CFHC introduces 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Finalists
GREENFIELD, Ind. (October 16, 2024) – 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 board 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:
Lexa Campbell
New Palestine High School
Lexa is the daughter of Craig & Heather Campbell of Greenfield. She plans to attend Anderson University and major in Pre-Medicine.
Lexa finds her sense of peace and purpose in serving others, guided by her faith and compassion. Her life’s mission became clear on May 27, 2024, when her grandmother was terminally ill, and she experienced a moment of helplessness while sitting in the Critical Intensive Care Unit (CICU). As she watched her grandmother from behind the hospital window, knowing it would be their last moment together, she realized she wanted to be on the other side of that window—fighting for patients and their families. This experience solidified her desire to pursue a career in healthcare, where she could make a direct impact on people’s lives.
Her commitment to service is evident through her involvement in the Student Athletic Training program, where she assists sports teams and supports the school’s athletic trainer. Her duties include setting up water stations, taping injuries, and providing first aid. Certified in First Aid and CPR, she is often the first responder when an athlete gets injured, stabilizing them until professional help arrives. Lexa finds great fulfillment in helping athletes recover from their injuries and watching them return to the sports they love. This role has not only enhanced her medical skills but also reinforced her passion for helping others heal and thrive.
In addition to her role in athletic training, she has been volunteering at Hancock Regional Hospital for more than two years, dedicating her weekends to supporting nurses in the Labor and Delivery Unit. She assists by cleaning cribs, stocking supplies, and guiding visitors. One of her most memorable moments was when she helped a family during an emergency cesarean delivery by watching their young children, allowing the father to be with his wife. This experience further confirmed her desire to work in the pediatric field, as she finds immense joy in making a difference in the lives of young families, even in the smallest ways.
Her dedication to serving others extends to her service-learning projects, where she manages multiple community outreach initiatives. One of these projects involves creating posts for the Instagram page to raise awareness for Kick-It for Pediatric Cancer, supporting the Alex Lemonade Stand Foundation. Her passion for this cause is deeply personal, as her grandfather passed away from cancer, motivating her to contribute to cancer research and support for those affected by the disease. Over the past three years, Lexa’s efforts have helped raise more than $4,600, and she remains committed to continuing this fight.
Another project Lexa is involved in is the Adopt-a-Room program with Hope Center Indy in New Palestine, where she plans to refurbish a room to provide a welcoming space for those in need. She has already begun collecting donations and furniture to support this initiative, combining her love for interior design with her desire to make a tangible difference in her community.
Lastly, Lexa is engaged in the NP Giving Trees project, where she and her team place holiday trees in schools and local businesses to collect gifts and essential items for families in need. This initiative not only brings joy to children during the holiday season but also supports families with everyday necessities like toiletries and household supplies. Through this project, she works closely with local charities to address the broader needs of her community.
Natalie Hudson
Mt. Vernon High School
Natalie is the daughter of Larry & Tracey Hudson of Greenfield. She plans to attend The University of Indianapolis and major in Psychology.
Natalie intends to pursue a career in occupational therapy, driven by her long-standing interest in the medical field. Initially undecided about which specific area to focus on, her decision to become an occupational therapist was influenced by personal experiences and recommendations. Witnessing the positive impact of an occupational therapist on her grandfather, who needed assistance recovering from strokes and surgery, played a significant role in her decision. Seeing the therapist help him regain his abilities and return to his normal self was inspiring. Additionally, hearing from a coworker about the benefits her children received from occupational therapy reinforced her desire to choose this career path. For her, occupational therapy represents an opportunity to help people regain their independence and become their best selves.
Her commitment to helping others is also reflected in her active involvement in Best Buddies, a program focused on raising awareness and providing support for people with disabilities. Natalie has been a part of this organization for three years, starting in her sophomore year of high school. Her dedication to the cause led her to take on leadership roles within the group, serving as secretary in her junior year and currently as president. In her role as president, she collaborates with the officer team to plan and execute inclusive events, ensuring that all participants have positive experiences. Working with the students in Best Buddies has been both inspiring and educational, shaping her understanding of what kind of career she would like to pursue.
