The Owensboro Times
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By John Kirkpatrick
May 3, 2025 | 12:13 am
Updated May 2, 2025 | 9:58 pm
Photo from Independence Bank
Independence Bank has awarded $139,400 in scholarships to 71 high school seniors across 15 Kentucky counties as part of its 2025 Scholarship Program. Recipients were honored this week during a ceremony at the bank’s Frederica Street location in Owensboro.
The annual program, launched in 2001, has now distributed nearly $2 million in scholarships to help students continue their education at colleges, universities, vocational schools, and trade schools.
“Our goal has always been to invest in more than just education—we’re investing in people,” said Lauren Patton, Charitable Foundation Manager at Independence Bank. “These students have shown us their determination and grit, and it’s a privilege to celebrate this moment with them and their families.”
This year, the bank received more than 460 applications from students across its service area. Scholarships ranged from $500 to $15,000, with ten students receiving $5,000 or more.
Among the top awardees were:
Charles A. Reid Scholarship finalists from each county also received $500 awards, including Brianna Abney of McLean County, Katie Kruger of Hancock County, and Katherine McCain of Daviess County.
The following students from Daviess County received Daviess County Community Board scholarships:
Phil Riney, President of Independence Bank, said the program reflects the bank’s ongoing commitment to community development.
“We’re proud to play a role in helping these students take that next step,” Riney said. “These recipients are thoughtful, driven and deeply committed to making a difference—and that gives us great confidence in the future of our communities.”
Scholarships are awarded based on a comprehensive review process that includes essays, academic performance, ACT scores, financial need, extracurricular involvement, community service and interviews.
Bank CEO Greg Mullican said the long-term impact of the program continues to be felt across Kentucky.
“We’ve met students who go on to lead, serve, and uplift the very towns they grew up in,” Mullican said. “That kind of full-circle impact is what community banking is all about.”
The scholarship program was originally established by the late Charles A. Reid, a founding partner of Independence Bank, who envisioned the fund as a way to help students who might not otherwise be able to attend college. That legacy is now sustained through various community-sponsored scholarships and the involvement of bank employees in the selection process.
“Each scholarship is more than just a financial backing,” Patton added. “It’s a vote of confidence in the dreams of a student—and we’re proud to always be part of their unfolding story.”
A full list of recipients is available at 1776bank.com/scholarships.
May 3, 2025 | 12:13 am
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