The Elizabeth D. Baier Youth Spirit Award
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, Past-President of the United Way of Posey County and a member of the selection committee, said,” The United Way of Posey County 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.”
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 2026. The Award, in the amount of $1,000, 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 inaugural Award committee, 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 is 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 2027. 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 more letters of recommendation must accompany the application. Applications must be typed and must be post-marked no later than May 4, 2026, for consideration; and the Award recipients will be notified no later than June 12, 2026. 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 2025, the Award was given to Alaina Allyn, a member of the 2026 graduating class at Mount Vernon Senior High School.
The Award for 2026 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 here.
RECIPIENT OF THE 2026 ELIZABETH D. BAIER YOUTH SPIRIT AWARD ANNOUNCED
Libby Reese, a member of the Class of 2027 at Mount Vernon Senior High School, has been selected as recipient of the Elizabeth D. Baier Youth Spirit Award for 2026. The Award, in the amount of $1,000, is given annually to an incoming high school senior who is a resident of 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, Past-President of the United Way of Posey County and a prior member of the Award recipient selection committee, said, “The United Way of Posey County 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.”
Libby is the daughter of Staci Reese and Brennan Reese and is involved in many school and community activities. She is a member of Student Council, Key Club and National Honor Society, among others. She is student council vice-president and junior class president, both of which have allowed her to be very active in her school and community. Throughout her high school years, she has volunteered at Jacob’s Village, which she said helped her to gain a greater appreciation for the importance of community involvement. Volunteering at Jacob’s Village inspired her to participate in Polar Plunge, a fundraiser for Special Olympics, and Unified Track and Field. She is working to make Polar Plunge an event in her school in her senior year.
Libby founded the Mount Vernon Junior High School leadership team, Bobcats Lead, which is for outstanding student-athletes in 7th and 8th grade and who demonstrate strong character and leadership potential. She meets with the team 3 or 4 times to teach them leadership skills and how to become the best version of themselves.
Libby is very proud to have been selected to serve on the Indiana High School Athletic Association Advisory Committee, on which she served during her junior year and will serve again during her senior year. She represents student-athletes in Mount Vernon, Posey County, Southwest Indiana, and throughout the State of Indiana. She was selected as one of nine out of 81 applicants to serve on the committee.
After high school, Libby plans to attend college and pursue a career in the medical field as a physician’s assistant. She plans to attend the University of Southern Indiana followed by additional training at the University of Evansville.
For more information regarding the Award or the United Way’s Leadership Giving Program, please call 812-838-3637, or email unitedwayposey@gmail.com.