Through the generous support of donors, BCEF directly administers certain scholarships. All scholarships use the same common application.
The 2025 Scholarship Application will be available sometime in January and will be due February 28.
NEW IN 2025! Randy Smith Scholarship
Randy Smith is a 1975 graduate of Batesville High School and serial entrepreneur, founding and developing several high-technology companies. Most recently Randy served as Founder and Executive Vice-Chairman of OmniComm Systems, a publicly traded, global supplier of software and consulting services to the Life Sciences industry. While not a life-long resident, Randy was born in Batesville and has deep roots in the community as most of his relatives live in the area. Randy lived in Oakwood, OH before returning to Batesville in 1972. Randy currently resides in Orlando, FL and calls Batesville home during the summer months.
- Applicants must be BHS graduating students in the top 20% of the class. While NOT required, special consideration will be given to first-generation college-bound students.
- In 2025, one $5,000 scholarship (non-renewable) will be awarded and one $5,000 (renewable for up to three additional years upon meeting renewal criteria annually) will be awarded.
James E. Fritsch Memorial Scholarship
Mr. Fritsch spent 30 years working as an engineer for General Electric. A quiet, courteous man, he was known for his daily drives around Batesville. Upon his death, he donated a sum of money to establish a scholarship for BHS grads who were college-bound.
- Applicants must be BHS graduating students in the top 20% of the class.
- Five $5,000 non-renewable scholarships will be awarded in 2025.
Mary C. Horstman Scholarship
The lifelong farmer worked at Batesville Casket for 31 years before retiring in 1986. This scholarship pays tribute to agriculture and the trades to honor her years of hard work.
- Applicants must be BHS graduating students.
- Applicants with a direct connection to agriculture (through a family farm, FFA membership, or future field of study) OR who are continuing their education in a trade after high school graduation will receive special consideration. However, all BHS graduating students are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet the above criteria.
- Three $1,000 non-renewable scholarships will be awarded in 2025.
Bobbie Brandes Memorial Scholarship 
Mrs. Brandes, a BHS graduate from the Class of 1948, worked as the Administrative Assistant to the Batesville High School principal for almost 40 years. In this role, Bobbie worked to support and uplift the students, faculty, and staff of BHS. This scholarship was established by her family to honor her contributions to the Batesville Community School Corporation.
- Applicants must be BHS graduating students in the top 20% of their class.
- Special consideration will be given to students who meet any of the following criteria:
- are first generation college-bound
- have demonstrated leadership in school organizations or sports teams
- are pursuing a career in education
- demonstrate civic and community engagement.
- One $2,500 non-renewable scholarship will be awarded in 2025.
Ron Raver Memorial Scholarship
Valedictorian of the BHS Class of 1958, Coach Raver was a well-rounded athlete as well as a scholar. Returning to his high school alma mater, he taught chemistry and other science courses at the school for 29 years, but is best remembered for his years coaching cross country, track, and boys’ basketball. He was an active member of many community organizations and provided radio commentary and hosted the popular “Coaches Corner” program for WRBI.
- Applicants must be BHS graduating students in the top 20% of their class AND have participated in cross country, basketball, or track.
- In addition, applicants should be able to demonstrate that they have the following qualities and characteristics that Coach Raver displayed:
- Actively involved in school, church, and community
- Proven determination and perseverance
- One $1,000 non-renewable scholarship will be awarded in 2025.
Questions regarding BCEF scholarships may be director to BCEF executive director Anne Wilson at [email protected].