GREENFIELD, Ind. (October 13, 2025) – 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 roles foundations 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 as educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.

CFHC has the privilege of administering the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship (LECSP) in Hancock County. Each year, CFHC applies for the opportunity to recommend two graduating students to Independent Colleges of Indiana for the full four-year tuition scholarship award. Should they accept the application, CFHC implements and supervises the process for selection.

To be eligible to apply for the LECSP in Hancock County, students must be Hancock County residents, attend one of the four Hancock County public high schools, be ranked in the academic top 15% of their graduating class, and plan to pursue a baccalaureate course of study, to be completed in four years, at any accredited Indiana public or private college or university.

Student applications are submitted online and reviewed blindly (without name or contact information) by third-party professional readers represented by experienced out-of-county evaluators. The third-party evaluators select eight finalists, two students from each Hancock County public high school, who best meet the scholarship criteria. Community service is the primary criterion for qualification. Financial need is not a consideration for the LECSP.

Because one of the scholarship finalists is the child of a CFHC committee member, the eight finalists will be interviewed by a third-party committee identified by CFHC, all of whom adhere to a strict conflict of interest policy and reside out of the county. This committee has the difficult task of selecting two students from the talented pool of eight finalists and submitting their recommendation to Independent Colleges of Indiana for approval. Pending approval, the awards will be announced in December. The eight finalists will be honored at their respective school corporation’s board meetings in November.

Below are the stories of the eight finalists: 

Heidi Bloomer attends New Palestine High School and plans to study Exercise Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of Indianapolis, with the goal of earning a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. She is the daughter of Chris and Michelle Bloomer.

Her passion for compassionate care has grown through volunteer work with both young students and elderly individuals in memory care. This career path aligns with her strengths, especially in supporting those with developmental disabilities. She has served as a Special Olympics coach, Unified Track peer helper, and classroom peer tutor, and will participate in the Cadet Teach program for the Essential Skills Program at New Palestine Junior High. Her CPR certification and coursework in Biomedical Science, Anatomy, Psychology, and American Sign Language reinforce her commitment to health sciences.

A member of Zion Lutheran Church since 2018, she embraces its mission of “Creating a forever difference today.” Her service includes visiting home-bound individuals, playing piano at services, preparing meals, and organizing fundraisers. As a Vacation Bible School teacher, she leads activities that teach children about Jesus and models Christ-like compassion. One of her proudest achievements was organizing a community 5K race to raise funds for a youth gathering in New Orleans. Inspired by Hebrews 12 and her love for running, she led all aspects of planning—from securing sponsors to writing a devotion for participants—demonstrating how service can unite and uplift.

Since 2022, she has coached the Hancock County Special Olympic swim team, taught technical skills, and fostered teamwork and confidence. She has attended the Summer Games in Terre Haute four times, creating lasting memories and celebrating athletes’ achievements under the oath, “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

At Woodland Terrace, a senior assisted living facility, she has volunteered for three years as an assistant activities director. She leads piano sessions, bingo, baking, and physical activities, often designing her own programs. These experiences have deepened her understanding of service and strengthened her connection to Senior Citizens.

Her involvement with Hancock County Children’s Theater Workshop began in 2018. Now an alum, she volunteers each June to support costumes, choreography, and backstage management. She values the program’s role in building creativity and confidence in young students.

Through New Palestine’s Cross Country and Track & Field teams, she helps lead Dragon Flyers Camp for elementary students, coaching them in running and field events. For three years, she has coordinated activities and mentored future athletes.

She also supports school events through the National Honor Society, VOICE, and Student Council, contributing to robotics competitions, carnivals, and music contests. She views each opportunity as a way to build school culture and represent her community with pride.

Gustavo Contreras attends Greenfield-Central High School and plans to study Accounting at Indiana University-Bloomington. He is the son of Edgar Contreras and Blanca Barajas.

As the son of Mexican immigrants, he has had the privilege of growing up in America with opportunities that many others in his community have not had. His parents’ relentless hard work provided a life free of obstacles, and he now seeks to give back by pursuing a career in accounting. This broad field will allow him to support his community in various ways, from filing taxes to offering financial guidance. His goal is to use his education to empower others while preparing himself for future success, including opening his own business. Studying accountancy will equip him with the fundamentals of business and enable him to repay his parents for their sacrifices.

