Legacy giving helps build the future

When Aydan Dill graduated from USD 392 Osborne High School, she didn’t just step into college — she stepped in with momentum.

This spring, in May 2026, Aydan will graduate from Fort Hays State University a full year early. That milestone was made possible because she entered college with a year’s worth of credits already completed during high school — an ambitious goal that required discipline, planning and determination.

But her momentum didn’t stop there.

Aydan Dill grew up in Portis, KS, and graduated from Osborne High School in 2023.

With the flexibility created by her accelerated coursework, Aydan began pursuing internships during her second year of college — gaining hands-on experience earlier than many of her peers. She completed a 60-hour kindergarten mentorship program through Wakeeney/Trego schools, working closely with young students and educators. She also gained classroom experience in Smith Center schools, further strengthening her skills and confidence as a future educator. These opportunities helped confirm her calling and sharpen her professional goals.

Adyan is currently student teaching in the Stockton school district.

Aydan also holds a unique place in the history of the Rothenberger High School Scholarship. She was the first recipient of the scholarship as a senior at USD 392 Osborne. After completing her first year at Fort Hays State University, where she is majoring in education, she reapplied and was awarded the scholarship again for her second year.

Her journey represents the vision behind the scholarship itself.

The Rothenberger High School Scholarship was established through the generosity of the Rothenberger family, who chose to invest in local students by creating a permanent endowed fund with the Osborne County Community Foundation. Their gift was designed to support graduates of USD 392 as they pursue higher education — ensuring that opportunity continues for generations.

Because the fund is endowed, it is designed to award scholarships year-after-year. The original gift continues working, growing and creating impact long into the future.

Scholarships like the Rothenberger funds demonstrate one powerful way families can leave a lasting legacy in Osborne County. By establishing a scholarship fund through OCCF, donors create an ongoing investment in local students — one that reflects their values, honors their family name and strengthens the community’s future workforce.

The impact of the Rothenberger family’s generosity is not measured only in dollars awarded. It is measured in early internships, real-world classroom experience and the confidence of students like Aydan who are able to move boldly toward their careers.

For Aydan, graduating early is more than an academic milestone. It represents preparation, opportunity and the ripple effect of community investment.

For the Rothenberger family, it represents legacy in action.

And for Osborne County, it represents the power of local generosity — where one family’s decision to give continues opening doors for students year-after-year.

If you would like to learn more about establishing a scholarship fund or other legacy opportunities through the Osborne County Community Foundation, we would be honored to visit with you.