Each year, the Knox County Community Foundation announces the recipient of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Knox County, which covers full tuition, required fees, and includes a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and equipment, for up to four years. 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, Savannah Staggs, graciously declined the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, the scholarship was offered to the First Alternate, Zoe Herron, Lincoln High School. “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to attend a college here in Indiana without worrying about finances. I know the Lilly [Endowment Community Scholarship] community will allow me to continue developing my leadership skills and will support me throughout my college journey and beyond,” said Herron. The initial recipient, Savannah Staggs declined the scholarship after accepting a full ride to attend Indiana University.  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. 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.

A broad spectrum of diverse demand for a wide variety of professionals and professional services exists in southern Indiana, representing an array of actionable growth opportunities and potential market development. These opportunities were recently strategically documented in a comprehensive report funded by the Community Foundation Alliance and the Harrison County Community Foundation. The planning report, conducted in partnership with the Indiana First READI region, profiles and pinpoints specific growth opportunities for entrepreneurs in several categories, according to Jill Carpenter, President and CEO of the Community Foundation Alliance here. “Based on direct primary research conducted across multiple counties, the Indiana First Quality of Life Economic Impact Analysis report reveals market potential and entrepreneurial gaps on a county-by-county basis, demonstrating areas of real demand,” said Carpenter. “A careful review of key areas can yield some significant potential market growth for the right companies, professionals, and entrepreneurs.” The economic development executives in the First Indiana region noted that they intend to mine the report to determine opportunities for scalable market growth and talent attraction. The report offers an analysis of the potential economic impact for addressing and improving defined issues throughout the region. “This report can be a workbook for professionals looking to expand, relocate, or start up a business in multiple categories,” said Chris Pfaff, CEO of Knox County Indiana Economic Development. “It provides actionable data on what services and capacity presently exist within our counties and region, and what services residents travel outside of the county or region to buy or obtain.” “Those gaps represent a definable opportunity to be evaluated and captured,” he added. “It can serve as a talent attractor and entrepreneurial opportunity of the first order for our region.” The information is expected to help the region enhance its state and local investments from the READI program and other private investment opportunities. “In order to get feedback from each county, key stakeholders were invited to participate in community conversations regarding essential services in their county in addition to a public survey facilitated by consultants,” said Julie Moorman, President and CEO of the Harrison County Community Foundation. “We are appreciative of the input from community stakeholders in helping identify gaps in essential services and sharing their input of quality-of-life amenities in their communities.” The 191-page report, assembled by TPMA (Thomas P. Miller and Associates), includes significant data analysis and identified specific opportunities to enhance the quality of life in five southern Indiana counties, sketching out gaps that can be filled through initiative planning and growth, infrastructure investments, and elevation of talent opportunities. Actionable potential engagement highlights for growth range from healthcare and essential services to entertainment and dining, as well as professional and technical services. "The report confirms what we’ve heard anecdotally for years—many Perry County residents travel outside the county for veterinary services," said Erin Emerson, President and CEO of the Perry County Development Corporation. "Now, by pairing local insight with concrete data, we can make an even stronger case that additional veterinary services could thrive here - this is just one of many opportunities highlighted in the analysis that align with the needs of our community." The full report, which analyzes needs, assets, and potential advantages of Harrison, Knox, Perry, Pike, and Spencer counties, is available on the Southwest Indiana Development Council website in the Indiana First section: https://swidc.org/indiana-first/ The full report profiles current inventory of essential services and quality of life amenities for each county and includes recommendations for addressing growth needs. The research and planning report and related activities were funded by the Community Foundation Alliance and the Harrison County Community Foundation. Community Foundations in Pike, Perry, Knox, Spencer and Harrison counties served as partners for the planning and development of the comprehensive report. About the Community Foundation Alliance Community Foundation Alliance is comprised of affiliate Community Foundations serving nine counties throughout southwestern Indiana in Daviess, Gibson, Knox, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, and Warrick counties. Through the establishment of endowed funds created by caring donors to benefit community causes, the Alliance works to improve the quality of life in affiliate counties by providing annual grants to nonprofit organizations and scholarships to local students. For more information, please visit https://www.communityfoundationalliance.org/ About the Harrison County Community Foundation Harrison County Community Foundation was founded in 1996 by the Harrison County Commissioners, with an initial donation from Caesars Southern Indiana. HCCF’s mission is to inspire and assist everyone in experiencing philanthropy, producing positive and sustainable growth in Harrison County. To date, HCCF has awarded over $133 million in grants, scholarships, and other support to Harrison County nonprofits, entities, and award recipients. The Foundation serves in a community leadership role to help grow Harrison County into the best place to live, work, and raise a family. For more information, please visit https://hccfindiana.org/ About Indiana First Representing the Indiana counties of: Harrison, Knox, Pike, Perry, and Spencer, the region was awarded $15 million from the state’s READI program, intended to accelerate projects that will enhance the area’s quality of life, and increase competitiveness for economic growth. For more information, please visit https://swidc.org/indiana-first/

