Franklin Central senior Bode Hoover was named a recipient of the Paul M. Chase Memorial Prize Sunday at Eagle Creek Park.

Hoover won a $2,500 scholarship for demonstrating a bold interest in a service-oriented career while exemplifying intelligence, character and compassion. 

Hoover, an Advanced Placement scholar with distinction and a delegate to Boy’s State, has thrived in school and aspires to be a microbiologist, seeking to use his skills to solve a big challenge like Ebola.

He is the founder of Project Pupgrade, a nonprofit that raises funds for animal protection, is active in the school’s service and academic clubs, has helped to develop Little Free Libraries as a regional leader for Key Club and volunteers at a local pantry.

“In a time where there is so much conflict, negativity and polarization in our society, Bode is such a positive, dynamic and can-do young leader,” remarked Jesse Kharbanda, founder of the prize and executive director of the Hoosier Environmental Council.  

The prize is named after Paul Mitchell Chase (1955-2014), a public interest lawyer and humanitarian who was killed in a car accident. 

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Roncalli’s Students of the Month for August were treated to a catered luncheon while receiving certificates of recognition for their efforts.

The students and their areas of excellence are (front, from left) order) Erik Allstatt, S.T.A.R.S. Program; Dianna Perez, religious studies; Alexa Cline, science; Hannah Cushing, industrial technology; Miriam Barajas, fine arts; Bailey, Frigon, math; (back) Jaydon Nguyen, health and physical education; Kathleen Doninger, world languages; Bonnie Wagner, English; Dave Schrader, communications; Elijah Mahan, social studies. Not pictured: Matthew Looney, business and technology.