The Spark of an Unfinished Adventure
A scholarship born from loss, fueled by a spirit that could not be dimmed
The “Hilary Weimer Memorial Fund,” serves as a meaningful memorial, established to carry on the legacy of a young woman named Hilary, whose life was cut much too short by a rare cancer.
While death took her physical presence, it couldn’t touch the vibrant curiosity and love for adventure that defined her. Her spirit lives on through her scholarship and its recipients, individuals who, like Hilary, seek to explore the world, push boundaries, and learn with fervor.
A woman built of resilience and untamed curiosity, Hilary had a heart for adventure. With degrees in anthropology, folklore, and public administration, she was involved in a variety of internships around the United States. She participated in the Council of State Governments in Washington D.C. and museum education in Wauconda, Illinois. It was her internship at the Rocky Ridge Music Center in Estes Park, Colorado that led her to an opportunity to work for the YMCA of the Rockies, an experience she found especially meaningful.
In her 29 years on this earth, she learned to play instruments like the flute, trumpet, piano, and organ. She was a member of several clubs and volunteered at many organizations, including the Henry County Community Foundation. She served on one of the first TASC (Teens About Serving the County) Committees. She was active in hiking, biking, traveling, snowboarding, and mountain climbing. Through it all, she didn’t allow her cancer diagnosis to defeat her zest for life.
It’s that vibrant ray of light in the face of the unimaginable that inspired the idea for the Hilary Weimer Scholarship Fund. Through profound grief and love, Hilary’s parents, David and Jean Weimer, established a scholarship for Knightstown High School graduates.
During their junior or senior year of college, students may apply for this scholarship to aid in funding an internship, clinical, practicum, student teaching experience, or other similar program.
Understanding the need for internships to help build a successful portfolio and lead to employment, the Weimers sought to help make that possible for Knightstown students. “We wanted this scholarship to help those students seeking these opportunities. We have it geared for the third and fourth year of school to help students finish their degrees and gain more experience. Hilary took part in several internships and special programs, we thought this was a great way to remember her,” recalled David.
This scholarship fund has already started the work it set out to do. With four students receiving help from the fund to extend their educational experiences, lives are being enriched while Hilary is being remembered.
The Hilary Weimer Memorial Fund serves as a testament to the enduring power of a life well-lived. Though her time was short, Hilary continues to inspire future generations to embrace adventure and learn with unwavering passion. As students embark on internships and delve into their chosen fields, they leave their own mark on the world, adding to the ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond the classroom. This fund is more than just a scholarship; it’s a community of individuals driven by curiosity, resilience, and a love for life, ensuring that Hilary’s legacy continues to illuminate the world forever.