At Greenfield-Central High School, he has spent three years peer tutoring English Language Learner (ELL) students. He primarily assisted Spanish-speaking students by translating instructions and reteaching lessons in Spanish. He also supported students who spoke Haitian Creole, Chinese, and French to the best of his ability. His dedication extended beyond academics, as he sat with students in shared classes to help them stay on track and feel supported.

He also volunteers with the Greenfield Area Soccer Club, a nonprofit organization that promotes inclusivity and a love for soccer. His contributions include working in the concession stand, transporting elderly and disabled individuals between fields, and playing with special needs youth who enjoy the sport.

His extracurricular activities include Student Council, serving as Freshman Class President, Sunshine Society, G-CHS Men’s Soccer, Spanish Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, G-CHS Athletic Training, and acting as the G-CHS Freshman Cheerleading Mascot. He also works as a Team Lead at Los Charros D&G Mexican Grill and Bar, demonstrating leadership and responsibility.

Witnessing the challenges faced by immigrant students at his school opened his eyes to the hardships his parents and others have endured. As Hancock County grows, more families arrive in search of the American dream. He has developed a passion for helping these families not just survive but thrive. His vision includes creating a resource center to assist immigrants with job searches, English classes, and integration into the community. He also hopes to provide financial support for children of immigrant families pursuing higher education, helping them build careers and give back to the community.

Tate Cougill attends Mount Vernon High School and is the son of Deab and Jennifer Cougill. He plans to attend the University of Notre Dame and study film and Economics.

He intends to pursue a career in documentary filmmaking to spotlight societal issues. Film has long inspired him, and he hopes to create thought-provoking pieces that offer new perspectives and encourage reflection. Alongside filmmaking, he plans to study economics to better understand global systems and how they intersect with human experiences. By combining storytelling with economic insight, he aims to advocate for change that resonates across diverse communities.

Through the Hancock County Youth Assistance Program, he tutored middle school students at Mt. Vernon, supporting them in core subjects to improve academic performance. As a rising junior, he was selected for the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Seminar and later served as a Junior Staffer, mentoring ambassadors and completing more than 100 hours of community service through various organizations.

He has been an active member of the Student Government throughout high school, contributing to service projects such as bell-ringing for the Salvation Army, volunteering at food pantries, and assisting at a horse therapy center. As chair of Staff Appreciation Week, he organized wellness bags for school staff. He also led Mental Health Week initiatives, including meditation events, and currently serves as President, expanding service leadership through new initiatives like a school-wide Hygiene Drive and the creation of a Hygiene House for year-round donations.

In the Community Service Club, he helped build a raised garden bed and organized a hygiene drive. Though the club’s status changed, he now works as Vice President of the National Honor Society to revive the garden project for community benefit. As an NHS member, he completed 30 hours of service and promotes leadership and integrity.

He volunteers with the Heartland International Film Festival, selling concessions and tickets, and prescreening films—watching 34 submissions last year. His service also extends to Mt. Vernon Athletics, where he supported youth tennis camps, Booster Blast events, and basketball concessions.

His extracurriculars include Student Government, Film Club Founder and President, Tennis Team, National Honor Society, Marauder Mentors, and Community Service Club.

Elijah Manship attends Eastern Hancock High School. He is the son of Mike and Libby Manship. He plans to attend DePauw University and study Environmental Science and Engineering.

He is passionate about environmental sciences and aims to apply his knowledge to real-world challenges. A job shadowing experience involving electrofishing in the Tippecanoe River sparked his interest in fieldwork and solving environmental problems. He plans to explore career paths in environmental research, education, engineering, policy, or conservation, with a focus on understanding ecosystem interactions to protect the environment for future generations.

He leads Eastern Hancock High School’s P.A.S.S. Program (Players Assisting in Selfless Service), which raises money for local charities based on basketball assists. Under his leadership, donations grew from $800 to more than $5,000 last year. He plans to mentor younger teammates to continue expanding the initiative.

