Each year, the Daviess County Community Foundation announces the recipient of the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Daviess County, a full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment for four years scholarship. Alongside, two alternates are designated, ensuring readiness in case the initially selected scholar cannot accept the award due to special circumstances. This year, after the initially named recipient, Brynna Knepp, graciously declined the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, the scholarship was offered to the First Alternate, Jack Murrie, North Daviess High School.

The Daviess County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Daviess County – Brynna Knepp, Barr-Reeve High School . Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership. “We were impressed with the caliber of applicants this year,” said Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact. “The Daviess County applicants have a strong dedication to their academics, educational goals, and a willingness to give back to their community.“ Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides for full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment for four years. The scholarship is for full-time undergraduate students leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars may also participate in the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects both current scholars and alumni with resources and opportunities to be active leaders on their campuses and in their communities. Both the scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and Indiana Humanities. “With so many worthy applicants, I am extremely grateful to have received this honor, said Brynna Knepp, 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar. “I plan to utilize this opportunity to obtain a law degree and use my career to help families in our community.” In determining Daviess County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar nominees, consideration was given to academic performance, community service, and volunteer activities, personal statement of goals and essay; school activities, sports, and work experience; those advancing to phase two were scored on an in-person interview by the LECSP Nominating Committee and impromptu essay, designed to demonstrate the student’s verbal communication skills and overall civic pride and interest in the quality of their community. After the field of applicants was narrowed down, nominees were submitted to ICI, the statewide administrator of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program, which approves the final selection of scholarship recipients. Lilly Endowment created the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for the 1997-98 school year. Since then, grant funding in excess of $490 million has supported more than 5,300 Indiana students who have received scholarships through the program. The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program are: 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.

The Daviess County Community Foundation awarded more than $217,000 in grants to nonprofits through its 2024 Community Good Grants program. These nonprofits are committed to supporting the needs of Daviess County. Congratulations to this year’s grant recipients!  $73,172.56 to Odon Volunteer Fire Department to assist with the purchase of radios for all fire departments in Daviess County, which will improve communication in the rural areas between departments $12,500 to RSVP of Daviess County to assist with the purchase of a newer model minivan or SUV $3,673 to Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana to assist with the cost of program administration, curriculum materials, volunteer training, and recruitment, insurance, and program evaluation $4,200 to Bread of Life Ministry Inc. to assist with the cost of two semi loads of donated food products that will be distributed to partnering food pantries in Daviess County $30,000 to Youth First, Inc. to support the Youth First School-Based Social Work Program that provides free access to expert mental health support to students in seven K-12 Daviess County schools $10,000 to Washington Catholic Schools to assist with the cost of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library for all Daviess County children $15,159 to Washington Band Boosters Association to assist with the purchase of band instruments to build an inventory for students to use for a minimal charge and ensure proper care and return of instruments $12,571 to DSI Diversified Solutions, Inc to assist with the cost of the Pre-ETS Plus Curriculum, which includes the complete curriculum, instructor's guide, assessment manual, and workbooks, as well as access to online Instructor's Hub; Pre-ETS Promotional Flyers to provide to four Daviess County High Schools; transportation for summer months of June and July; and seven GOTALK Lite Touch 20 Communication Devices with GoTalk Design and three-year web-based subscription for updates $3,525 to Christ United Methodist Church to assist with the cost of supplies for the ESL Program to assist the Haitian population with real-life applications to assist with their transition to the Daviess County community $5,500 to Daviess County Partnership Inc. to assist with the cost of materials and supplies for the Moving Forward, Taking Charge program to educate families on budgets and financial literacy $12,000 to Children & Family Services, Corp to assist with the training, credentialing, and creation of a Play Therapy program $10,000 to First Choice Solutions to assist with the purchase of cribs, mattresses, mattress covers, crib sheets, convertible car seats, infant car seats, high-back boosters, booster seats, and the Bright Course program for English and Spanish-speaking clients $10,000 to Cannelburg Fire Department to assist with the cost of repairing bumps and paving the end of the drive for the ambulances and fire trucks $15,475 to Borrowed Hearts Daviess County to assist with the purchase of supplies and necessities for foster families and the children they serve

