Springs Valley Bank awards scholarships to Southridge, Gibson Southern seniors

Kenia Dubon Cruz of Southridge High School and Brooklyn Meier of Gibson Southern High School each earned a $1,000 scholarship from Springs Valley Bank & Trust Company, and both seniors are headed into fields that matter directly to local workforce needs. Dubon Cruz plans to major in dental hygiene, while Meier plans to pursue psychology, two paths that can lead into health care and helping professions that serve families across Dubois County and nearby communities.

Springs Valley said the awards are part of its Community Reinvestment Act Scholarship Program, now in its fifth year. The bank, headquartered in French Lick with administrative offices in Jasper, said the program is aimed at low-to-moderate income students and is open to residents of Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Martin and Orange counties. For 2025 applicants, the annual gross family income cap was $67,920, described as 80% of the median income for non-MSA counties in Indiana.

The scholarship is based on financial need, scholastic achievement and a record of volunteer service, a combination that makes the award more than a simple merit prize. Springs Valley said the funds can be used for tuition, fees, books and supplies at an approved college or university, and the scholarship can also support students at four-year universities, community colleges or vocational training schools. Applications for the 2025-26 cycle were due March 31, recipients were to be notified by May 31 and the award was to be distributed by August 1.

Melody Ginder, the bank’s assistant vice president and CRA officer, oversees the scholarship program. Springs Valley has said the awards reflect its belief that education strengthens the community and that supporting students now can create long-term positive impact later. The bank also said it views its success through the success of its customers, communities, business partners and employees, and describes itself as more than bankers, taking on neighborhood and mentor roles.

The 2026 winners continue a local pattern. In 2025, the program recognized Alexis Fuhrman of Northeast Dubois Jr/Sr High School and Taryn Truesdale of Jasper High School. In 2024, the recipients were Willow Thompson of Barr-Reeve High School and Madison Ramsey of Loogootee High School. In 2023, Springs Valley named Clara Henderson of Paoli Junior-Senior High School and Ty Kalb of Northeast Dubois High School. With more than 120 years in business and banking centers in Jasper, French Lick, Washington, Princeton and Paoli, Springs Valley’s scholarship program keeps putting local dollars behind students who are preparing for careers that can stay rooted in the region.