Scholarship for Students With Disabilities Started in Memory of Judy Smith

The Corydon Democrat
Wednesday, January 29, 2003

Friends of the late Judy Smith have established a college scholarship in her memory for students with learning disabilities at North Harrison High School. Funds raised for the scholarship will be matched by the Harrison County Community Foundation.

Smith, who lived in Pekin, was a learning disabilities teacher for 19 years at North Harrison High School in Ramsey. She died July 20, 1999, at age 58 after a brief struggle with an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Carol Stackhouse, Joy Taylor, Ann Neal, Coranne Smitley, Sandy Powell, Pat Johnson, Betty Cain, Susan Isbell and Charlotte Alexander established the scholarship and raised $2,500, which has been matched by the Foundation. That $5,000 will provide an annual $500 scholarship for a student who has been in the learning disabilities program at NHHS for at least three years and chooses to continue his or her education beyond high school.

Taylor, who taught at North Harrison Elementary School, said she knew Smith for about 15 years. "She was very committed, very dedicated and very patient. She was very kind toward her students who had difficulties learning." Stackhouse said the women started their fund drive three years ago, selling chances, cookbooks and quilts.

The scholarship progam has been turned over to the Foundation for administration. Donations are still sought and encouraged, and will be matched by the Foundation. For more information, contact Steve Gilliland at the Foundation at 738-6668.