Many of our donors have chosen to honor their loved ones, communities, high schools, colleges, and professions by establishing scholarship funds through their local Community Foundations in Daviess, Gibson, Knox, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, and Warrick Counties. These funds support the annual Community Scholarship programs, providing valuable opportunities for students in Southwest Indiana. Thanks to their contributions, applications are being accepted now, with a deadline of Monday, January 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. "We are excited to once again provide scholarship opportunities to students in our Southwest Indiana region,” says Melinda Waldroup, Chief Program Officer at the Community Foundation Alliance. “By offering these scholarships, we are not only investing in individual students but also in the future of our communities. We encourage all eligible students to apply and take a step towards achieving their educational and career goals." Students may apply for one or more scholarships if they meet the eligibility requirements and selection criteria established by donors. Details about each scholarship and the application are posted on the website at communityfoundationalliance.org/scholarships . Each scholarship is unique and supports students with a variety of backgrounds, educational goals, and economic statuses. Awards are made without regard to race, creed, color, sex, religion, or national origin and are based on a competitive process that may consider academic achievement, extracurricular activities, personal aspirations, educational goals, and financial need. The deadline to apply is Monday, January 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Learn more and apply today!

Pictured (left to right) Jaylynn Allen, Foundations Childcare Ministry; Denise Walden, Daviess County Community Foundation Advisory Board member; Brittany Clark, Tim Stone, Kim Conder, and Adam Condor, Foundations Childcare Ministry; Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact for Daviess County Community Foundation; Amy Matteson, Cheryl May, Lesley Bledsoe, Daviess County Community Foundation Advisory Board members; Savannah Linenburg, Director of Development for Daviess County Community Foundation; and John Dudenhoeffer, Daviess County Community Foundation Advisory Board member.

The 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship application is now available in Daviess County through the Daviess County Community Foundation. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP) will provide 147 scholarships statewide and one scholarship in Daviess County. LECSP scholarships may be used for otherwise unreimbursed full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year. The special allocation may cover the costs for required books and required equipment for four years of undergraduate study on a full-time basis leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. The program, administered statewide by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and locally in Daviess County through the Daviess County Community Foundation, is open to all Indiana residents who:  graduate from an accredited Indiana high school by 2025 and receive their diploma no later than June 30, 2025; intend to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study at an eligible college or university in Indiana; and meet the criteria specific to their local community foundation. Visit https://www.daviesscountycf.org/lilly-endowment-community-scholarship-program for complete information regarding Daviess County’s application criteria. Students can learn more about the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Daviess County and apply for this scholarship by visiting https://www.daviesscountycf.org/lilly-endowment-community-scholarship-program . Applications must be completed and submitted by Wednesday, August 14, 2024, by Noon to be considered. Applications will be evaluated on, but not limited to, the following criteria: Academic Performance, Community Service and Volunteer Activities, and an Essay. Three finalists will be nominated by the Daviess County Community Foundation, and their names will be submitted to ICI for final selection of the recipients. Scholarship recipients will be notified in December. Lilly Endowment created LECSP for the 1997-98 school year and has supported the program every year since with tuition grants totaling more than $490 million. More than 5,300 Indiana students have received Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships since the program’s inception. The primary purposes of LECSP are: 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state. Daviess County Community Foundation is again pleased to offer LECSP for its 28 th year in Daviess County. “We are grateful that Lilly Endowment has continued the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program. This scholarship will impact the recipient’s life and educational goals. I’m honored to be part of the process,” said Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact for the Daviess County Community Foundation.

The Daviess County Community Foundation is now accepting online applications for its Community Good Grants Program. The deadline to submit applications is Noon on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. The Foundation awards Community Good grants to charitable partners located in or directly serving Daviess County. Funding opportunities are available to support a broad range of local needs. Grants are typically given as one-time support of a project but may be considered for additional support or for expansions or outgrowths of an initial project. Charitable organizations can view details related to funding requirements and access the grant application via the Foundation’s website at daviesscountycf.org/grants . All organizations submitting grant proposals will be notified of the outcome via email on or before November 15, 2024. Agencies and projects not eligible for funding include religious organizations proposing activities that support a religious purpose, political parties or campaigns, endowment creation or debt reduction, capital campaigns, annual appeals or membership contributions, and travel requests for groups or individuals such as bands, sports teams, or school classes. For questions, contact Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact, at 812.254.9354 (office), 812.890.4469 (cell) or via email lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org .

