Community Foundation of Boone County Announces
2013 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Recipients
It’s a tale of two Kates as the Community Foundation presents prestigious scholarship awards
The two students, Kaitlyn O’Rourke of Lebanon High School and Kaitlin Emmert of Western Boone Jr./Sr. High School, are each recipients of four-year, full tuition scholarships to any public or private university in Indiana. In addition, the scholarship provides a $900 stipend for required books and equipment.
Kate O’Rourke, the daughter of Kevin and Wendy O’Rourke of Lebanon, is looking forward to a future in broadcast journalism at Indiana University. Her leadership in athletics, countless volunteer activities and participation in various clubs have occupied Kate’s time at LHS. Receiving the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship fulfills a lifelong dream for her and helps propel her toward her future goals and ambitions. Upon learning she had been selected as a Lilly Scholar, Kate tearfully exclaimed, “This is the best day of my life!”
Kate Emmert is the daughter of Gary and Joan Emmert of Jamestown. With plans to major in media and communications and/or journalism, she is considering Butler University and DePauw University, where she has already been accepted as a Media Fellow. Kate’s involvement in community, school and volunteer activities have filled most of her time over the last four years. Her selection marks the first time that CFBC has awarded two siblings with the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, as she joins sister Abby – a 2010 recipient – in this prestigious group of students.
“The CFBC is extremely proud of all of the Lilly Scholarship finalists and recipients. We are confident these two young women will represent Boone County well throughout their college journey and in all future endeavors,” said CFBC Scholarship Chair Karen Milam.
This year, 56 students applied for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. 10 finalists took part in an interview process, and 4 students were submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. (ICI) as either nominees or alternates. The scholarship recipients are selected by a committee of county-wide volunteers who evaluate each student’s academic performance, work experience, extracurricular activities, community involvement and volunteerism and awards and honors. Since the inception of the Lilly Scholars Program in 1998, CFBC has awarded the scholarship to 11 Lebanon High School seniors, 14 Western Boone seniors, 10 Zionsville High School seniors, one Sheridan High School senior and one Covenant Christian senior.
ICI is a nonprofit corporation that represents 31 regionally accredited degree granting, nonprofit, private colleges and universities in the state.
The scholarships are a result of a statewide Lilly Endowment initiative to help Hoosier students reach higher levels of education. Indiana ranks among the lowest states in percentage of residents over the age of 25 with a bachelor’s degree. There were 142 scholarships awarded statewide.