JACKSON COUNTY — Two graduating high school seniors from Jackson County have been named the latest recipients of the annual Rumpke Waste & Recycling Medora Landfill Scholarship, securing critical financial support as they transition into specialized degree programs.
The regional waste management leader awards a total of $5,000 annually to local students, breaking the fund down into two individual, non-renewable $2,500 scholarships. The program is designed to support Jackson County youth pursuing advanced education at any accredited institution, specifically encompassing traditional four-year universities, two-year community colleges, and technical vocational or trade schools.
This Year’s Recipients and Future Plans
The current cycle highlights two distinct academic and career tracks chosen by Jackson County’s top applicants:
- Jada Barker: A graduating senior from Seymour High School, Barker has committed to attending Hanover College. She plans to channel her scholarship toward a degree in kinesiology and integrated physiology.
- Joseph Gray: A graduating senior from Brownstown Central High School, Gray is taking a technical career path. He will use his funding to attend the Southeast Lineman Training Center, where he plans to train to become a certified electrical lineman.
The Rumpke scholarship program places a heavy emphasis on community investment and environmental stewardship. To qualify for the highly competitive funding, applicants must be graduating high school seniors who maintain a primary residence within Jackson County. To prevent conflicts of interest, dependents of active Rumpke employees are explicitly excluded from eligibility for this particular fund.
Rather than looking solely at grade point averages, Rumpke’s selection committee evaluates candidates using a holistic, four-pillar framework:
- Academic Commitment: A demonstrated dedication to learning and persistence in high school coursework.
- Leadership Ability: Active participation in school organizations, athletics, or regional youth groups.
- Environmental Stewardship: A proven track record of practicing or advocating for sustainability, recycling, or conservation.
- Community Service: A genuine, documented desire to serve and improve local neighborhoods.
The Application Process
The annual selection cycle kicks off at the start of each year, with completed application packets generally due to the committee in early March.
To be considered for future cycles, local students must submit an official application form detailing their high school extracurricular activities, a summary of their long-term career goals, and a mandatory short essay. The essay requires students to reflect directly on their personal relationship with nature, outlining the daily, tangible actions they take to protect and preserve the environment.
Students, parents, and guidance counselors interested in reviewing specific application requirements or downloading the Medora Landfill Scholarship form for the next academic cycle can access full program guidelines via the official Rumpke Scholarships online portal.