The Daviess County Community Foundation announces the distribution of community scholarships totaling $98,700. This year, funds established by generous donors provided scholarships to 31 area students. The scholarship luncheon for fund founders, recipients, and parents was held Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at the Washington Community Building. In addition to announcing the recipients, the Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact, Laura Hazelman states, “The Daviess County Community Foundation is thankful to our generous fund founders and donors who make these scholarship awards possible. Their investment in the education of our young people has impacted each of these students. The process of choosing who will be awarded scholarships is undertaken with dedication and discipline by a committee of Daviess County Community Foundation Advisory Board and community volunteers. We are grateful for their hard work and dedication. The process is never easy because our Daviess County students are exceptional.” The scholarships awarded: Derek Ray Arvin Memorial Scholarship is an annual scholarship established by the family of Derek Ray Arvin, class of 2014, to benefit a Washington High School graduating senior. Along with several other factors, the selection is based on financial need, the applicant’s level of athletic involvement, and their participation in a faith community. This year’s award is $2,500 and the recipient is Liberty Holtsclaw. Ronald Todd Beasley Memorial Scholarship is an annual scholarship established in memory of Ronald Todd Beasley by his parents, Ronald Lee and Diane Beasley; his brother, Dr. Harley Scott Beasley; and friends. Applicants must be graduating seniors of North Daviess High School who demonstrate qualities associated with good moral character and citizenship. This year’s $2,500 award recipient is Brynlee Perkins. Ronald Frette and Ann Frette 4-H Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by the Daviess County 4-H Club Association in honor of long-time supporters, Ronald and Ann Frette. Daviess County residents who are graduates of a Daviess County high school and pursuing post-secondary undergraduate studies or training may apply. Applicants must have participated in a Daviess County 4-H program for at least five years, completed at least two 4-H projects during each of those years, and maintained a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average during high school. Applicants must also demonstrate personal interest in and a positive attitude toward continuing their education and demonstrate good moral character. This year’s recipient is Jordan Remsburg, Purdue University, and Reid Morris, Rose Hulman Institute of Technology. They will each be awarded $3,000. Steven L. Gines College Scholarship is an annual scholarship established by friends of Steven L. Gines in his memory. It is open to graduating seniors of Washington High School who have completed college preparatory classes in high school and have been involved in the arts. This year’s $600 award recipient is Eliana Sellers. GPC Washington Employees Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by the employees of Kent-Grain Processing Corporation in Washington to encourage the dependants of employees to further their education, to recognize the academic achievement of those graduating from high school and continuing their education, and to motivate recipients to achieve maximum scholastic and vocational potential. This year there are three recipients each receiving $3,000: Ellie Reed, University of Southern Indiana; Trey Reed, Oakland City University; and Hayleigh Cummins, Valparaiso University. David K. Lynch Memorial Scholarship is an annual scholarship established by Cathleen M. (Lynch) Kendall in memory of her husband. Graduating seniors of any Daviess County high school who attended Lena Dunn Elementary School may apply. This year’s $700 award recipient is Rosicela Serrano, Washington Catholic High School. McCall Family Teachers Scholarship is a scholarship established by the John and Anna McCall Trust Fund to provide scholarships to graduates of North Daviess High School who are pursuing a career in teaching with an emphasis in fine arts or elementary education. This year the $700 scholarship was awarded to Erica Kemp. McKinley Vance Agri-Business Scholarship is an annual scholarship established by Lucile Vance in memory of her husband. Graduating seniors of Daviess County high schools with a scholastic rank in the upper third of their class may apply. Applicants must have participated in 4-H for at least four years and be pursuing a degree in the field of agriculture. This year the $2,000 scholarship was awarded to Jordan Remsburg, Purdue University. North Daviess Scholarship is an annual scholarship established by the North Daviess Academic Opportunity Alliance (formerly known as North Daviess Dollars for Scholars Program) to help North Daviess students pursue advanced education. Applicants must be graduating seniors of North Daviess High School planning to pursue a degree at any accredited 2- or 4-year educational institution or trade school. This year there are four recipients each receiving $1,000: Brynlee Perkins, Travis Raber, Maxwell Toy, and Lily Graber. German American Bancorp Scholarship is an annual scholarship established by the former Peoples National Bank of Washington. It is open to seniors from any Daviess County high school with a 3.0 cumulative grade point average planning to major in a business-related course of study. Selection is based on academics and leadership skills. The $2,000 award recipient is Elle Knepp, Barr-Reeve High School. Jo Ann Shawhan Memorial Scholarship is an annual scholarship established by John Shawhan in memory of his wife Jo Ann to benefit Daviess County students pursuing a nursing degree at Vincennes University. This year’s recipients are Madison Brunson, Barr-Reeve $1,800; Lily Graber, North Daviess $1,500; Brynlee Perkins, North Daviess $1,500; and Carter