Family and friends of Benjamin “Ben” Blank have established the Coach Blank – Legends Never Die Scholarship Fund to honor his life and legacy of service to students and student-athletes. The scholarship will support graduating seniors from North Vermillion High School and South Vermillion High School, ensuring that Coach Blank’s passion for education and mentorship continues to make a lasting impact.
Known to many as “Coach Blank,” Ben was a dedicated teacher and coach who served schools across Missouri and Indiana. At the time of his passing, he was in his second season as Defensive Coordinator at South Vermillion High School. He also taught GED classes through the Vigo County Community Corrections program and later transitioned into Special Education, where he rediscovered his love of teaching across all subject matters. Throughout his career, Ben inspired thousands of students, especially those needing extra encouragement, through his commitment, humor, and belief that teaching was both a calling and a service.
Above all, Coach Blank cared deeply for his students, athletes, and family. He measured success by growth on and off the field and treated his players like family. Ben is survived by his wife of 26 years, Hilary Gibson-Blank, and their children, Atticus and Jorja, who were his greatest joy. This scholarship stands as a tribute to his dedication, character, and the lives he touched.
Dale White, CEO of the Vermillion County Community Foundation, expressed, “We are honored to steward the Coach Blank – Legends Never Die Scholarship Fund and to help carry forward Ben Blank’s legacy. This scholarship reflects the lasting impact a dedicated educator and coach can have, and we are grateful to the family and friends who created an opportunity that will support Vermillion County students for years to come.”
The applicant(s) must be a graduate of North Vermillion High School or South Vermillion High School and a resident of Vermillion County and have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Preference will be given to applicants who are committed to participating in a collegiate sport without receiving an athletic scholarship or who plan to serve as a student assistant. If no applicants meet this preference, all other qualified applicants will be considered equally.
Several criteria may be taken into consideration when selecting recipients, including being committed to participating in a collegiate sport without receiving an athletic scholarship, or who plan to serve as a student assistant, letters of reference, financial need, school and work experience, community and volunteer service, and academics.
Two scholarships are to be awarded each year, one for a North Vermillion student and one for a South Vermillion student. This scholarship will be awarded in May 2026.
Contributions to the Coach Blank – Legends Never Die Scholarship Fund are tax-deductible and can be made online at www.wicf-inc.org or mailed to: Vermillion County Community Foundation, Attn: Coach Blank – Legends Never Die Scholarship, PO Box 532, Clinton, IN, 47842.
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