Scholarship Launched in Honor of Late South Ripley Teacher

The scholarship is open to high school grads in five counties that pursue a degree in special education.

Jenna Homola. Photo provided.

(Ripley County, Ind.) - The Ripley County Community Foundation, in partnership with the family of Jenna Homola, is honored to announce the establishment of the Jenna’s Vision Scholarship.

This scholarship was established to continue Jenna’s lifelong passion to educate and create opportunities for local students.

Jenna passed away suddenly in 2022. Though her life was cut short, her impact on the lives of her students was profound. From an early age Jenna knew that she was destined to be a teacher earning a bachelor’s degree in special education and English from IU Northwest. Guided by her vision to support students who needed individualized attention, she obtained a master’s degree from Ball State University in Special Education Administration with an emphasis on applied behavior analysis. As a graduate of South Ripley High School, Jenna felt fortunate that she was able to return to her hometown and teach students at her alma mater and was eventually able to widen her impact while employed at Switzerland County Schools.

Jenna’s Vision Scholarship is available to graduates of any high school in Ripley, Switzerland, Dearborn, Ohio and Franklin Counties who are pursuing an undergraduate baccalaureate degree in special education. Preference will be given to graduates of South Ripley High School and Switzerland County High School reflecting Jenna’s deep connection to those communities.

“It is the hope that the Jenna’s Vision Scholarship will inspire local students to pursue careers in special education”, stated Amy Streator, Executive Director of the Ripley County Community Foundation. “Through this scholarship the community can honor the beauty that Jenna brought to the world and share the light that she left behind.”

The application and full eligibility criteria can be found on the Ripley County Community Foundation’s website at https://rccfonline.org/scholarships/.

Contact the Ripley County Community Foundation to learn how you can establish your family’s charitable giving fund and leave your own legacy at (812) 933-1098 or visit www.rccfonline.org.