Pike Central High School graduate awarded a 2026 educational scholarship from Indiana Donor Network Foundation
June 15, 2026
WINSLOW, Ind. – Raeleigh McCracken’s father always inspired her.
“He encouraged others. He taught me to be kind, be inspired by setting goals and working hard to achieve them, and ultimately make a meaningful impact,” she said.
Raeleigh’s father died unexpectedly in January. As he wished, he donated his corneas to restore sight to two people.
“His generosity still continues to inspire me,” Raeleigh said. “His decision to become a cornea donor was a reflection on the way he lived life every day.”
McCracken, of Winslow has been awarded a $2,500 educational scholarship from Indiana Donor Network Foundation.
> Download a high-resolution of McCracken
Indiana Donor Network Foundation established its scholarship fund in 2005 to provide educational scholarships for family members of Indiana residents who are organ and tissue donors, living donors, transplant recipients or people waiting for lifesaving transplants.
This year, $25,000 was awarded in scholarships, made possible due to the generosity of financial contributions made by Indiana Donor Network employees and supporters of Indiana Donor Network Foundation.
Those selected as scholarship recipients have a personal connection to donation, either to someone whose life was saved when they received a transplant or to a loved one who became an organ and tissue donor. Scholarship winners often become advocates for donation by helping raise awareness and support in their communities.
Other 2026 scholarship recipients include Rylan Jordan of Knox, Indiana ($10,000); Roselyn Bounds of Huntingburg, Indiana ($7,500); and Reagan Kurcinka of Fishers, Indiana ($5,000).
Raeleigh graduated in May from Pike Central High School in Petersburg, Indiana. She was a member of the National Honors Society, Student Government, Key Club, Graduation Committee, Fire Class Honor Roll and a Student of the Month selection. In her community, she volunteered in concessions at her school’s sports events, raised funds through Riley Dance Marathon and gave horseback riding lessons.
This fall, she’ll attend University of Evansville to study elementary education. Raeleigh said she wants to become an elementary teacher so she can inspire children to live with empathy, kindness and a sense of community.
“Knowing that part of my dad lives with someone else is incredibly amazing and gives my family comfort and hope,” she said. “The donation experience has shown me the power of giving and the lasting impact that one’s can have on others.”
Despite age or medical history, anyone can sign up to be a donor at DonateLifeIndiana.org. Learn more about Indiana Donor Network.
Indiana Donor Network’s mission is to save and enhance the quality of life through organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Its vision is to be a leader in organ and tissue recovery. Founded in 1987, the organization coordinates donation in 85 of the state’s 92 counties and serves transplant hospitals throughout the U.S.
ABOUT INDIANA DONOR NETWORK
The decision to become an organ, tissue and cornea donor is a decision to give the gift of life. Indiana Donor Network serves as the vital link between donors and patients waiting for lifesaving organ transplants, healing tissue and corneas to restore sight. The organization is a federally designated organ recovery organization and accredited tissue bank serving 85 of Indiana’s 92 counties. Its team of more than 400 dedicated professionals is committed to saving and healing lives through donation and transplantation, championing the cause through education and outreach and supporting donor families in their time of need. For more or to sign up as a donor, visit Indiana Donor Network online.
ABOUT INDIANA DONOR NETWORK FOUNDATION
As a subsidiary of Indiana Donor Network founded in 1997, Indiana Donor Network Foundation enhances the lives of those touched by donation through education, innovation, caring and support. The foundation raises funds through individual contributions, special events and sponsorships to support transplant recipients and the families of donor heroes. For more, visit Indiana Donor Network Foundation online.
Indiana Donor Network® and the Indiana Donor Network Foundation® are federally registered trademarks.
ABOUT DONATE LIFE INDIANA
Since 1998, Donate Life Indiana has been the state-authorized nonprofit organization responsible for managing the Indiana donor registry. Its mission is to save lives by creating opportunities for all Indiana citizens to sign up on the organization’s official state registry while striving to raise awareness for organ, tissue and cornea donation and transplantation through public education. For more, visit Donate Life Indiana online.
