Schickels of Lanesville Establish Scholarship Fund

The Corydon Democrat

Wednesday, January 4, 2006

A well-known couple and dedicated members of their community, Peter J. (Pete) and Joan Schickel of Lanesville have established a scholarship fund with the Harrison County Community Foundation. The scholarship will provide university or college tuition support to graduating seniors of Lanesville High School. Pete is a founding board member of the Foundation.

Joan graduated from Morgan Township High School in 1943. Pete graduated from Lanesville High School in 1941. They were married in St. Michael's Catholic Church, Bradford, on June 6, 1946, and are active members of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lanesville. They have five children and 10 grandchildren. All five of their children graduated from Lanesville High School, and their son, Robert, is currently vice president of the Lanesville Community School Corp. Board of Trustees.

Pete has been an active citizen of Harrison County, serving in areas such as treasurer of the Lanesville Community School Building Corp. since 1951 and the Harrison County Hospital Foundation since its inception in 1983. He served on the Harrison County Council from 1958 to 1988, served as director of First Federal Savings and Loan Association (First Federal Bank, then First Harrison Bank) from 1963-1995. He has also served on the board of directors for the  Chamber of Commerce of Harrison County and Harrison County Farm Bureau with local and state legislators since 1974.

Joan served as secretary of the Harrison County School Reorganization Committee from July 1963 to 1990. She served on the Lanesville Community School Corp. Board of Trustees for 10 years. Joan is currently Farm Woman Leader for Franklin Township Farm Bureau. Pete and Joan are charter members of Lanesville Heritage Weekend Inc. formed in 1976, and the Franklin Township Athletic Club since its inception in 1949. Joan won the Indiana State Farm Bureau speaking contest in 1967, with her speech, "You Make the Difference."

The Schickels operated a family egg business from 1946 to 1988. "Farm Fresh Quality Eggs" were produced and packed daily on the Peter J. Schickel Egg Farm near Lanesville. Eggs were delivered to consumers on Tuesdays and Fridays weekly.

Community service is part of the criteria to obtain the scholarship. "We think that is our purpose on earth to serve, we need to help those in need, those less fortunate," said Joan. "We are especially interested in young folks; they are our future. We figure if they get a good start and are sent in the right direction, then we are working toward a better community."

Recipients of these scholarships shall be selected by a committee approved by the Lanesville Community School Corp. These scholarships must benefit students who have performed well academically, demonstrated financial need and have participated in one or more of the following for at least two years: community service, athletics, music or vocational school.