Through Scouting America, he has participated in numerous service projects, including trail cleanups and food drives. His Eagle Scout project raised more than $13,500 to upgrade the elementary school playground at Eastern Hancock. He led the construction of picnic tables, installed adjustable basketball goals, repainted court lines, and resolved drainage issues, creating a more accessible and engaging space for students.

He volunteers at Eastern Hancock youth sports camps, mentoring young athletes in football, basketball, and track. His roles include coaching, announcing games, and assisting with setup and logistics. These experiences allow him to give back to programs that shaped his own development.

For nine years, he has supported the Hancock County Ag Association, helping with fair preparations and event logistics. His tasks range from setting up sound equipment and cleaning barns to constructing trash bins and clearing storm debris. He values the variety and impact of these contributions.

At Nameless Creek Camp, he performs environmental maintenance tasks such as weed eating, trail cleanup, and beautification. These efforts have deepened his commitment to environmental stewardship and community service.

Lilli Maxwell attends Eastern Hancock High School, and she is the daughter of Chris and Brittani Maxwell. She plans to attend Anderson University, where she plans to pursue Mechanical Engineering, inspired by watching her grandfather work in the field. Her interest deepened through hands-on experiences at a career center, where she rebuilt a generator engine and assembled robots from scratch, sparking a passion for problem-solving and design.

She is the President of EH VOICE, a subgroup of Hancock County VOICE, advocating against tobacco use among peers and the community. Over four years, she has led meetings, presented to school boards and sixth graders, organized cigarette butt pickups, and attended trainings and conferences. As a Core Leader for the county, she contributes ideas and promotes education on the dangers of tobacco.

In Student Council, she has served as Class President during her freshman and sophomore years and Council President in her junior and senior years. She helps organize school events like Homecoming, pep rallies, and the Halloween Bash, and volunteers at Once Upon a Prom to sort dresses for students.

She is also a member of NASA Youth Council, working to educate peers on alcohol and marijuana abuse. She helps host youth summits for ninth and tenth graders and visits schools to teach younger students about over-the-counter drug safety. Her involvement spans three years.

As a National Honor Society member since sophomore year, she supports school functions, including concession stands, event setup, and community outreach like writing Santa letters for first graders.

At her church, she volunteers on the Dream Team, serving on the Hype and Hospitality teams. She greets attendees, decorates for holidays, and helps with themed events like “At The Movies,” where she distributes popcorn and sodas. Her favorite part is creating a welcoming environment for all.

She works at the Boys and Girls Club and is also a member of the National Technical Honor Society.

Carolina Sanders attends Greenfield-Central High School. She is the daughter of Keith and Metta Sanders. She plans to attend Anderson University and pursue Elementary Education.

She is driven by a lifelong passion for working with young children. Since her freshman year, she has enrolled in teaching and education courses, gaining hands-on experience in classrooms at Weston Elementary, Harris Elementary, and Cougar Cubs Preschool. She also worked with children at the Greenfield Parks and Recreation Department’s Kids Kamp, where she discovered the joy of nurturing curiosity and helping children learn.

Her commitment to service is evident through nine years of volunteering at the Hancock County Humane Society, a feline-only shelter. She assists with cleaning cages, food bowls, and common areas, and helps medicate cats and kittens, maintaining detailed records and organizing supplies.

For four years, she has volunteered at the Hancock County Food Pantry, organizing food and hygiene products, filling vehicles, and maintaining cleanliness and order. Her efforts support families in need across the county.

She joined Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), now known as LEAP, in her junior year and actively participated in several community projects. These include organizing the G-CHS Veterans’ Day Parade and flag garden, coordinating a paper flag memorial, leading a clothing drive for displaced veterans, and collecting more than 3,800 books for Hancock County’s Little Free Libraries.

Her extracurricular involvement includes three years in choir, Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, Student Leadership Academy, and LEAP. She works as a cashier and baker at The Confection Connection and serves as a Kids Kamp Counselor at Greenfield Parks and Recreation.

Isabelle Singer attends New Palestine High School. She is the daughter of Jason and Angie Singer. She plans to attend Purdue University to pursue a career in Hospitality and Tourism Management, specifically within the hotel industry at the Walt Disney Company.

