2010 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars

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For Release:  4/1/2010 

WHS, SHS students earn 2010 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship

Ethan Powell and Alysia Adams, both of Wabash, are the 2010 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipients. The Community Foundation of Wabash County conducts the application process and administers these awards. Powell and Adams were selected from 24 eligible applicants. They will receive four years of full tuition to the Indiana colleges they choose and an $800 yearly stipend for required books and equipment.

The Foundation’s scholarship committee, which consists of volunteers from the community, chose the finalists based on academic performance, activities/work experience, community service, leadership ability, essays and references.  All of the finalists also completed a videotaped interview. The committee narrowed the field to two nominees and one alternate. The finalists’ names were submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. (ICI) for approval.

Powell is the son of Thomas and Susan Powell of Wabash. The Wabash High School senior plans to study engineering. He first became aware of the field in sixth grade at the recommendation of his woodshop teacher Mr. Skarr. Powell researched the field and found that it fit well with his favorite subjects in school, which were math and science. His Project Lead the Way classes have given him some practical experience.

“I love the final visual outcome of an idea, which is the main reason I am drawn to the engineering field,” Powell says.

The senior class president’s school honors and activities include National Honor Society, Athletic Student Council Ambassador, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, high honor roll and “Count Me In” award, among others. He is involved in his church and community through youth group, youth leadership team, youth mission trip, Special Olympics, blood drives, food drives, Relay for Life and others.

In addition to excelling in academics, Powell has demonstrated leadership ability as president of the Key Club and Student Council. As a quiet leader on the field and on the court, Powell has set an example of hard work for the baseball, basketball and tennis teams. According to one of his references, Powell is a “one of a kind student…He is a leader, someone who you can rely on in all situations and expect to get the job done.”

Adams is the daughter of Timothy and Laura Adams of Wabash. The Southwood High School senior says she strives to be positive role model to younger members of her church where she helps teach a junior church class and chaperones activities. Her actions as president of her local 4-H club also position her as a positive example.

One of her references says Adams’ “genuine passion and character make her one of the best students that I have ever had the privilege of teaching.”

She has made an impact as a student at WHS through her academic achievements, leadership and service. She has been a varsity cheerleader since 2006 and served as captain for the past two years. She provided “positive suggestions and constructive advice” to the Metropolitan School District administration as a member of MSD Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee. She was active in senior class cabinet, Drama Club, varsity tennis, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and Peers Educating Peers (PEP).

A top student, Adams plans to study elementary education at Indiana Wesleyan so she can pursue a career as a teacher.

“Some people believe that you have to come from a big place in order to become something great. In my opinion, this is not the case,” Adams says, “One of the things that I love most about Indiana is the small communities. Growing up in the same community my whole life I have come to realize the benefit of this.”

ICI is a nonprofit corporation that represents 31 regionally accredited degree granting, nonprofit, private colleges and universities in the state.The scholarships are the result of a statewide Lilly Endowment initiative to help Hoosier students reach higher levels of education.

Lilly Endowment, Inc. scholarships are awarded only in Indiana counties with a Community Foundation. The Community Foundation of Wabash County has awarded 27 Lilly Scholarships. The Foundation is responsible for the application process and candidate selection. It also maintains contact with these scholars during college and beyond.

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The Community Foundation of Wabash County is a nonprofit public charity established in 1954. It serves the citizens of Wabash County by implementing their charitable aspirations, making grants, investing and safeguarding charitable assets, providing information regarding charitable endeavors, and convening citizens and linking resources to address issues confronting our shared lives. The Community Foundation of Wabash County is located at 218 E. Main St., North Manchester, Indiana. For more information, visit www.cfwabash.org.