Beyond Natalie’s involvement with Best Buddies, she also has experience as a coach for Mt. Vernon Youth Cheerleading. For two years, she dedicated her time to helping young girls develop their skills in cheerleading. She enjoyed guiding them through practices, teaching them stunts and cheers, and watching them grow both as athletes and as individuals. Her experience coaching showed her the importance of building respect, listening, and teamwork. It was rewarding for her to witness how the girls supported each other, built friendships, and demonstrated resilience.
She also has a strong passion for addressing food insecurity in her community. If given the resources, Natalie would focus on combating poverty, specifically the lack of access to nutritious food in Hancock County. Her experience with food distribution through the donation pantry at Mt. Vernon School Community Corporation made her aware of the ongoing need for fresh and wholesome food items. She believes that food is a fundamental necessity for growth, energy, and overall well-being and that no one in her community should have to struggle with hunger.
To tackle food insecurity, Natalie envisions collaborating with local grocery stores and restaurants to repurpose their overstock of fresh produce and nutritious items, reducing food waste while providing healthy options to those in need. She would also work to provide other essential items like clean clothing and personal hygiene products to support the community’s most vulnerable members. Her goal is to inspire her community to come together to support their neighbors, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life.
Peter Hummel
Greenfield-Central High School
Peter is the son of Jeff & Karen Hummel of Greenfield. He plans to attend Indiana Wesleyan University and major in Chemistry or Biochemistry with a pre-medical track.
Peter has a strong desire to become an orthopedic surgeon for three main reasons. First, he enjoys helping people and guiding them through the process, from the initial consultation to surgery and finally to recovery. The satisfaction of improving someone’s quality of life through a procedure is a significant motivator for him. Second, he loves working with his hands and being a leader. The role of a surgeon involves both leading a team in the operating room and using precise, hands-on skills to achieve successful outcomes. Finally, he appreciates the structured path that leads from undergraduate studies to medical school, residency, and a career in orthopedic surgery. This clear and goal-oriented journey is appealing to him, as it provides a sense of accomplishment at each step.
Peter’s passion for medicine is complemented by his extensive volunteer work, particularly in the Hancock Regional Hospital Emergency Department. Over two years, he has assisted medical professionals by supporting patient care, ensuring patient comfort, and helping with administrative tasks. He gained valuable experience in patient interaction, hospital operations, and teamwork during his weekly four-hour shifts.
In addition to his medical interests, he has demonstrated leadership and community involvement through the Boy Scouts of America, where he completed numerous projects, including his Eagle Scout project. For this project, he extended a path at his church, built a bridge using culvert pipes, and enhanced the landscaping. He successfully reduced the project cost by seeking donations, demonstrating his ability to manage resources, plan effectively, and lead a team. His scouting experience, spanning about 10 years, taught him skills in communication, project management, and community service.
His participation in peer tutoring at his high school provided an opportunity to work with special needs students, helping them with assignments and building strong bonds. Through this experience, Peter learned to handle challenges and adapt to the needs of others, deepening his understanding of empathy and patience.
Peter also served on the Athletic Leadership Council, where he supported various school events, assisted with tickets, and engaged with elementary students in their learning. Peter’s involvement in this council over two years enhanced his leadership skills and allowed him to make a positive impact on younger students.
As a member of the Student Council and Interact Club, he took on various leadership roles, organizing events like homecoming, Trunk or Treat, and school dances. His responsibilities included fundraising, planning, and executing community projects. His dedication to these roles over his four years of high school helped him develop event management and leadership abilities.
Peter’s cross-country and track coach emphasized the importance of character and service, which led him to participate in community projects like memorial 5K runs, park clean-ups, and support for local events. These experiences allowed him to build a sense of community and teamwork beyond the athletic field.
As the junior class president, he was responsible for organizing prom, securing sponsorships, and leading his team in service activities. He also provided feedback on city development plans to the local mayor and city council, sharing his vision for the community’s future growth.
