As part of the 2025 Independence Bank Scholarship program, five Henderson County High School seniors were awarded scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000.
The winners include:
- Braxton Stauffer, Henderson County Community Board $2,000
- Vinson Embry, Henderson County Community Board $1,500
- Lydia Burnette, Henderson County Community Board $750
- Marquise Spann, Henderson County Community Board $750
- Lydia Burnette, JL Beasley AG Memorial Scholarship $500
The five local winners were part of the bank’s scholarship program that awarded 71 high school seniors from across Kentucky a total of $139,400 in scholarships, according to a press release from the bank.
“Our goal has always been to invest in more than just education—we’re investing in people,” said Lauren Patton, Bank Charitable Foundation Manager, in the release. “These students have shown us their determination and grit, and it’s a privilege to celebrate this moment with them and their families.”
According to the release, more than 460 applications were received from across the bank’s 15-county footprint, showcasing a wide variety of student achievements and community contributions. Awards ranged from $500 to $15,000, with ten recipients earning scholarships of $5,000 or more.
“We’re proud to play a role in helping these students take that next step,” said Phil Riney, President of Independence Bank. “These recipients are thoughtful, driven and deeply committed to making a difference—and that gives us great confidence in the future of our communities.”
Since its inception in 2001, the Independence Bank Scholarship Program has awarded nearly $2 million to deserving high school seniors.
Applicants were selected through a comprehensive review process that evaluates academic excellence, financial need, extracurricular involvement, community service and personal essays, according to the bank.
“Each scholarship is more than just a financial backing,” Patton said. “It’s a vote of confidence in the dreams of a student—and we’re proud to always be part of their unfolding story.”