Published: June 28, 2008 07:08 pm      

Regional Youth Services honors foster parents and scholarship recipients

Celebrating the difference that a loving, consistent home environment makes in the lives of children, Regional Youth Services’ Jeffersonville and Madison offices recently hosted a joint annual appreciation dinner to honor foster parents and scholarship recipients.

“Hats Off to You!” was the theme for the event with attendees from several of the 21 Southern Indiana counties served by RYS. The following individuals were honored:

• Frieda Shouse of Lexington, a foster parent for 35 years.

• Roger and Tina McCleery of Scottsburg, foster parents for 10 years.

• Bill and Ruth Jones of New Albany, foster parents for 10 years.

• Steve and Regina Miller of Salem, foster parents for 10 years.

• Jeremy and Kim Pearl of Sellersburg, foster parents for five years.

• William Yowell and Lizzette Steed-Yowell of Jeffersonville, foster parents for five years.

• Stanley and Jennifer Washnock of Corydon, foster parents for five years.

• Mary Slaughter of New Albany was honored for perfect attendance at RYS’ monthly training sessions.

• Bill and Ruth Jones of New Albany received the award for having completed the most training hours (twice the 20 hours required) during the past year.

• Randy and Pam Cole of Scottsburg were honored for having provided the most respite care.

RYS Executive Director Joe Huecker also recognized outgoing board members: Travis Haire, Steve Palmquist, and Saundra E. Brown, praising them for their six years of volunteer service on the 14-member board.

Seven $1,000 Virginia Walker Memorial Scholarships, named for an RYS foster parent, were presented to Beverly Daly, Brandy Daly, Brandon Haycraft, and Kahliah Sutherland of New Albany; Kimberly Courtney of Georgetown; Robert Biery of Floyds Knobs; and Samantha Barnes of Scottsburg.

The scholarships are made available each year to anyone who had participated in RYS’ programs at any time in the agency’s 36 years. RYS has awarded $46,500 in scholarships since 2001.