2015 scholars express their 'grad-itude'

Scholarship recipients give back 

Since 2011, graduating seniors have had the opportunity to give back to the community that has given to them all of their lives.

The Community Foundation organizes the annual Grads in Action program to allow them to do so.  

Mickayla Wenzel, future cross country and track and field runner at the University of Indianapolis closed her day of service by saying, “I don’t mind giving back because I feel blessed to be born into such a friendly, giving community and it’s nice to be able to repay the community in a small way for everything they’ve done.”

This year, those who received scholarships through the Community Foundation were invited to help paint the office of the Pulaski Animal Center, and the results were nothing short of “purr-fect.”

Five grads came out early on a recent Saturday morning to lend a helping hand, painting, decorating and restoriing the office. Converted from an auto shop, the office had dirty walls with old paint.  

Emily Newman, graduate of Winamac Community High School says that she is grateful to give back to the community she grew up in because she “wants to see it improve.” 

With a soft gray covering the walls and bright yellow paw prints from wall to wall, the office is a much friendlier place for adoptions to happen.  

Winamac grad, Cierra Grubbs, recipient of a nursing scholarship to attend University of Southern Indiana says, “It means a lot to me that people are helping me out and that I can help them out [in return].”

For more information on the Community Foundation of Pulaski County or on the Grads in Action program, contact the Community Foundation at 574-946-0906, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit 127 E. Pearl St., Winamac, between the hours of 8 and 4.