Independence Bank awards $173K in scholarships

Independence Bank’s scholarship program has surpassed $2 million in total awards to Kentucky students as it marks its 25th anniversary.

Among this year’s recipients is Hancock County High School senior Landon Hodges, who received a $1,800 scholarship through the Hancock County Community Board.

The 2026 program awarded $173,026 to 67 Kentucky students, with a record of more than 600 applicants. The program began in 2001 with an initial $10,000 award and was the vision of bank founder Charles Reid. Under the leadership of Chairman Chris Reid, it has grown into one of the region’s most impactful educational support initiatives.

“We are thrilled to reach this incredible milestone of 25 years of supporting our community’s students,” Independence Bank CEO Greg Mullican said. “This program has always been about more than just financial aid; it’s about helping students reach their dreams through higher education, technical training or career development. We consider it an honor to give back in such a meaningful way.”

An in-person reception was held Tuesday, April 28, at Independence Bank’s Frederica Street location in Owensboro to celebrate the scholarship recipients and this historic milestone. The event brought together students and their families from 15 different counties to recognize their hard work and dedication.

The scholarship program is open to local high school seniors who are selected through a comprehensive review process that considers academic achievement, financial need, extracurricular involvement, community service and personal essays.

Homeschooled students are eligible to apply, and students must live in or attend school in Calloway, Daviess, Fayette, Franklin, Graves, Hancock, Henderson, Hopkins, Jefferson, Logan, McCracken, McLean, Shelby, Warren or Webster counties. Students must plan to attend a two- or four-year college or university, vocational school or trade school.

“The heart of the Independence Bank Scholarship Program has always been about empowering students to reach their full potential,” Independence Bank Charitable Foundation Manager Lauren Patton said. “We believe that every student, regardless of their financial background, deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams. This program is a testament to the bright futures of the young people who will help shape it. We look forward to continuing this tradition for many more years to come.”

Independence Bank greatly appreciates its dedicated employees and board members who have either generously donated to the fund or supported the scoring and selection process for applicants. Without this commitment and contribution, the scholarship program would not be the success that it is today.

For additional information, including a list of all honorees by location, visit 1776bank.com/scholarships.