One of the things that makes Owensboro such a special place to live is the willingness of residents to give back to their community. Flora Hornbeck was one of those people. Thanks to this very generous woman, a trust fund has been established that will provide money for college scholarships that will benefit Owensboro, Daviess County and Apollo High School seniors for years to come.
“I hope as a result of this generous gift, it will encourage others to step up and do the same. The gift of education is a gift that keeps giving,” said Mitch Settle, Hornbeck’s Financial Advisor.
In her will, Hornbeck stated she wanted to help local high school seniors pay for a college education. Our three local public high schools are now accepting applications from current seniors. To be eligible, applicants must have a minimum 2.75 grade point average, must be on track to finish high school within the year they apply and show financial need. Members of the Class of 2015 should submit applications to their high school guidance counselors by Jan. 31. The application should include a copy of the student’s Expected Family Contribution and a resume. A committee from each school will select the winners. Those winners will be announced at each high school’s senior recognition ceremonies in May.
“There’s no doubt that college has gotten more expensive over the years. The establishment of this new scholarship will help ease those expenses for several high school students,” said Jane Prince, OHS Guidance Counselor.
“We are pleased that 30 DCPS students will have the opportunity to pursue post-secondary education as a result of the generosity of Flora Hornbeck,” said Julie Clark, DCPS Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning.
School officials expect to award scholarships to 45 students in our community this year. Fifteen students at OHS, AHS and DCHS will each receive a $1,000 scholarship, which may be applied to admission at any accredited college, university or vocational school in the United States.
Financial experts expect the trust fund valued around $900,000 to grow each year, which in turn will provide even more money for students attending Owensboro Public Schools and Daviess County Public Schools.
OPS and DCPS have expressed appreciation to Flora Hornbeck’s outstanding example of leaving a legacy of hope and promise that will continue to benefit others even beyond her lifetime.