The Knox County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Knox County – Savannah Staggs, South Knox High School . Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership. “The Knox County Community Foundation was extremely impressed with the applicants this year, said Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact. “Their educational success, community service, and future goals are inspiring, and we know they will all make a positive impact on Knox County now and in the future!” 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. “Receiving the Lilly Endowment (Community) Scholarship is a life-changing dream realized for me. I am deeply grateful to the Community Foundation for this opportunity, which eases the financial burden of my college education, allowing me to focus on my academic pursuits,” said Savannah Staggs, 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar. “I am excited to represent Knox County at Indiana University while pursuing a biology degree. This scholarship resonates with me on a personal level, reflecting my motivation to succeed and continue contributing to my community. I am excited to embrace this journey and make the most of what lies ahead.” In determining Knox County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar nominees, consideration was given to academic performance, community service and volunteer activities, personal statement of goals, work experience, school activities and honors/awards; 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 Knox County Community Foundation awarded the City of Vincennes $100,000 through the Target Lasting Change (TLC) grant initiative. This grant will be used to assist with the purchase of new playground equipment for the Next Level Gregg Park project. The City of Vincennes accepted the grant at an outdoor presentation in Gregg Park with Mayor Joe Yochum, Parks Superintendent J.R. Field, and Park Board members present. “The City of Vincennes is excited to be receiving the $100,000 Target Lasting Change grant to improve our parks. Our plan is designed with inclusivity, ensuring that children of all abilities can play, explore, and learn together. With accessible playground equipment and handicap-friendly features, we aim to create an environment where everyone can enjoy the benefits of outdoor play. We are committed to fostering a community where all children feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to participate fully in play activities,” says Mayor Joe Yochum. The TLC grant initiative supports programs and projects that improve quality of life and enhance economic vitality in Knox County. Since its inception in 2008, this is the fifth TLC grant awarded, made possible by generous donations to the Friends of Knox County Fund, which has contributed over $305,000 in grant funding. The first TLC grant, awarded in 2008, went to Life After Meth Inc. for its Community Model Program, which helps incarcerated individuals recover and reintegrate into society. The second grant, in 2012, was given to Children and Family Services for Hope’s Voice, a program supporting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In 2016, the third grant was awarded to the Salvation Army Vincennes for its Pathway of Hope program, which helps families break the cycle of poverty and escape ongoing crises. The most recent grant, awarded in 2021, supported Good Samaritan Hospital’s efforts to enhance pediatric readiness and expand its Mobile Integrated Health-Community Paramedicine program, benefiting pediatric patients and their families in Knox County. For more information about the Friends of Knox County Fund, please contact Savannah Linenburg at slinenburg@communityfoundationalliance.org .

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!

The 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship application is now available in Knox County through the Knox County Community Foundation. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP) will provide 147 scholarships statewide and one scholarship in Knox 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 Knox County through the Knox 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.knoxcountycf.org/lilly-endowment-community-scholarship-program for complete information regarding Knox County’s application criteria. Students can learn more about the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Knox County and apply for this scholarship by visiting https://www.knoxcountycf.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 Personal Statement of Goals. Three finalists will be nominated by the Knox 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. Knox County Community Foundation is again pleased to offer LECSP for its 28 th year in Knox County. “We are fortunate that Lilly Endowment has continued the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program. This scholarship will make an enormous impact on the recipient’s life and educational goals,” said Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact for the Knox County Community Foundation.

Vincennes Community Food Pantry recently received a $1,000 grant from the Knox County Community Foundation through the Knox Gives Grant Program. The Knox Gives Grant Program allows Knox 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 Michael Mullen for general support of the Vincennes Community Food Pantry. For more information about funding opportunities through the Knox County Community Foundation, contact Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact, at 812.890.4469 or via email lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org. Pictured: Tom Yochum, Volunteer; Michael Mullen, Knox County Community Foundation Advisory Board member; Ruth Yochum, Secretary of Vincennes Community Food Pantry; and Melissa Hendrix, President of Vincennes Community Food Pantry.

South Knox Education Foundation recently received a $1,000 grant from the Knox County Community Foundation through the Knox Gives Grant Program. The Knox Gives Grant Program allows Knox 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 Beth Chattin for general support of the South Knox Education Foundation. For more information about funding opportunities through the Knox County Community Foundation, contact Laura Hazelman, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact, at 812.890.4469 or via email lhazelman@communityfoundationalliance.org. Pictured: Beth Chattin, Knox County Community Foundation Advisory Board member; and Dan Siewers, President of South Knox Education Foundation.

