Fund Purpose
Provides support for educational scholarships for graduating seniors who are accepted into and attending an accredited two- or four-year public or private institution of higher learning. Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need.

Fund Story
The Bud and Betty Bennett Family Scholarship Fund was established in December 2011. The fund provides scholarships for graduating high school seniors who reside in Harrison County, Indiana, and are accepted into and attend an accredited two or four year public or private institution of higher learning. Financial need is a part of the criteria for consideration.

Floyd “Bud” Bennett was born in Indianapolis. When he was 12 years old his family moved to New Middletown, Indiana where his maternal grand-parents lived. Bud attended New Middletown Grade and High School where he played basketball and graduated when he was 17 years old.

Betty Bennett was born in Galena, Indiana, attended Galena Grade School and graduated from New Albany High School.  Bud and Betty meet in Lanesville and were married in 1957.  They were married for 54 years before Bud passed away in February 2012.

Together they had three children – Pamela Bennett Martin, Mark S. Bennett and Larry W. Bennett. Bud and Betty had two grandsons, Brent P. Martin and Douglas B. Martin. By the time the first scholarship was awarded, first great-grandson, Benjamin Douglas Martin had arrived.

In 1959 Bud went into the insurance business. After working other jobs, Bud found he loved helping people through insurance. He continued working at Bennett & Bennett Insurance until the end of his life. Both Pam and Larry graduated from Hanover College and followed their father into the family business. Son Mark attended Indiana University Southeast and moved to Naples, Florida.

Betty was a stay at home mom, preferring to support her husband and children in various activities. She developed a flair for home design and decorating. Bud maintained a busy schedule of work and community involvement. Their children have continued the legacy of community service.

Shortly before Bud’s death the family decided to create the Bud and Betty Bennett Family Scholarship Fund as a way to honor Bud’s interest in seeing every student have a chance to continue their education. Bud and Betty never forgot their humble beginnings, cherished their family, and took great pride in their Harrison County community.

Scholarship Recipients:
2013 - Sierra Goode, Mitchell Bolin
2014 - Joseph Hinton, Madeline Janes, Kaitlyn Matthews
2015 - Quinton Coffman
2016 - Jessica Blackburn
2017 - Sareena Mum
2018 - Kyle Voyles
2019 - Lynsey Butler
2020 - Sarah Bailey
2021 - Abbigail King
2022 - Samuel Hornick