Rodney and Loretta Henderson, along with their children Alisa and Josh, recently established a new designated scholarship endowment at the Rush County Community Foundation in memory of their late son and brother, Kyle. The “Kyle Henderson Memorial Scholarship Fund” was established to assist with the costs of a Rush County student continuing his or her education. The recipient of this scholarship must be a graduate of Rushville Consolidated High School and a permanent resident of Rush County.  

Preference will be given to a graduating senior of RCHS but if none apply then a student who is returning to school may be awarded this scholarship; students who plan to attend or are attending an accredited trade or vocational school studying agriculture, construction management, heating and cooling, electrical or plumbing; students who have been active in 4-H and/or FFA. 

“We wanted to name the fund to commemorate our son’s life,” Kyle’s mother, Loretta said. “Our hope is that the memory of Kyle will continue through this fund.”  

“We wanted to give preference to areas which were of most interest to Kyle,” Kyle’s father, Rodney said. “His passion for agriculture, HVAC, FFA and 4-H were evident through his involvement and hard work. We wanted to benefit those that share his passions without limiting the opportunity for those with similar interests to apply.” 

“Our family decided to start the fund in honor of Kyle upon his untimely death,” Loretta added. “Alisa and Kyle were both very fortunate to receive financial assistance from the Foundation due to the generosity of their donors. There was no question that we wanted to give back to the Foundation and the Rush County community. Kyle loved to help others and our hope is that his scholarship continues his legacy.”

“On behalf of the Foundation and our Board of Directors I want to thank Rodney, Loretta, Alisa and Josh for establishing this scholarship in Kyle’s memory,” Garry Cooley, Foundation Executive Director said. “As I told them, I can’t imagine the pain they are feeling in losing a son and brother. I am pleased they chose to honor his memory by establishing this scholarship and it was my pleasure working with them to make sure it was established according to their desires. The Kyle Henderson Memorial Scholarship Fund will assist in their desires of continuing his legacy by linking his name to the Foundation and the Rush County community not only today, but for our future generations. It will be available to provide scholarships forever to assist Rush County students in achieving their educational goals.” 

If you would like to make a donation to this fund you may send your donation to the Rush County Community Foundation, 117 N Main St, Rushville, IN 46173 with a note included that you would like it added to the Kyle Henderson Memorial Scholarship Fund.

In its 17th year of meeting the philanthropic needs of Rush County, The Rush County Community Foundation, Inc., the Foundation of Rush County’s future, is a nonprofit public charity established to serve donors, award grants and scholarships, and provide leadership to enrich and enhance the quality of life in Rush County, not only today, but for our future generations. For more information please visit or contact Garry Cooley, Executive Director, or Terry VanNatta, Assistant Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer, at their office at 117 N. Main St., Rushville, IN 46173, or call them at (765) 938-1177.