OWENSBORO, Ky. – Independence Bank proudly celebrated surpassing $2 million in total awards to Kentucky students as it marks the 25th anniversary of its annual Scholarship Program.
Henderson County High School Senior Kamryn Trout received the Charles A. Reid Scholarship of $15,000. It was the largest scholarship awarded.
Henderson County High School Senior Bailey Moore was also among the top winners, receiving the $5,000 Agriculture Scholarship.
The 2026 ceremony is especially notable with a record number of more than 600 applicants. $173,026 is being allocated this year alone, according to a news release.
The Independence Bank Scholarship Program began with an initial award of $10,000 in 2001 and was a dream of Bank founder, Charles Reid. Today, with the guidance and support of Chairman, Chris Reid, it has grown into one of the region’s most impactful educational support initiatives.
“We are thrilled to reach this incredible milestone of 25 years of supporting our community’s students,” Independence Bank CEO Greg Mullican shared. “This program has always been about more than just financial aid; it’s about helping students reach their dreams through higher education, technical training or career development. We consider it an honor to give back in such a meaningful way.”
An in–person reception was held on Tuesday, April 28 at Independence Bank’s Frederica Street location in Owensboro to celebrate the scholarship recipients and this historic milestone. The event brought together students and their families from 15 different counties to recognize their hard work and dedication.
The scholarship program is open to local high school seniors who are selected through a comprehensive review process that considers academic achievement, financial need, extracurricular involvement, community service and personal essays.
“The heart of the Independence Bank Scholarship Program has always been about empowering students to reach their full potential,” Independence Bank Charitable Foundation Manager Lauren Patton reflected. “We believe that every student, regardless of their financial background, deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams. This program is a testament to the bright futures of the young people who will help shape it. We look forward to continuing this tradition for many more years to come.”
Independence Bank greatly appreciates its dedicated employees and board members who have either generously donated to the fund or supported the scoring and selection process for applicants. Without this commitment and contribution, the scholarship program would not be the success that it is today.
Top Winners
Kamryn Trout, Henderson County High School: Charles A. Reid Scholarship, $15,000
Hannah Holder, Apollo High School: Marjorie Reid Scholarship, $10,000
Will Martin, Owensboro Catholic High School: Marjorie Reid Scholarship, $7,600
Nolan Johnson, Daviess County High School: Chairman’s Scholarship, $10,000
LaShasy Vera, Apollo High School: John Thacker Memorial Scholarship, $10,000
Malachi Patterson, Madisonville North Hopkins High School: Guy Reisz Scholarship, $5,000
Ella Kemp, Graves County High School: Maurice E. Reisz Scholarship, $5,000
Ava Rhodes, Trinity High School: Kenny and Debbie Lanham Scholarship, $5,000
Nick Bell, Murray High School: Agriculture Scholarship, $5,000
Bailey Moore, Henderson County High School: Agriculture Scholarship, $5,000
Sean Rhodes, Apollo High School: Ernie and Lou Davis Scholarship, $5,000
Charles A. Reid Finalists ($1,500)
Ellie Chetawatee, Murray High School
Abby Ladwig, Owensboro High School
Aziah Overstreet, Carter G. Woodson Academy
JoLee Rubano, Suda E. Bultner Traditional High School
Manas Garla, Western Hills High School
Darcey Sloan, Graves County High School
Brooklin Preston, McCracken County High School
Landon Hodges, Hancock County High School
Kamryn Trout, Henderson County High School
Emma Duncan, Madisonville North Hopkins High School
Brianna Lott, Logan County High School
Maya Revlett, McLean County High School
Katherine Church, Martha Layne Collins High School
Claire Ellington, Greenwood High School
Hunter Redfern, Webster County High School
Full List of 2026 Scholarships For Henderson and Webster Counties:
Henderson County
Jaedyn Sights, Henderson County High School: Henderson County Community Board, $4,000
Harper Scott, Henderson County High School: Henderson County Community Board, $1,500
Webster County
Hunter Redfern, Webster County High School: Webster County Community Board, $1,200
Katerine Rivera, Webster County High School: Webster County Community Board, $1,200
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