The Sherman and Jean Lemen Scholarship was established in 1994 by Sherman Lemen, a retired educator, and his wife, Jean, natives of Ripley County.

Sherman Lemen's 44-year devotion to education began when he graduated from Central Normal College. Upon completion, he began his teaching career as a fifth grade teacher at Osgood Elementary.  After earning his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Butler University, he became Principal of Holton High School and then Delaware-Jackson High School (later Napoleon High School). Following the consolidation of Osgood and Napoleon High Schools into the Jac-Cen-Del School Corporation, Mr. Lemen became the JCD Superintendent-a position he held for twenty years prior to his retirement in 1980. Mrs. Lemen was a guiding force in raising their four children; she also stressed the value of education.

It is to be awarded annually to a qualifying senior graduating from Jac-Cen-Del High School who plans to pursue a teaching career.