Elise Meyer
Eastern Hancock High School
Elise is the daughter of Erick & Katherine Meyer of Wilkinson. She plans to attend the University of Indianapolis and major in Chemistry and/or Biochemistry.
Elise has a strong passion for pursuing a career in the dental field, with aspirations to become an orthodontic assistant or orthodontist. Inspired by personal experiences with orthodontic treatment that began in third grade and included various corrective procedures, she aims to help others feel confident about their smiles. Her goal is to provide support to young patients undergoing similar treatments, ensuring that they receive the same level of comfort and care that she experienced from her orthodontist and assistants.
In addition to her career ambitions, she has a rich history of community service and volunteering, demonstrating a deep sense of compassion and dedication to helping others. She has worked with the Hancock County Cemetery Commission to restore and preserve historical cemeteries, repairing old headstones and learning the significance of these sites in connecting the community to its past.
Elise has also volunteered at the Joy Jam conference for educators, assisting with logistics, guiding visitors, and engaging participants in activities like screen printing. Her involvement in this event highlighted her enthusiasm for making people feel welcome and representing their school in a positive light.
Another example of Elise’s community engagement is her participation in the Lisa Muegge Feast of Plenty, an initiative that provides Thanksgiving meals and groceries to families in need. Over several years, she contributed to food preparation, packaging, and delivery, demonstrating a commitment to supporting those facing financial challenges during the holiday season.
Her volunteer work extended to the Hancock County 4-H Poss-Abilities program, which helps children with varying abilities show livestock at the fair. Elise played a significant role in setting up and organizing the event, emphasizing her dedication to inclusivity and creating enriching experiences for all participants.
Elise’s dedication to community service is further evident in her involvement with the Hancock County Ag Association’s Lemon Shake-up Stand, the Charlottesville Lion’s Club Fish Fry, and the FARM (Fortville Area Resource Mission). Through these activities, she gained valuable experience in customer service, teamwork, and event coordination while supporting local fundraising efforts and community assistance programs.
As a long-time member of the Country Kritters 4-H Club, Elise has been actively engaged in various charitable initiatives and events, including supporting the local animal shelter, food pantry, and school supply drives. Her participation in 4-H spans more than a decade, during which she completed numerous projects and volunteered at multiple community events, showcasing her leadership and dedication to giving back.
Maya Morales
Mt. Vernon High School
Maya has always had a strong interest in the business field, ultimately guiding her toward the goal of becoming a corporate lawyer. This aspiration was heavily inspired by her uncle, the founder and former CEO of Morales Group, whose ability to support his family and invest in others’ dreams made a lasting impact on her. She aims to use her legal knowledge to assist individuals and nonprofit organizations with legal matters, allowing them to focus on their innovative ideas. Her dedication to community service and her drive to help others have been evident through her involvement in Y-GIVE, the youth board for the Community Foundation of Hancock County. Since her sophomore year of high school, she has been actively engaged with Y-GIVE, representing Mt. Vernon High School and contributing to various volunteer activities that have developed her leadership skills and understanding of community service.
Maya’s role in Y-GIVE allowed her to volunteer at Head Start Preschool, Match Day and Regreening Greenfield. These experiences included working closely with preschool children, assisting with community events, and learning about grant giving and nonprofit support. She also participated in creating service projects like bringing holiday cheer to local nursing home residents. These experiences helped her gain insight into the inner workings of community support and the importance of service.
Her passion for helping others also took her on two mission trips and a summer in Mazatlán, Mexico, through YWAM (Youth with a Mission). On these trips, Maya contributed to building homes, distributing meals, and offering childcare support to families on the YWAM base. Her time in Mexico profoundly shaped her worldview, teaching her the value of gratitude and the importance of giving back to communities in need.
Beyond Maya’s mission work, she has been actively involved in her high school’s athletic department, volunteering since her freshman year. Her dedication to supporting student-athletes and contributing to behind-the-scenes work highlighted her passion for sports and the value she finds in helping others excel. This involvement led her to a part-time position within the department, allowing her to grow in her understanding of how an athletic department operates.
