OWENSBORO, Ky. (WBKO) – Today, Independence Bank announced the scholarship recipients for the 2025 Independence Bank Scholarship program.
71 high school seniors across Kentucky were awarded $139,400 in scholarships to help them continue their academic journeys.
All recipients were honored at a special in-person reception held at Independence Bank’s Frederica Street location in Owensboro.
“Our goal has always been to invest in more than just education—we’re investing in people,” said Lauren Patton, Bank Charitable Foundation Manager. “These students have shown us their determination and grit, and it’s a privilege to celebrate this moment with them and their families.”
More than 460 applications were received from across the Bank’s 15-county footprint. According to the release, awards ranged from $500 to $15,000, with ten recipients earning scholarships of $5,000 or more.
“We’re proud to play a role in helping these students take that next step,” said Phil Riney, President of Independence Bank, in a release. “These recipients are thoughtful, driven, and deeply committed to making a difference—and that gives us great confidence in the future of our communities.”
Since its inception in 2001, the program has awarded nearly $2 million to high school seniors. It was the vision of the late Charles A. Reid, a founding partner of Independence Bank and father of current Chairman Chris Reid, per the release.
Before his passing, he expressed a deep desire to create a scholarship fund to support students who otherwise might not be able to attend college. His legacy continues today, through the expansion and evolution of the program, which also involves employees of the bank in many ways each year.
“The impact of this program is felt and seen year after year,” Bank CEO Greg Mullican reflected. “We’ve met students who go on to lead, serve, and uplift the very towns they grew up in. That kind of full-circle impact is what community banking is all about.”
Applicants were selected through a comprehensive review process that evaluates academic excellence, financial need, extracurricular involvement, community service, and personal essays.
Top Winners
– Charles A. Reid Scholarship: $15,000
– Marjorie Reid Scholarship: $10,000
– John Thacker Scholarship: $10,000
– Chairman’s Scholarship: $5,000
– Chairman’s Scholarship: $5,000
– Chairman’s Scholarship: $5,000
– Guy Reisz Scholarship: $5,000
– Maurice Reisz Scholarship: $5,000
– Ag Scholarship: $5,000
– Ernie and Lou Davis Scholarship: $5,000
Charles A. Reid Finalists
– Charles A. Reid Finalist: $500
– Charles A. Reid Finalist: $500
– Charles A. Reid Finalist: $500
– Charles A. Reid Finalist: $500
– Charles A. Reid Finalist: $500
– Charles A. Reid Finalist: $500
– Charles A. Reid Finalist: $500
– Charles A. Reid Finalist: $500
– Charles A. Reid Finalist: $500
– Charles A. Reid Finalist: $500
– Charles A. Reid Finalist: $500
– Charles A. Reid Finalist: $500
– Charles A. Reid Finalist: $500
– Charles A. Reid Finalist: $500
– Charles A. Reid Finalist: $500
To learn more about the scholarships, click here.
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