2011 Lilly Scholarship Finalists Announced

The Community Foundation of Wabash County announced this spring five finalists for the 2011 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. Going into its fourteenth year, the scholarship program has assisted almost 3,500 Indiana High School graduates – 29 from Wabash County – in pursuing baccalaureate degrees at Indiana colleges and universities. This year's finalists are Haleigh Mann (Wabash High School), Neil Miller (Wabash High School), Joshua Unger (Northfield High School), Katie Underwood (Manchester High School), and Shiloh Wilson (Southwood High School). All finalists exemplify excellence in academics, leadership, school spirit, and community service, and are looking to expand their education in a variety of fields, including nursing, education, business, and aeronautical engineering.

Due to escalating educational costs, Lilly Endowment, Inc. confirmed last fall that it would be changing its community scholarship program. Beginning with the 2011 class, the number of nominees each participating county can submit will be based on modified population requirements. Wabash County, which falls into the 1-50,000 population category, is limited to one nominee.

When the scholarship program began in 1998, the average cost of tuition and fees for each Lilly Endowment Community Scholar was just under $50,000 for four years of study. For the 2011 cohort, it is estimated the average cost per scholar will exceed $106,000.

The Community Foundation of Wabash County will continue to administer the program as it has since the program began. “We are extremely grateful for the opportunities the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program has afforded Wabash County students,” says the Foundations Executive Director, Sally Benson.