The Community Foundation of Switzerland County, Inc. is pleased to announce that the two Switzerland County Lilly Endowment Community Scholars for 2008 are Lauren Hunt and Allison Steele.
Lauren Hunt is the daughter of the late Ernie Lee and Ruth Ann Hunt; and lives with her sister and brother-in-law, Chanda and Toby Hart of near Vevay.
She is the treasurer of the Business Professionals of America and Historian for the Conservation Club. She has been a member of the National Honor Society since 10th grade.
In the community, Lauren Hunt has volunteered her time helping with recycling efforts, canned food drives, nursing home visits, and river clean-ups. In addition, Lauren Hunt has worked on a farm and also as a laboratory assistant and waitress.
She plans on attending Purdue University to study pre-pharmacy.
Allison Steele is the daughter of Jeffrey and Alexandra Hake of Vevay. She serves as an officer of the National Honor Society and is captain of both the science and fine arts academic teams. She is also a member of the school newspaper staff.
Outside of school, Allison Steele serves as a group leader for the freshman mentoring program and has been very active on dance teams. She has worked as a laboratory assistant and assistant dance instructor.
Allison Steele plans on attending Franklin College and majoring in pre-med.
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The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides full tuition for four years of undergraduate study leading to a baccalaureate degree. It also covers all required fees and up to $800 a year for required books and equipment. Students receiving the scholarship must attend an Indiana public or private college or university accredited by the North Central Association of College and Schools.
“The selection committee reviewed and interviewed 16 applicants, the most ever.” said Pam Acton, Community Foundation of Switzerland County executive director. “The students were evaluated on academics, financial need, school and community activities, writing ability and an interview.”
The Community Foundation of Switzerland County’s selection committee then submitted its recommendations to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI), who made the final decisions on the scholarship recipients.
ICI is a nonprofit corporation that represents 31 regionally accredited degree granting, nonprofit, private colleges and universities in the state. Lilly Endowment, Inc. contracts with ICI to administer the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program.
The scholarships are the result of a statewide Lilly Endowment initiative to help Hoosier students reach higher levels of education. Indiana ranks among the lowest states in the percentage of residents over the age of 25 with a bachelor’s degree.
There were 216 scholarships awarded statewide.
Anyone interested in more information about the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship or the Community Foundation of Switzerland County may contact Pam Acton or Melissa Andrew at 427-9160.