The Knox County Community Foundation announces the distribution of community scholarships totaling $38,400. This year, funds established by generous donors provided scholarships to 18 area students. The scholarship breakfast for fund founders, recipients, and parents was held on Wednesday, May 1 at The Pantheon. In addition to announcing the recipients, the Regional Director of Community Engagement & Impact, Laura Hazelman states, “The Knox County Community Foundation is thankful to our generous fund founders and donors for making these scholarships possible and investing in the education of our young adults. Thank you to our scholarship committee for being diligent in the review process. The selection is never easy because our Knox County students are amazing.” Scholarships awarded: The Zack Arnold Memorial Scholarship is an annual renewable scholarship established by Dr. Brian Arnold and his family in memory of his son Zack. Since golf was important to Zack, the scholarship benefits Knox County seniors who have participated on their school golf team. This year’s $1,500 scholarship recipient is Hunter Sievers, South Knox High School. The Persis McClure Hurst Memorial Scholarship was established by Sarah H. Keller in memory of her mother. It benefits graduating seniors of any Knox County High School planning to attend any Indiana college or university and who demonstrate an interest in English or history. This year’s $2,000 scholarship recipient is Noah Hayden, South Knox High School. McKinley Avenue Presbyterian Church Student Scholarship is an annual scholarship founded by the members of the McKinley Avenue Presbyterian Church Student Scholarship Committee. It benefits a graduating senior from any Knox County High School pursuing post-secondary education. The recipient of the $800 scholarship is Hunter Sievers, South Knox High School. The Velma and Herbert Pepmeier Scholarship was established by Herbert C. Pepmeier to benefit a graduating senior who is affiliated with St. John’s United Church of Christ in Vincennes or Bethel Church in Freelandville. This year’s $5,000 scholarship recipient is Harlee Keller, North Knox High School. The James (Jim) Jenks Memorial Scholarship is an annual scholarship established by friends of Jim Jenks to help graduating seniors of Knox County pursue advanced education. Jim was an avid golfer, so recipients must have been a member of their school’s golf team during their senior year of high school. The scholarship will be awarded to a female student and one male student. This year’s $500 award recipients are Tori Thompson, South Knox High School and Emmett Ransom, Lincoln High School. The Kathleen W. Rinsch Educational Scholarship is an annual renewable scholarship established by the past director of the Knox County Community Foundation, Kathy Rinsch. She was a former English and Latin teacher at North Knox High School and established this scholarship to encourage recent graduates and non-traditional students to pursue higher education in the field of education. The recipient of the $1,500 scholarship is Cora Armes, North Knox High School. The Robert W. Nordhorn Memorial Scholarship was established by Mrs. Marcia Nordhorn in memory of her husband Robert. The scholarship is awarded to a student at Lincoln High School who has participated in arts/technical theater, choir, or band and who has participated in theatrical productions. This year the $600 scholarship recipient is Emmett Ransom. The Roger Montgomery, M.D. Memorial Scholarship was established by Sue Montgomery in memory of her husband Dr. (Walter) Roger Montgomery, a Vincennes nephrologist. It is available to graduating seniors of any Knox County high school or certified home school program who are pursuing post-secondary education. This year the $3,500 scholarship recipient is Mason Trent, Rivet High School. The Southwest Indiana Purdue Scholarship was established by the Knox County Purdue Ag Alumni. It is open to students in Knox, Daviess, Greene, Sullivan, Pike, and Gibson Counties who are pursuing a degree at Purdue University in West Lafayette. This year’s $2,000 award recipient is Jordan Remsburg, Purdue University. The Heather Bird Memorial Scholarship is an annual scholarship established by Robert H. Bird in memory of his daughter. Active members of the Vincennes Township Fire Department with at least one year of service and their spouses who have a high school diploma or GED or children of active members who are graduating high school seniors are eligible. This year the $1,500 scholarship recipient is Aschiah Birden, South Knox High School. Schott North America-Vincennes Scholarship is an annual scholarship created by Schott North America, Inc. to encourage the children or grandchildren of Schott North America, Inc. employees to further their education, to recognize 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 Tori Thompson of South Knox High School and Trinity Bradford of Sullivan High School will each receive $2,000. Knox County Community Foundation Scholarship This year, 27 students applied for the Knox County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. The Community Foundation was able to award a scholarship to the first and second alternate to the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship along with each student who was a finalist. The scholarships are made possible by donors to the Friends of Knox County Fund. Sharaya Wolfe, North Knox High School was named the First Alternate and awarded $6,000; and Evan Dreiman, South Knox High School was named Second Alternate and was awarded $2,000. The following students were finalists and each will receive $1,000; Allison Hensley, Rivet; Mason Trent, Rivet; Makinley Beard, South Knox; Mallory Friend, Lincoln; Jaelyn Grumieaux, South Knox; Ally Sims, South Knox; and Olivia Halter, North Knox. McKenna Henderson of Lincoln High School is the 2024 Knox 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. After graduation, McKenna plans to attend Butler University. The Community Foundation handles the applications, and a volunteer selection committee of community leaders completes the review process for this award, submitting final nominations to Independent Colleges of Indiana. The Knox County Community Foundation County Advisory Board would like to thank 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.