Additionally, her role as a student volunteer for the Mt. Vernon High School Booster Club has been a significant part of her high school experience. Over the past three years, Maya has assisted in selling school merchandise, and helping raise funds to support various school programs, particularly in athletics. This involvement has enabled her to connect with the community and mentor younger students and their families.
Maya’s commitment to academic excellence is reflected in her membership in the National Honor Society (NHS), where she is in her second year. As part of NHS, she completed over 30 hours of community service, supporting organizations like the Vernon Township Library and Mt. Vernon Community Schools. Volunteering with NHS has pushed her beyond her comfort zone, allowing her to work with different organizations in her school district and develop strong connections with her peers.
Luke Schilling
Eastern Hancock High School
Luke’s focus is on pursuing a career in the agriculture industry. Growing up in a community deeply connected to agriculture, he developed a passion for the field and a desire to give back to those who shaped his understanding of it. To achieve this, he plans to major in Agriculture Systems Management, to enhance farming efficiency through the improvement of agricultural systems and technology. Luke envisions a future in which he helps develop more effective machinery and processes, addressing the growing global demand for food.
Beyond his academic aspirations, Luke is actively involved in several community service initiatives. In 2022, he founded Season the Day, Inc., a non-profit organization built upon Luke’s small business, Big Doug’s Secret Seasoning. This venture started as a way to create and sell seasoning, with the proceeds going to charitable organizations such as Compassion International and World Vision. Through that work, he has been able to provide significant support to various causes, including clean water projects, food security, and aid for impoverished children around the world. The success of Big Doug’s Seasoning has allowed Luke to donate more than $10,000 to these causes, impacting lives both locally and globally.
Luke’s commitment to service extends to his involvement with the Eastern Hancock Boys Basketball P.A.S.S. Program, where he has led efforts to raise funds for local charities by securing donations for every assist made by the basketball team. This program has enabled him to foster community engagement and support various local causes, raising thousands of dollars in the process.
He has also actively volunteered at the Hancock County Food Pantry since he was seven years old. Over the years, Luke’s role has evolved from distributing food to helping organize and manage inventory. This hands-on experience has taught him the importance of food security and the value of consistent community support.
Another significant initiative Luke has been part of is the Wilkinson Church of Christ’s Service Week, where he has accumulated more than 120 hours of volunteer work to help improve living conditions for local families. Through tasks like landscaping, painting, and general home repair, Luke learned valuable skills while positively impacting the community.
Involvement with the Hancock County Poss-Abilities program has been particularly meaningful, as it allows Luke to share his passion for agriculture by mentoring special needs individuals in livestock care. This experience has shown him the profound impact that inclusive opportunities can have on people’s lives.
In addition to these activities, Luke has held leadership positions in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and served as Chapter President and District VIII President. His roles in FFA have emphasized not only leadership development but also community service, aligning with a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
Luke’s dedication to service is further demonstrated through participation in various events with the Eastern Hancock Athletics and the Hancock County 4-H program, where he has taken on roles that promote teamwork, leadership, and giving back to the community. His efforts have been directed toward enhancing the fairgrounds, supporting charitable organizations, and contributing to local events that bring the community together.
Chase Shinkle
New Palestine High School
Chase is the son of Chris & Sharon Shinkle of New Palestine. He plans to attend Taylor University and major in Computer Science.
Chase’s journey into computer science began nine years ago with a passion for robotics and programming. He quickly advanced in his skills, which led him to take AP Computer Science as a sophomore. When he exhausted the available courses at his school, he advocated to take Harvard’s CS50 G class, further deepening his knowledge. His love for game development stems from its ability to foster creativity, problem-solving, and social interaction. He also envisions using computer science to create technologies like service robots to aid people with disabilities or to develop 3D-printed prosthetic limbs for children, inspired by his grandparents’ health struggles.
He has been volunteering at his church’s preschool Sunday school for eight years, starting when he was in 5th grade. As a leader, he arrives early to set up and leads small groups, guiding the children through Bible stories, activities, and games. Chase’s experience includes being a buddy for children with special needs, helping them feel included and supported. He’s developed a deep bond with the kids he’s mentored, learning to meet their unique needs and finding joy in their progress and connection.
