Indianapolis (April 18, 2025) - The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its prestigious Awards of Excellence for 2025. These scholarships, totaling $10,000, are awarded annually to mortuary school students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, funeral service experience, and a deep commitment to serving families with compassion, fairness, and dignity. 

This year, 30 students from across the United States and Canada applied for the scholarships, making the selection process highly competitive. After careful consideration, six exceptional students were chosen to receive scholarships

Meet the 2025 Scholarship Recipients: 

• Jesse Currens - From Lawrenceburg, Ky., Jesse is a student at Mid-America College of Funeral Service. He works for Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home. Jesse has been awarded a $3,000 scholarship and airfare, accommodations and registration to attend OGR's signature event, PROGRESS in Riverside, CA on May 6-8. 
• Carmen Ward - From Ontario, Canada, Carmen is a student at Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning. She works for Henry Walser Funeral Home and has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship. 
• Hannah Thompson - From Auburn Mills, Mich., Hannah is a student at the University of Central Oklahoma. Hannah works for Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc. and has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship. 
• Joao Pozzi Arcaro - From Canton, N.Y., Joao is a student at State University of New York at Canton. He works for Wright-Beard Funeral Home and has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship. 
• Calvin M. Amato, CCO, CPC - From Tyrone, Pa., Calvin is a student at Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. He has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship. 
• Angelyna M. Scheck - From Newton, N.J., Angelyna is a student at Eastwick College. She works for OGR member firm F. John Ramsey Funeral Home and has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship. 

"The dedication and passion exhibited by these students embody the values of the International Order of the Golden Rule," says Kim Hunter, OGR Foundation Chair and incoming OGR Board Chair. "We are proud to support their academic and professional endeavors as they continue to make a difference in the lives of families they serve."

All scholarship applicants receive complimentary student membership in OGR through December 31, 2025, providing them with access to valuable resources and networking opportunities within the funeral service profession. 

To learn more about the OGR Foundation and to make a donation, please visit www.ogr.org/foundation. Your support helps empower the next generation of compassionate and skilled funeral service professionals. 

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