Donald “Charley” Knepple Scholarship

The Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana provides a scholarship in memory of Donald “Charley” Knepple. Charley lost his life on April 28, 1997, while performing his probation officer duties in Allen County, Indiana. In an effort to honor an outstanding professional and to promote further professionalism, POPAI selected a scholarship that would encourage continued education and advanced degrees for probation in Indiana.

The qualified candidate chosen for the Scholarship Award will receive $2,500.00 to help pay for their costs in continuing his or her education pursuing a Masters / Doctorate Degree. See the application for more requirements.

2025 Knepple Scholarship Winner

POPAI President Angela Morris presents Kim Whitehurst with a plaque to commemorate her as POPAI's 2025 Knepple Scholarship Winner.
POPAI President Angela Morris presents Kim Whitehurst with a plaque to commemorate her as POPAI’s 2025 Knepple Scholarship Winner.

This year Kim Porter Whitehurst from Grant County was selected as the recipient. Kim has been a probation officer for 20 years and a member of POPAI for five years. Kim is pursuing a Master of Social Work at Ball State University and is maintaining a 3.67 GPA.

Magistrate Brian McLane of the Grant County Superior Court II stated “In working with Kim, I have found her demeanor to be professional at all times and her work to be of the highest quality. She is not afraid to face any challenge that I have seen thrown her way.”

Kim stated “My journey has led me to believe that much of what we see in the juvenile world can be remedied in the prevention area. Mental health, family discord, and school achievement are highly linked to the success of our young students. Peer-driven and multi-tiered approaches are key to identifying the needs and strengths of children. Being licensed at the macro level will allow me to write grants, collaborate, and mediate ideas to prevent children from entering the juvenile system while remaining a probation officer with the skills to utilize when needed for those that ultimately enter our system.”

Learn more about Kim

 

Knepple Scholarship Recipients

2025 Kim Whitehurst Grant County Probation

2024 Brenda Matute, LaPorte County Probation

2023 Sandra Bryan, Marion Superior Court

2022 Brandi Glenn, Perry County Circuit Court Probation Department

2021 Sarah Lochner, Wabash County and Alexis Stogdill, Monroe County Circuit Court

2020 Patrick Hillenburg, Greene County Probation

2019 Elizabeth Darenski, LaPorte County Adult Probation

2018 Naara Olivero, Lake County Juvenile Probation

2017 Rachael A. Scott, Monroe County Circuit Court Probation Department

2016 Parker Stouffer, Wabash County Probation Department

2015 Patrick O’Neill, Marion Superior Court

2014 Ryan Hull, Noble County Probation

2013 Cara Gilmore, Knox County Probation Department

2012 Shashan DeYoung, Marion Superior Court

2011 Stephen Pastore, Wells County Circuit and Superior Courts

2010 Brian Guerre, Porter County Probation

2009 CJ Miller, Hamilton County

2008 Sherry Porter, Bartholomew County

2007 Danielle Gibbs, Johnson County

2006 Jeff Yoder, Allen County

2005 DeJuan Jordan, Allen County Adult Probation Department

2004 Janice A. Wade, Vanderburg Probation

2003 Terri L. Bodine, Shelby County Probation

2002 Christine Kerl, Marion Superior Court

2001 Lisa Swedarsky, St. Joseph County

2000 Ross Carothers, U.S. Probation

1999 Kimberly Zakutansky, Lake County Juvenile Probation

1998 Brian Armstrong, LaPorte County Adult Probation