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Mariah Spivey, the daughter of Mike and Michelle Spivey, all of Connersville, received the Virginia Meeks Scholarship an endowment of the Fayette County Foundation.  This scholarship requires that applicants have at least a 3.0 GPA, are a graduating senior of Connersville High School, as well as considers financial need.

The Virginia Meeks Scholarship was established in November of 1999 by the Virginia A. Meeks Estate to aid and assist worthy and deserving graduates of Connersville High School to acquire a vocational, college, or university education. Virginia Meeks was very “community minded” according to her two friends and colleagues in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Kay Porter Pike and Anna C. Porter. Her passions were education and hisfory, and so she became involved in both the Daughters of the American Revolution and Historic Connersville. She joined the local John Conner chapter of DAR in 1938 and was a very active member. She served as treasurer for both DAR and Historic Connersville for many years, and did an “excellent job”. Virginia also belonged to a local sorority and was honored by Altrusa as Woman of the Year in 1986.

According to her neighbor, John Alexander, Virginia was a “great neighbor and a lot of fun to talk with.” She loved to travel and share her experiences with others. She was very knowledgeable about the community and very proud to call Connersville home. Virginia knew that one op the keys to a successful life was life long learning. Virginia found joy in establishing a scholarship to support Connersville High School graduates who wanted to go on to college to better themselves.  A modest woman, Virginia left a portion of her estate to the Fayette County Foundation through a bequest gift. Because the gift was endowed (the gift was permanently invested and forever will support the scholarship), her passion tor education will continue tor generations.

Mariah Spivey is now studying to become a dental hygienist at Indiana University – Purdue University Fort Wayne.  Mariah aims to possibly return to Fayette County to work and raise a family.  She said, “I personally believe I can pursue my dreams and achieve greatness in my chosen field. I do my best to stay humble and help others in need.”

This year the Foundation awarded 34 scholarships to 19 students with $100,337 in tuition funds awarded.

Congratulations, Mariah!