Her commitment to service is reflected in seven years of volunteering at Zion Lutheran Church and School. She has served as a Vacation Bible School group leader, organized church yard sales, and helped prepare and serve meals during major holidays. She also participated in the “Adopt a Family” initiative, collecting and wrapping gifts for families in need. These experiences have strengthened her leadership, teamwork, and communication skills while deepening her connection to the community.

For the past three years, she has volunteered with Hancock County’s Special Olympics swim team, assisting athletes during practices and events. Her role includes helping swimmers with drills, ensuring safety, and offering encouragement. This experience has taught her patience, empathy, and the importance of inclusive athletics.

She has also served as a Unified Track partner at New Palestine High School for two years, supporting students with intellectual disabilities during practices and meets. Though she competes in regular track and field, she dedicates time to helping teammates warm up, stay motivated, and feel included. This role has allowed her to build meaningful relationships and promote a positive, inclusive school environment.

Her volunteer work extends to school-sponsored programs like New Palestine Swim and Robotics. For three years, she has supported swim meets as a timer and robotics competitions by assisting with setup, equipment, and team coordination. These roles have enhanced her attention to detail, problem-solving, and communication skills.

She participated in the Children’s Theatre of Hancock County for three years and has returned as a volunteer choreographer for the past three. She teaches dance routines, supports rehearsals, and mentors young performers. This role has required creativity, leadership, and patience, and she is grateful to give back to a program that helped shape her confidence and teamwork.

Her extracurricular involvement includes four years in Marching Band, Student Council, Riley Dance Marathon Committee, Spanish National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, National Honor Society, Swim Team, VOICE (promoting a tobacco-free lifestyle), Track and Field, and the Dragon Athletic Leadership Council. She also works as a swim instructor and at The Confection Connection.

Brady Webber attends Mount Vernon High School. He is the son of Luke and Stacy Webber. He plans to attend Indiana University Bloomington and study Professional Sales and Marketing, Finance.

He plans to pursue a career in entrepreneurship with the goal of owning and operating a business in Hancock County. 

His commitment to service began in middle school at Fortville Area Resource Mission (FARM), where he volunteered alongside his grandmother. Over the years, he has taken on greater responsibility, including leading a food bag project through the National Honor Society. He organized monthly donations, packed food bags, and delivered them to local schools, helping underprivileged students access basic nutrition.

At Holy Spirit at Geist, he has led youth retreats and participated in service projects such as spring cleaning, Thanksgiving baskets, and Christmas gift donations. As a retreat leader, he planned meetings, supervised small groups, and gave witness talks, helping younger students grow in faith and connection. These experiences have shaped him into a compassionate and empathetic leader.

He has a long-standing commitment to serving individuals with special needs. Starting in elementary school with Unified Champions, he continued through Best Buddies, Special Olympics, and TOP Soccer. As Event Coordinator for Best Buddies, he plans inclusive activities and ensures all members feel valued. He has also taught soccer to children with disabilities through Impact Youth Board events, combining his love for sports with service.

Motivated by a desire to support his peers, he founded a men’s Bible study group that has grown to more than 50 participants. Inspired by his involvement in Bring Change 2 Mind, he created a safe space for students to discuss struggles and strengthen their faith. He leads weekly meetings, prepares discussion topics, and fosters vulnerability and trust. Guided by his grandfather, he has built a supportive community that continues to impact lives.

As a counselor at Camp Invention, he dedicated more than 40 hours to guiding students through STEM activities. His influence extended beyond camp, with students continuing to ask about him in school. This full-circle experience reinforced his role as a mentor and the importance of inspiring the next generation.

He volunteers at school events like Booster Blast and Track or Treat, creating positive experiences for children and raising funds for athletics. These events allow him to give back to the programs that shaped him.

He recently joined the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Student of the Year campaign, inspired by a friend’s recovery from leukemia. He will help organize fundraising events and raise awareness, honoring his friend’s journey and supporting others facing similar battles.

CFHC provides philanthropic leadership by encouraging giving, learning, community pride, and civic engagement. Working with caring individuals, families, and organizations to create or grow existing permanent endowment funds is critical to the organization’s mission. These funds generate income that is distributed in the form of grants and scholarships to enrich and enhance life in Hancock County, as well as support the donor’s favorite charitable causes, both at home and afar forever. CFHC has granted millions of dollars since its inception in 1992.

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