Former Principal Remembered with HCCF Scholarship Fund

The Corydon Democrat

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

      With contributions made from many friends and family, Jay and Lou Ann Baker of Indianapolis have created a scholarship in remembrance of their father, R. William Baker. The R. William Baker Scholarship Fund will provide scholarship support to graduating seniors of Corydon Central High School. Selection of recipients will be based on academic performance, financial need, and participation in community service, band, chorus, athletics or vocational training. The first of these scholarships will be awarded to a member of the Class of 2008.

     Ralph William (Bill) Baker was born Feb. 22, 1931, in Alexandria to Clarence (Dutch) and Bernice Kitterman Baker. He was a 1949 graduate of Corydon High School where he was a multi-sport athlete. Indiana Central College (now the University of Indianapolis) offered Baker a basketball scholarship, affording him the opportunity to become the first in his family to attend college.
      He joined the Army in 1952 and was stationed in Germany. Baker later returned to Indiana Central, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1957. He earned his master’s degree from Butler University.
      On Dec. 31, 1955, Baker married Mary Lou LeForce at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Corydon. Baker taught and coached in Indianapolis before returning to Corydon, where he was a salesman for K.H. Brown and Son. Teaching and coaching lured Baker back to the education profession in 1967, where he taught history, math and physical education, and coached basketball, track and golf at Corydon Junior High School. Following the retirement of George Merk, Baker succeeded Merk as principal at CJHS, where he served an additional 17 years before retiring in 1991. Baker was a member of Old Capitol United Methodist Church in Corydon, the Indiana State Teacher’s Association, National Educators Association, National Association of Secondary School Principals, VFW, American Legion, and a charter member and former president of Corydon Optimist Club. He was also a longtime member, director and past president of the old Corydon Country Club.
      Baker died March 8, 2006, and is buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Corydon.
     “Our dad was a strong advocate of education and community service,” Jay said. “His father passed away when he was 8, and he and his family worked hard so that he could become the first in his family to graduate from college. Our wish is for this fund to help bridge the gap for those needing assistance to attend college.”
     “Dad was always active in the community and very interested in encouraging students to recognize their potential,” said Lou Ann. “Whether many of us realized it or not as students, he related to many of our challenges and distractions and was always willing to provide support. He believed in camaraderie, teamwork and positive approaches in whatever he did, and it is our hope through this scholarship, that other young impressionable students can make the most of the opportunities they might not have considered.”
     The Harrison County Community Foundation provided a matching gift to create this fund and any additional donation is eligible for a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $25,000. Anyone who wishes to make a donation to the R. William Baker Scholarship Fund may contact the HCCF staff at 738-6668 or mail donations to the Foundation, P.O. Box 279, Corydon, IN 47112. Checks should be made out to Harrison County Community Foundation with the name of the fund in the memo line.