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Centra Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2025 Loretta M. Burd Scholarship Program. The program will award 34 total $2,500 scholarships to graduating high school seniors and adult students this year.

Each Centra branch location will award one $2,500 scholarship to a high school senior in the local community. The remaining scholarships will be awarded to adult or non-traditional students who have decided to return to school. The Loretta M. Burd Adult Scholarship may be used to pursue an undergraduate degree, graduate degree or certification from an accredited college, university or technical/trade school.

Named in honor of Loretta M. Burd, who retired from Centra Credit Union after 47 years of service, the Loretta M. Burd Scholarship Program is designed to invest in Members’ futures. The program specifically helps local students who plan to attend a two- or four-year college, university or technical/trade school. The Centra Foundation would like to recognize Shirley Shea for her support of the Loretta M. Burd Adult Scholarship Program. Centra is very grateful for her continued support.

To qualify for a scholarship, the applicant or the applicant’s parent or legal guardian must be a Member of Centra Credit Union with an account in good standing. To learn more about how to become a Centra Member, individuals can visit https://www.centra.org/become-a-member/. Awards can be used at two- or four-year colleges, universities or technical/trade schools for the fall 2025 semester.

Applications will be accepted until March 9, at https://www.centra.org/centra-foundation/scholarships/. All applications will be reviewed on academic achievements, school and community involvement, work history and a short essay about financial literacy. The scholarship places value on well-rounded students who display a strong work ethic and involvement in their local community. Scholarship recipients will be announced in April.

Sarah Gregerson of Salem has been named to Southern New Hampshire University's Fall 2024 Dean's List! The fall terms run from September to December.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.500 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the Dean's List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.

Congratulations on your hard work, Sarah!

Eastern High School's very own Hayden Pendleton has been selected as the Washington County Lilly Scholarship recipient. Hayden is the son of Lisa and Mike Pendleton of Salem.

Hayden is the Drum Major of the Musketeer Brigade and enjoys band and theater. He is President of the National Honor Society, secretary of the Student Council, and assistant director of the middle school musical in 2024. He is also a National Merit Commended Student and recognized by the College Board as a National Rural and Small Town Scholar and First Generation Scholar. Hayden was named a Rising Star of Indiana in 2024.

Hayden plans to pursue a degree in Biology with a concentration in Genetics or Cellular and Molecular Biology.

Congratulations Hayden on your hard work and dedication!

Salem FFA had four individuals compete at the Indiana State 4-H Forestry Judging competition. Their team came in 5th overall in the state, and Donevan Zinser was the 1st place individual in the state!

Congratulations to each of them!

470200037 994309109387578 6117739236268544611 n First place winner Donevan Zinser.

The BSE Circuit Breakers robotics team competed at semi-state over the weekend. They went up against 46 other teams of 4th-8th graders and were the winners of the Motivation Award, an award that recognizes a team that exemplifies the First LEGO League culture through enthusiasm, team spirit, and team building. The award is given to a team that demonstrates a commitment to the FLL Core Values and showcases excellence in the Innovation Project, Robot Design, and Robot Performance.

This is the second time the BSE team has been recognized for this award this season!

Team members include Kent Gettlefinger, Warren Bailey, Lincoln Corp, Ella Schmaltz, Alaina Tedrow, Ava Temple and Mia Wade, and the team is coached by Mrs. Mikels and Ms. Johnson.

Way to go!