A Lasting Legacy and the Impact of Generosity: The Zachary J. Novak Memorial Scholarship

The office at the Madison County Community Foundation was filled with excitement as Dan and Misty Novak, along with their grandson Camden, established the Zachary J. Novak Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Madison County Community Foundation.*

This scholarship fund was created to honor the life of their son, Zachary Novak. Zachary, a Highland High School graduate with Academic Honors in 1999, pursued his passion for music at Anderson University, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2004. He continued his studies at Indiana University. In 2006 he tragically passed away, along with several of his classmates in an airplane crash, just before receiving his Master of Music degree posthumously.'

Zachary’s passion for music and service was evident from a young age. He began playing piano at five years old and developed a unique musical style that drew people to him. Zachary served at both Bethel United Methodist Church and St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Anderson for seven years, beginning at fifteen years old, where he directed the choir, played the organ, sang, and organized services.

The Zachary J. Novak Memorial Scholarship continues his legacy by supporting Madison County students who aspire to pursue music and community service. Starting with the class of 2025, the fund will award a $1,000 scholarship to a student committed to academic excellence, community involvement, and musical pursuits, reflecting Zachary’s influence.

Despite their profound loss, the Novak family is joyful as they share memories of Zachary and hope to inspire others through his legacy. They look forward to seeing the continued impact of Zachary’s life through the scholarship fund.

“We are so excited to have the Zachary Novak Scholarship available to ALL students pursuing music in Madison County. Knowing that Zachary’s love of music will live on through other future musicians is the best gift!” Zachary’s parents say, “We are grateful to those who have contributed in the past and look forward to this new endeavor in providing a perpetual scholarship in his honor.”

Zachary’s mother, Misty Novak, has also wrote a book titled "See You in a Minute", which explores her journey through grief and celebrates Zachary's life. The book is available on Amazon here. A portion of the proceeds are given to the fund.

To support the Zachary J. Novak Memorial Scholarship Fund, please consider making a donation here.

Visit the Madison County Community Foundation scholarship page for more information about scholarships. Scholarships (madisonccf.org)

*The fund was originally established in 2006 at the Anderson Education Foundation and is being transferred in order to make the scholarship available to all Madison County students and to allow AEF to more effectively focus their energy on their mission to expand educational opportunities for their students. The Madison County Community Foundation is grateful for this partnership.