His involvement in Taekwondo spans nine years, with seven of those dedicated to teaching. After earning his black belt, he became an instructor, helping young students develop confidence and focus. He fondly recalls assisting a Spanish-speaking student, using his basic Spanish to help the child succeed. Leading classes and coaching students of all ages, he took pride in watching them grow in skill and discipline. This experience not only improved his martial arts abilities but also honed his leadership and teaching skills.
Chase extended his passion for robotics by mentoring the Intermediate School robotics team. He volunteers once a week and at competitions, guiding building, coding, and problem-solving. His mentorship also includes assisting at the school’s summer robotics camp, where he helps younger students develop an interest in STEM. His dedication to making complex concepts accessible to kids has made a lasting impact on their learning and excitement for robotics.
As part of his church’s youth group leadership team, he’s committed to supporting younger members, much like the older students who once helped him. He provides rides, checks in with them, and ensures they feel included. He also plays an active role in planning events and leading small groups, sharing his experiences, and offering guidance.
Music became another way for Chase to serve, especially after his grandmother’s health declined. He regularly visits her nursing home, playing guitar and singing for the residents, bringing joy and comfort to many. His musical talents also led him to join his youth group’s worship team, where he plays piano during services to help others in their spiritual journey.
Chase’s sense of community extends to international service as well. He participated in a mission trip to Costa Rica, where he led a Vacation Bible School, delivered groceries to remote families, and helped with church improvements. This experience deepened his appreciation for the simple things in life and reinforced his desire to serve those in need.
Kendall Schnecker
Greenfield-Central High School
Kendall is passionate about becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) because she believes that words are one of the most powerful tools humans have. Growing up surrounded by books and music, she developed a deep appreciation for language and its impact on the world. Her compassion grew for those who face challenges in communicating, and she was particularly drawn to helping people who cannot speak or communicate in ways considered typical. This led her to explore the field of Communication Disorders and Speech-Language Pathology, driven by her desire to give others the ability to express themselves.
Her commitment to helping others is evident through her volunteer work at Brandywine Community Church, where she serves in the Childcare System. Since 2021, she has been creating a positive environment for children, teaching lessons, and organizing activities. In 2024, she was selected as the Team Leader for the 4-year-old classroom, taking on responsibilities that include scheduling, leading the team, and acting as the main communication link between parents and the Children’s Ministries Pastor. Kendall’s leadership role allows her to make a direct impact on the children’s learning experience every week.
Kendall also volunteered as a “Buddy” for the Prism Project, a summer camp focused on performing arts for youth with disabilities. Over two summers, she built strong, trusting relationships with her partner, or “Performer,” to make the camp engaging and enjoyable. Her role was crucial in helping her Performer develop confidence and skills in music, theatre, and dance, leading up to a final performance. This experience reinforced her understanding of the importance of patience, empathy, and individualized support in working with those with special needs.
Her dedication extends to the Band Program at Greenfield-Central High School, where she has consistently volunteered throughout her high school career. From organizing fundraising booths to setting up event venues and maintaining equipment, she has contributed countless hours to support her school’s music community. Kendall’s work often goes beyond what can be officially logged as service hours, as she commits time during her school day to help wherever she is needed.
Believing that true and lasting change begins with the next generation, she is passionate about making a positive impact on children’s lives. Inspired by the idea that every child should have the resources they need to succeed, she dreams of creating a daycare center with a focus on supporting both children and their families. Kendall’s vision for the daycare center revolves around three core values: the “Child,” the “Raising,” and the “Village.” For the “Child,” she envisions a nurturing environment that empowers children to believe in their potential to change the world. For “Raising,” the center would provide essential resources to families to ensure that children have a stable home life. Lastly, the “Village” concept would foster a supportive community that works collectively to raise the next generation.
Kendall believes in the power of community and the importance of a shared commitment to raising children in a supportive environment. Even if her dream daycare center doesn’t come to fruition, she holds firm in the belief that investing time, talent, and resources in the future generation is crucial for making a lasting impact on the world.
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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