APPLICATIONS FOR THE ELIZABETH D. BAIER YOUTH SPIRIT AWARD NOW BEING ACCEPTED

Applications are now being accepted for the Elizabeth D. Baier Youth Spirit Award for 2023. The Award, in the amount of $500, is given annually to a high school junior who resides in Posey County and who is involved in community activities in Posey County.

The Elizabeth D. Baier Youth Spirit Award was created in September 2007 in honor of Elizabeth D. Baier’s 25th Anniversary as Executive Director of the United Way of Posey County. Michelle Hudson, member of the committee charged with selecting the Award recipient, said, “The United Way wanted to recognize Elizabeth for her service to the United Way, but we also wanted to honor her for her many years of leadership, community involvement, and volunteer services to Posey County. An award recognizing exemplary volunteerism by young people had been a dream of Elizabeth’s for many years, so the creation of the Youth Spirit Award in her name seemed to be the perfect way to honor her.”

Funding for the Award was obtained entirely through private donations.

An applicant for the Award must be a Posey County resident but may attend high school in Posey, Gibson, or Vanderburgh Counties or may be home schooled. Applicants for this year’s Award must currently be in their junior year in high school and a member of the graduating class of 2024. An applicant does not have to be pursuing higher education in order to receive the Youth Spirit Award, but could also be entering the workforce or the military. Applicants must have exhibited outstanding leadership, volunteerism, and community involvement. Two or three letters of recommendation must accompany the application. Applications must be typed and must be post-marked no later than April 28, 2023, for consideration; and the Award recipients will be notified no later than June 9, 2023. An organization may nominate a student for the Award and provide supporting letters, but the nominated student must complete the application.

The Elizabeth D. Baier Youth Spirit Award was given for the first time in 2009. In 2022 the Award was given to two students: Sophie Kloppenburg, a member of the 2023 Class at Mount Vernon High School, and Reagan Koester, a member of the 2023 Class at North Posey High School.

The Award for 2023 will be presented at a United Way of Posey County Leadership Giving Recognition event.

Applications for the Award have been mailed to schools, churches, clubs and civic organizations. Any student wishing to apply for the Award can also obtain an application at the office of the United Way of Posey County, 215 S Kimball Street, Mount Vernon, Indiana, or can obtain an application in electronic format by contacting the United Way office at 812-838-3637 or at unitedwayposey@gmail.com . The application is also available by clicking the button below.