Representatives of the Claypool United Methodist Church present a check for $309,250 to Kosciusko County Community Foundation to establish the Max and Kathryn Beigh Educational Endowment. Pictured in front, from left, are Milt Bloom, Doris Bloom, Suzie Light (Kosciusko County Community Foundation), Avis Gunter, Connie Van Curen, Stu Watkins, Janet Warren, and Pastor Mike Settles. In back are Don Morris, John Shively, Ann Sibray, and Ben Stage.

KOSCIUSKO — Representatives from the Claypool United Methodist Church presented a check in the amount of $309,250 to Kosciusko County Community Foundation to establish the Max and Kathryn Beigh Educational Endowment Fund.

Max and Kathryn Beigh left a gift in their Will to establish a scholarship for members of the Claypool United Methodist Church who are pursuing an education beyond high school.

The scholarship was funded through a trust that the Beighs created as part of their estate plan. Members of the Claypool United Methodist Church who are pursuing higher education in college or vocational training above the high school level are eligible to apply. The application is available online and the deadline to apply is at 4:30 p.m. on March 15.

Max Beigh grew up in Claypool just across the street from the Claypool UMC. After high school, he attended Manchester College where he met his wife, Kathryn. They both had long careers as teachers. Although they worked and made their permanent residence in Anderson, they had a lake cottage on Yellow Creek Lake in Claypool and they often attended church functions and special events held by Claypool UMC.

Since 1968, Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Inc. has helped donors achieve their charitable dreams. The Community Foundation is a public charity that grants over $2 million annually in the areas of education, health, arts and culture, recreation, civic projects, environment and human services. Gifts made to the Community Foundation are tax-deductible. For more information, visit online, call (574) 267-1901 or visit 102 E. Market Street, Warsaw.