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Dr. Ken Oppel Memorial Scholarship Fund

Fund Number: 156

Fund Purpose
Provides scholarship support for graduating seniors of North Harrison High School, Ramsey, Indiana. Funds are divided equally between one male and one female with priority to students entering a degree program in education, nursing or law enforcement.

Fund Story
Dr. Ken Oppel Memorial Scholarship was recently established at the Harrison County Community Foundation to honor Ken's lifelong dedication to the service of others. Ken spent many years supporting the education of students at North Harrison and this scholarship continues to do so in his memory.

Born in Harrison County in 1965 to Beatrice and the late Forrest (Buck) Oppel, Ken and his younger brother Gregg were taught by their parents to be involved in the community, serving others.

Ken was an active resident of Northern Harrison County throughout his life. He graduated from North Harrison High School 1983 and went on to study at Indiana University and eventually earned his Doctorate in Education from Spalding University in Louisville. Ken married Chrissy Crawford and they had two beautiful children, Madison and Christopher.

Known far and wide for his giving spirit and dedication to the well-being of others, Ken served his school community as a teacher, coach, and administrator.

Ken never met a stranger and anyone spending even a few minutes with him soon felt they had made a friend.

He was equally passionate about education and helping students was only surpassed by his love for his own children, and the family he and Chrissy had together.

A fierce competitor on the ball court or field, Ken was often said to "bleed North Harrison Blue".

This scholarship is a tribute to Ken and is meant to further his passion for life and for his fellow human beings.

Scholarship Recipients:
2011 - Amanda Hartley, Alec Dones
2012 - Cody Morgan, Nisa Moss
2013 - Savannah Hudson, David Adamson
2014 - Rebekah McCutcheon, Brandon Craig
2015 - Jack Phelps, Megan Smith
2016 - Joseph Kuerzi, Abigail Book
2017 - Emma McDaniels, Jayce Metz
2018 - Nathan Deatrick, Samantha Fell
2019 - Timothy Gutknecht, Josie Hayse
2022 - James Manwaring, Emma Robertson