Schoolcraft honored for contributions to Indian Creek

MINGO JUNCTION - Sophie Schoolcraft has served Mingo Junction and the Indian Creek School District in a variety of roles for most of her life.

Wednesday morning, her contributions were recognized by the Indian Creek Foundation in the form of a lifetime trustee award.

The foundation is a nonprofit that supports the school district, providing eight scholarships for Indian Creek High School graduates and education initiatives for teachers, funding supplemental materials.

Schoolcraft was one of the founders, an original member and treasurer of the foundation.

Foundation Chairman Jeff Greco presented Schoolcraft with the honor during a ceremony inside the Mingo Junction City Building Wednesday morning.

He noted that while maybe not directly involved, the most recent improvements within the district were made possible by the past efforts of Schoolcraft and those like her.

"When I handed her the plaque, I told her there are a lot of really good things going on in Indian Creek now, and people who have been working that hard for that many years laid the foundation for that," he said.

Indian Creek Superintendent T.C. Chappalear, who participated in the presentation with Assistant Superintendent John Belt, said he is thankful for her contributions to the district over the years.

"It's people like her that keep our communities going," he said. "It's people like her that make you thankful to be involved in the Indian Creek community. Any time you need her, she is there. No ask is ever too big.

She has always been there for the schools. We appreciate her and congratulate her for this award."

Belt said Schoolcraft, who has served Mingo Junction as treasurer and social services director for decades among many other roles and contributions to the village and area, "a work horse."

"She is a sacrificing soul for the people of Mingo, and the school district," he said. "She is a true, dedicated servant for the public."

The foundation's annual reverse drawing will be held through Facebook Live on Saturday.

Schoolcraft will be honored during the event.