Jessie, North Daviess $1,200. Dwight Risley Scholarship is an annual scholarship established by Martha Risley Reiners in memory of her husband. The fund typically awards multiple graduating seniors of any Daviess County high school for tuition, books, and required fees of post-secondary education. Applicants must demonstrate good scholastic standing and financial need. This year there are nine recipients: Brynlee Perkins, North Daviess $6,000; Elle Knepp, Barr-Reeve $5,250; Liberty Holtsclaw, Washington High School $5,250; Mariah Brunson, Barr-Reeve $3,750; Brooklyn Wagler, North Daviess $3,750; Alli Robinson, Barr-Reeve $2,500; Akaysha Stoll, Barr-Reeve $2,500; Kennedy Sinnott, Barr-Reeve $2,000; and Adeline Jarrett, Barr-Reeve $2,000. Marilyn L. Wallace Scholarship is an annual scholarship established in memory of Marilyn Wallace by her husband Lewis and her daughter Marcia McConnell. Graduating North Daviess High School seniors who plan to pursue post-secondary education in health or health-related fields are eligible for this award. This year’s $700 recipient is Brooklyn Wagler. Charles and Maxine Williams Scholarship is an annual scholarship established by the Estate of Maxine Williams in memory of Charles and Maxine to benefit North Daviess High School graduating seniors. Applicants must be planning to pursue a degree at an accredited 2- or 4-year educational institution or trade school. This year’s recipients are Brynlee Perkins, $1,800; Travis Raber, $1,200; Lily Graber, $1,200; Luke Graber, $900; and Maxwell Toy, $900. Fraternal Order of Police Washington Lodge 101 Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Lodge 101 of the Washington Indiana Fraternal Order of Police. The recipient must be planning to pursue a degree in Law enforcement or a related field. This year’s award is $2,000 and the recipient is Owen McCracken, Barr-Reeve High School. Lawrell Ray Hilgeman Memorial Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Veale Creek Players in memory of Lawrell Ray Hilgeman. Applicants must have been involved in productions featured at the Veale Creek Theatre in Washington. This year’s recipients are Madelyn Jones, Washington High School $1,250; and Azeria Ackerman, Seekers of Truth $750. Sheldon Matthew Smith Memorial Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Gregory A. and Natalie J. Smith in memory of their son, Sheldon (1993-2006). Graduating seniors from Washington High School or Washington Catholic High School planning a degree in writing, computer graphics, computer game design, computer art design, computer animation, computer programming, and/or web design are eligible to apply. This year’s award is $1,000, and the recipient is Cassie Dillon, Washington High School. William and Mary Summers Memorial Scholarship is an annual scholarship established by Phillip M. Summers and William E. Summers in memory of their parents. Graduating seniors from Washington High School planning full-time enrollment at Vincennes University majoring in Business or Education are eligible. This year’s $1,000 recipient is Cassie Dillon. Ray L. Angerer Memorial Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Westminster Presbyterian Church in memory of Ray L. Angerer. Applicants must be communicant members of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Washington, IN. This year’s recipient, Shelby Norris, will be awarded $2,000. Daviess County Community Foundation Scholarship This year, 22 students applied for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, and as in years past, the Daviess County Community Foundation awards scholarships to students who are the first and second alternates for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship and other finalists. The scholarships are made possible by donors to the Friends of Daviess County endowment fund. The total amount awarded this year is $15,000. The recipients are First Alternate, Mariah Brunson, Barr-Reeve High School $5,000; Second Alternate, Adeline Jarrett, Barr-Reeve High School $3,000. The following finalists will each receive $1,000: Audrey Jerger, Washington Catholic; Brooklyn Wagler, North Daviess; Elijah Parsons, Washington; Brynlee Perkins, North Daviess; Kennedy Sinnott, Barr-Reeve; Shakira Wagler, Barr-Reeve; and Carter Jessie, North Daviess. Katie Raber of Barr-Reeve High School is the 2024 Daviess County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipient. She will receive a full-tuition scholarship to the Indiana college of her choice and a $900 yearly stipend for required books and equipment. The Daviess County Community Foundation accepted applications and a volunteer selection committee made up of community leaders completed the review process for this award with final selections being made by Independent Colleges of Indiana. The Daviess County Community Foundation would like to say thank you to the parents, family members, teachers, school administrators, coaches, mentors, and everyone who has inspired these students to be the very best they can be. Congratulations to these outstanding students and their families. We wish you the best as you pursue your college degrees and future opportunities.

Friends for Kids of Daviess County recently received a $1,000 grant from the Daviess County Community Foundation through the Daviess Gives Grant Program. The Daviess Gives Grant Program allows Daviess County Community Foundation advisory board members to recommend $1,000 grants to local nonprofit organizations. The Foundation’s most recent grant recommendation was made by Amy Matteson for general support of Friends for Kids of Daviess County. For more information about funding opportunities through the Daviess County Community Foundation, contact Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact, at 812-890-4469 or via email lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org . Pictured: Amy Matteson, Daviess County Community Foundation Advisory Board member; and David Self, Friends for Kids of Daviess County board member.