DCCF Lilly Finalists Announced

The Decatur County Community Foundation has announced the five finalists for Decatur County’s 2026/27 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship.  

Finalists include Macy Kinker from North Decatur Jr./Sr. High School; Michael Nobbe from South Decatur Jr./Sr. High School; and Kiera Kennelly, Kirkley Lowe and Alaina Schwering from Greensburg Community High School.

Decatur County’s process began in August with 65 students completing an online application. The online app was reviewed by a six-member committee made up of representatives from various community organizations. Applicants were scored on community involvement, school activities, and work experience. Students were also evaluated on academics.

Round two included a controlled essay. A second set of three volunteers from outside the county scored the controlled essays.

Points from these two rounds were averaged, and the top five students moved on to the finalist round which was recently completed. During this step, each finalist prepared an oral presentation on a topic of their choice. Students also answered a series of impromptu interview questions. The presentations and interviews were scored by a third set of ten judges.

All applicants remained anonymous throughout each stage of the process.

Scores from all three rounds of evaluations are now sent to the Independent Colleges of Indiana to formally determine a winner. The top student will be named Decatur County’s

Lilly Endowment Scholarship recipient and will receive full tuition to the Indiana school of choice, along with a $900 book stipend. The four remaining semi-finalists receive a $10,000 Decatur County Community Foundation/William O. Smith Memorial Scholarship.

Decatur County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipient should be announced in December.

About Independent Colleges of Indiana

Since 1997, Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) has administered the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program statewide with funding provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. Founded in 1948, ICI is the collective voice for Indiana’s private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI advances excellence and choice in higher education through advocacy, research, collaborative services, and the administration of scholarships and grants. ICI member institutions employ more than 22,000 Hoosiers and generate approximately $5.5 billion in economic impact statewide. Students at ICI colleges achieve Indiana’s highest four-year, on-time graduation rates, reflecting the important role independent higher education plays in developing talent, strengthening communities, and contributing to Indiana’s economy.