Hattabaugh and McCoy
Two honored at Franklin College
FRANKLIN – Franklin College sophomores Grace Hattabaugh and Jonathan McCoy received the esteemed Laurels and Lancers Awards during the annual Opening Convocation and Bell Ceremony on Friday, Aug. 22. Each year, two outstanding students are recognized for their first-year academic success and strong campus-community involvement.
As recipients of the honor, Hattabaugh and McCoy had the privilege of signaling the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year by ringing the ceremonial college bell. To commemorate the achievement, their names are engraved on the Laurels and Lancers Trophy, which is on display in the academic affairs department at the college. They each received a framed certificate as a keepsake.
Hattabaugh, from Hope, is a graduate of Hauser High School. She is studying history with a religious studies minor. Her future goal is to teach AP history at the high school level.
On campus, Hattabaugh has pursued several interests, joining Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, Pi Beta Phi sorority, Earth Club and Student Foundation. She is also employed by The Write Place as a student instructor. During her first year at Franklin College, Hattabaugh was named to the President’s List for both the fall and spring semesters for maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She was selected to participate in the college’s prestigious honor program, the Intercultural Honors Experience (IHE).
McCoy is from New Whiteland, graduating from Whiteland Community High School. He is double majoring in actuarial science and applied mathematics with a data science minor. His future aspiration is to be an actuarial consultant. Academically, he also secured a place on the President’s List for both the fall and spring semesters of his first year on campus.
McCoy has taken on several leadership roles at Franklin, serving as both the chaplain and secretary for Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, dedicating time as treasurer for the Math and Computing Club and serving the President’s Office as a member of Student Foundation. He is also a member of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, serves as a captain for the men’s volleyball team and is the representative for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
Jennings judge to visit schools
JENNINGS COUNTY — A Jennings County judge, along with 61 judicial officers from across the state, will meet students and civic group members to celebrate Constitution Day this month.
Judge Murielle “Ellie” Bright is the judge of Jennings Circuit Court. She will be visiting Brush Creek, Graham Creek, Hayden, Sand Creek, and Scipio elementary schools
Indiana courts commemorate the signing of the U.S. Consititution on September 17, 1787 with a program that brings judges into schools sometime around Constitution Day.
Applications open for scholarship
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is seeking applicants for its Engineering Scholarship Program, available for eligible undergraduate and graduate students in Indiana. Recipients receive financial assistance, as well as paid employment opportunities.
Students must be accepted or enrolled full-time in one of Indiana’s accredited Civil Engineering schools. The program must also be certified by Indiana’s Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Eligible universities with ABET-certified Civil Engineering programs include Purdue University, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Purdue University Northwest, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Trine University, University of Evansville, University of Notre Dame, University of Southern Indiana, Indiana State University, and Valparaiso University.
INDOT’s scholarship program offers $3,125 per semester or $2,083 per trimester for up to five years of post-secondary Civil Engineering education. Scholarship funds may be applied to educational expenses, fees, and books. Recipients will also have the opportunity to work at INDOT in full-time, paid positions during summer breaks and upon graduation.
Learn more about the INDOT Engineering Scholarship Program and the application process at indotscholarship.in.gov. Applications for the 2026-2027 school year must be emailed or postmarked by Dec. 31.
IU Columbus to host event
IU Columbus will host its annual Constitution Day event on Sept. 17, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Constitution Day activities will take place in the Columbus Learning Center, 4555 Central Ave., along the main hallway near the University Library.
“The goal of our event is raise awareness and knowledge of the U.S. Constitution,” explained Pamela Morris, event coordinator and IU Columbus associate professor of communication studies. “This year, we invite participants to make a button, answer trivia questions, and get their own copy of the U.S. Constitution.”
Held each year on Sept. 17, Constitution Day is an American federal observance recognizing the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens. IU Columbus has celebrated Constitution Day annually for nearly two decades.
This event is free and open to the public. It’s hosted by the IU Columbus Division of Liberal Arts, the IU Columbus Division of Education, and the IU Columbus Honors Program.
