SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS
DR. KENT DEKONINCK SCHOLARSHIP
The retirement of superintendent, Dr. Kent DeKoninck at the end of the 2021 was a bittersweet one for all of us as he has contributed exponentially to the growth of the Greenwood school district. He truly was the face of our district, and in more ways than one, because he was so much more than academics. He is the guy who played at recess with our elementary kids (jacket, tie and all), and was seen frequently popping in at any of our six schools for a quick visit. He was the quiet figure seen at most academic, athletic and arts events supporting our students in their endeavors. He was approachable and he listened. He was always engaged and engaging. He was the boss, and he was our friend, and always, he is Dr. D.
The GEF established an endowment scholarship in his honor to be given annually to an outgoing senior. A donation can be made directly to this scholarship by clicking the button below.
DR. NALAN SHAH SCHOLARSHIP
MRS. HOLLY WIPPERMAN SCHOLARSHIP
Holly Wippermann was a dedicated English teacher, student advocate, and team Mom. She worked the entire school year, giving everything she had to the students, coworkers, and profession she loved so much. Holly was known in the school as Queen Wipp, and people worshipped her intelligence and compassion. After being diagnosed with cancer and realizing she wouldn’t return to teaching, she created this scholarship. The Queen wanted to honor students whom she would have loved to teach and help. This scholarship will recognize students demonstrating kindness, empathy, energetic spirit, and a community-focused mindset. She lives on in the legacy she leaves for these students and in the many she influenced throughout her career.
THE BAGBY FAMILY
SCHOLARSHIP
The Bagby family, with deep roots in Johnson County history, has a long record of involvement in the field of education. Henry M. Bagby (1819 – 1874) and his sister, Anna Elizabeth Bagby (1817 - 1867), were among the earliest settlers in northern Johnson County, moving with their grandparents to White River Township in 1824. Their grandmother, Martha Glenn Park, started the first school in White River Township. Henry married Sarah King (1833 – 1912) in 1853, and they moved to a farm in Pleasant Township in 1869. A school, called the Bagby School, was established on their property. Henry and Sarah’s grandson, Olin Marshall Bagby (1885 – 1971), served on the Greenwood school board and worked as Greenwood postmaster. Their granddaughters, Agatha Marie Bagby Yount (1891 – 1989) and Martha Harriett Bagby Doub (1893 – 1987), graduated from Greenwood High School in 1910. Agatha, known by the then-common nickname of Gay, was a longtime teller at the National Bank of Greenwood and became the first woman on the Greenwood school board. Martha was a school teacher in the Johnson County school system until her marriage, then acted in a number of theatrical productions in the Polk Community House in Greenwood and worked as an award-winning bookkeeper for the Southport Grain Elevator and the Hougland Pontiac dealership. One great-granddaughter, Dr. Geraldine Bagby (1921 – 2013), was one of the first women to serve as a secondary school administrator in central Indiana (Washington Township, Marion County) and the first woman to hold a major post at the national office of the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Another great-granddaughter, Ruth Ann Doub Callon (1930 – 2015), was considered a pioneer in women’s athletics at both the high school and college levels; she was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 2005 and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree by Franklin College in 2011.
CHAD NEIMAN
MEMORIAL FUND
Chad Neiman had a passion for people. His selfless desire to help those around him knew no boundaries. He was family oriented, and his friendship was unconditional. Meeting Chad Neiman was more than a handshake. It was an invitation into his life. His warm and welcoming personality made people feel the way everyone wants to feel.
Through the Greenwood Education Foundation, Chad’s family and closest friends hope to establish a memorial endowment that will fund scholarships and other various awards to promote youth & entrepreneurial activities in Chad's honor.
Friends and family of Chad Neiman have set a fundraising goal of $25,000. Their hope is that this endowment will accommodate various opportunities for Greenwood High School seniors and youth and entrepreneurial activities in the Greenwood community for years to come.
THE DONNA JONES
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Do you know someone who is exceptionally committed to Greenwood Community Schools? Do they embody leadership, foster relationships, and demonstrate a servant's heart? If so, consider nominating them for the Donna Jones Community Service Award.
Ideal nominees will be an involved stakeholder in the school district (parent, staff member, counselors, coach, volunteers, teacher, etc.) with a long history of service and leadership. The winner will be recognized at the GEF Monte Carlo Event on February 25th, 2023.