The Pendleton County Education Foundation is a private non-profit organization whose primary purpose is to provide funding for scholarships to graduating Pendleton County seniors and to provide grant money to finance education projects, such as the Education Support grants given to the county schools.

SCHOLARSHIPS

In 2025, PCEF issued 44 checks to PHS students from the scholarship accounts they manage.

The 2025 Tom and Tippy Moreland Scholarships were awarded to four graduating seniors, Cadence (Cadie) Cogswell, Jonathan Frisch, Delaney Thompson and Caleb Biddle at the Award Night program.

Cadence plans to attend NKU to study Political Science while participating in their accelerated program where she will receive her law degree within five years. She plans to go to Cincinnati and learn from others and finally come home and open her own practice.

Jonathan plans to attend Bluegrass Community and Technical College. He is entering Toyota's Advanced Manufacturing Technician Program in which he will attend college and also be employed at Toyota. This will fulfill a dream of his since he was a little boy.

Delaney plans to attend NKU majoring in pediatric nursing. She volunteered at Southern Elementary and enjoys the students’ excitement and energy.

Caleb will attend NKU and major in Business. He feels that having a business degree, he can explore professions in many different fields. He is looking forward to meeting new people, making new friends and making connections that he can use throughout his life.

Tom and Tippy Moreland established a charitable remainder unitrust in the early 1990s and named the Pendleton County Education Foundation as one of the beneficiaries. After Tippy’s death (Tom predeceased her) a large portion of the trust fund was disbursed to the PCEF to be used for scholarships for Pendleton County graduates. The first scholarship was awarded in 1997. The Pendleton County Education Foundation has invested the funds.

Director Mary Edith Hillenmeyer presents the 2025 PCEF Education Support check to Southern Elementary School Principal Mark Hegyi.

This year, Southern Elementary is using the funds to expand their electronic messaging and digital signage throughout the school. Over the past year, they have increased the use of electronic displays to highlight student accomplishments, academic growth, attendance improvements, and classroom milestones. These screens promote a positive school culture by celebrating both achievement and growth.

They also allow families and visitors to immediately see the great work happening in our school. With this year’s PCEF funds, Southern Elementary plans to put the fund towards purchasing additional signage. Our hope is to have a dedicated screen for each grade level. This will allow every grade to consistently showcase student progress, celebrations, and learning highlights. SES appreciates PCEF’s continued support in helping recognize and promote the success of Pendleton County students!

The Pendleton County Education Foundation is pleased to be able to assist our schools in their projects. The PCEF also gives scholarships to PC graduating seniors and manages several scholarships that are designated in memory of loved ones.