HOPE — For the first time ever, the town of Hope has awarded college scholarships financed through the community’s economic development income tax (EDIT) fund.
Two members of this year’s graduating class at Hauser Jr.-Sr. High will each receive $1,500 scholarships, according to Hope Town Council member Clyde Compton.
Dillon Garwood, 18, of Hartsville says he will use his scholarship to first study archeology at Ball State University. He plans to later major in architecture and landscaping at Purdue University.
Nichole Paetzel, 18, of rural Hope, says she will first attend Vincennes University. However, she plans to eventually transfer to Purdue to earn a four-year degree in veterinary science and become certified as a veterinarian’s assistant.
It was one year ago this month that the Hope Town Council reorganized the committee that recommends how one-quarter of Hope’s income tax revenue is spent.
The reorganization included Compton’s motion that EDIT funds be used to pay for two $1,500 scholarships for Hauser seniors that can be used for either trade schools or traditional colleges.
Final decisions on recipients are made by members of Hauser’s guidance department, Compton said. The council unanimously approved the creation of the scholarships in July 2019.
For more than 10 years, the EDIT committee has considered funding applications from community groups or individuals seeking to hold events or carry out projects intended to enhance economic development.
The town distributes about $70,000 a year to applicants, which is about 25 percent of the income tax revenue Hope receives every year, according to town records.
