If you’ve ever wondered if educators make good board members, we can assure you that they do! Although RCCF Board Member Mindy Vogel retired after 27 years of teaching at Mays Elementary in 2015, she follows suit. Her other life experiences don’t hurt, either.

A lifelong resident of Rush County, Mindy grew up on a family farm. She was a 10-year participant in 4-H, along with Jr. Leaders. She was a freshman at Carthage High School when Ripley Township consolidated with the Charles A. Beard school corporation in Henry County. This merger sent her to Knightstown High School. Who knows if Mindy would have met her husband J.B. if the consolidation hadn’t happened?!

After graduating from Ball State with a teaching degree, Mindy taught and lived in New Castle. In 1983 she and J.B. moved back to Rush County to raise their family. Their oldest son, Greg, now lives in Sarasota, Florida. Their other son Doug, his wife Jessica, and their son Proctor live on a family farm in Rush County. It’s a wonderful situation having them so close; Mindy and J.B. love being grandparents!

They also enjoy Turner Classic Movies and traveling. They have been fortunate to visit many National Parks and several Presidential Libraries. That love of wilderness is echoed in one of her favorite movies, “Dances With Wolves”.

It’s clear, though, that Mindy’s roots run deep in our community.

Since retirement, she has volunteered at Center Christian Church, helping with the elementary teaching program. She’s thankful for the extra free time she had to spend with her parents. Her father was able to live his whole life on the family farm in Northwestern Rush County. Her mother still lives there today.

It was Mindy’s mother, Barbara White, who introduced her to RCCF. Barbara served on the board in the ‘90s and is still an avid supporter. While teaching at Mays, Mindy and a colleague applied for and received a grant through the Rush County Education Fund. They hosted a hands-on learning experience for their students one Saturday. Her enthusiasm for RCCF hasn’t diminished a bit. Mindy told us, “I want Rush County residents to know that with a little effort, exciting things can happen through RCCF!”

With fantastic board members like Mindy leading the way, the future most certainly will be inspiring and engaging.