The Adams County Community Foundation announced last week the winners of awards from the ACCF and the Don Wood Foundation, known as “Ignite your Future.”
These scholarships were awarded to students with vocational backgrounds, as well as students with non-traditional education paths and graduate students.
Winners are listed with their high school, their college or university and their current course of study.
Kameron Brown, Adams Central, Indiana University, Management, Marketing
Alexis Evans, Bellmont, Ball State, Computer Science & Data Analytics
Branson Jordan, Adams Central, Workplace Certification
Dana Schirack, Bellmont, Purdue University, Mechanical Engineering.
GRADUATE SCHOLARS
Anna Dee, South Adams, Trine, Marketing, Analytic, Communications
Jeffrey Lehman, South Adams, Indiana Wesleyan, Masters School Administration
ON-TRACK and NON-TRADITIONAL SCHOLARS
Race Anderson, South Adams, Purdue Fort Wayne, Civil Engineering, Mathematics
Ethan Brown, Adams Central, Purdue University, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics
Sydney Christen, Bellmont, Indiana University, Media Advertising, Marketing
Blake Gilbert, South Adams, Taylor University, Marketing, Management
Jaren Hildebrand, Adams Central, Spring Arbor University, Business Administration
Owen Johnson, Adams Central, Ball State, Computer Science
Bryce Roop, Bellmont, Rose-Hulman, Optical Engineering, Solid State Physics
Brett Schwartz, South Adams, Trine, Design Engineering Technology
Caden Staub, Bellmont, Purdue Fort Wayne, Marketing, Management
Miguel Suarez, Bellmont, Indiana University, Marketing
Colin Subler, South Adams, Purdue University, Web Development & Design
More about Don Wood Foundation, Ignite Your Future and its beginning:
The Don Wood Foundation, formerly known as the 80/20 Foundation Trust, is the result of a dream by Don Wood, founder of 80/20 Inc., to create opportunities for students that allow them to pursue careers in industrial trades, advanced manufacturing, leadership, and innovation. While the perception has been that success requires a 4-year degree, Don knew differently. His vision was to provide not only college-bound students, but also non-traditional individuals the tools and skills necessary to succeed in these important fields.
As a “toolmaker to innovator” and lifelong salesman, Don was passionate about pursuing new opportunities despite others’ disbelief. For example, in his fifties, when most were beginning to think about retirement, Don was beginning to dream the start of 80/20 Inc., which is now one of the largest employers in Whitley County.
Those who closely knew Don best could quote any number of his “Don-isms” or phrases for which he was frequently attributed. One of those Don-isms was to “pack your own chute”. Don imagined helping others to pack their own chutes by obtaining certifications, jobs, and skillsets needed to support themselves, their families, and to ultimately find their purpose. With his visionary mindset, Don created what is now the Don Wood Foundation.
The legacy that Don built will live on through the employees, students, and adults that partake in the regional workforce and charitable opportunities through the Don Wood Foundation.
The Adams County Community Foundation and the foundations in the NE region / district of the DWF (Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Grant, Huntington, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells, and Whitley County Foundations) are grateful for the generous opportunity to serve our residents.
