clients and offers Trust and Investment Services and agricultural services. As a banking revolution for the people, by the people, central to Independence Bank’s mission is doing what is right and fair for customers, communities and employees. Independence Bank has been recognized in multiple categories by the American Bankers Association, including being named a Top Performing Bank and Best Bank to Work For, for 14 consecutive years, a Best Place to Work in Kentucky for 15 years and has assets totaling $3.6 billion.