The Jackson County United Way board of directors gathers for a group photo at the annual campaign dinner Jan. 18 at the Knights of Columbus in Seymour. From left are Colin Smith, Christine O’Donnell, Gina Bane, Matt Lucas, Rexanne Ude, Laura Ruddick, Ali Schryer, Jeff Chalfant, Amy Steitz, Jeremy Myers and Terrye Davidson.
Erika Malone | The Tribune
Above and beyond
Thumbs up to those who received awards for contributing to the Jackson County United Way campaign in 2023. Those recognized during the annual meeting Jan. 18 at the Knights of Columbus in Seymour include BSM Groups and Chad Spencer, which received JACSY awards; Seymour Parks and Recreation Department for its support of United Way throughout the year; the Rev. Jeremy Myers for serving as board president for several years; and The Point for its donation of backpacks during the Rock’n Ready event each year. A related thumbs up to the top 10 campaigns pledging donations during the annual fundraising campaign, which has raised $570,000 or 87% of the goal so far. They are Cummins, Schneck Medical Center, Aisin USA Manufacturing Inc., JCBank, Blue & Co., Nippon Steel Pipe America Inc., Beatty Insurance, Seymour Community Schools, Valeo and Rose Acre Farms. In 2023, JCUW funded a network of 19 programs provided by 15 nonprofit agencies.
Sharing a record
Thumbs up to Crothersville High School boys basketball player Dirk Crater, who recently set the school record for three-pointers in a game by hitting eight. A related thumbs-up teammate Beau Napier, who tied that record by nailing eight of nine shots from long range nine days later. The duo’s achievements broke a four-way tie with former Tigers Scott Austin, Jeremy Cottingham, Jaime Land and Aaron Wilp, who all made seven three-pointers in a game. Similar to Crater and Napier, Austin and Cottingham had their performances just six days between each other in 1995.
Conference champ
Thumbs up to Seymour High School wrestler Jesus Aguilar, who recently won the 215-pound class during the Hoosier Hills Conference wrestling tournament. Aguilar’s performance produced the Owls’ first conference champion since the 2018-19 season.
Headed to state
Thumbs up to Seymour Middle School Team 3138E, Logan Garcia and Caydyn Parks, and Immanuel Lutheran School Team 520D, Emersyn Dailey and Daniel Neawedde. Together, the two teams placed first and earned the Teamwork Champion award during a robotics tournament Jan. 20 at Immanuel Lutheran School in Seymour. That earned them a spot in the Indiana Robotics State Championship on March 23 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.