The Community Foundation of Boone County (CFBC) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Boone County: Caroline Cox of Zionsville Community High School and Anthony Thieu of Zionsville Community High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership.
“Both Caroline and Anthony exemplify what it means to be a Lilly Endowment Community Scholar. Their dedication to academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, and genuine service to others deeply impressed the nominating committee. We look forward to seeing how they continue to grow as leaders and contribute to their communities.”
Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides full tuition, required fees, and up to $900 per year for required books and equipment for four years of full-time undergraduate study leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Scholars also join the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects them with resources and opportunities to lead on campus and in their communities. Both the scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI).
Two Lilly Scholarship alternates were also named, Hope Roth of Covenant Christian High School and Emma Nienaber of Lebanon High School. Alternates receive a $1500 stipend to purchase technology needed for their college education, and may also be named Lilly Scholars if the nominees decline the scholarship.
“Every year, we’re inspired by the caliber of students who apply, and this year’s candidates continued to raise the bar. Caroline and Anthony distinguished themselves through outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and a clear commitment to serving their community. We are excited to watch their journeys unfold.”
Since its inception in 1997–98, Lilly Endowment has supported this program with tuition grants totaling more than $505 million, benefiting over 5,400 Indiana students. The program’s primary purposes are:
- To raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana.
- To increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations play.
- To encourage and support Lilly Scholars’ engagement with Indiana leaders to improve quality of life statewide.
Meet our 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars:
CAROLINE COX
ZIONSVILLE COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL
Caroline is president of the Model UN program at ZCHS, and developed her interests in policy and public service at a summer program at the University of Notre Dame. She founded a food-relief nonprofit called Farm Fresh Produce to Pantry to distribute sweet corn to families experiencing food insecurity in Boone County. An accomplished musician, Caroline plays bass in the ZCHS Show Choir Combo and has earned four gold ratings at ISSMA competitions; she also teaches music and mentors students through United Sound, which she serves as president. She belongs to several honor societies, and participated in an exchange program to France. Caroline hopes to attend either the University of Notre Dame or Indiana University – Bloomington, and study political science and economics. Her goals extend to earning a law degree and crafting a career in public service.
ANTHONY THIEU
ZIONSVILLE COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL
Anthony’s passion for biochemistry led him to a research internship at the IU School of Medicine, focusing on diabetes research. He hopes to enroll at Indiana University – Bloomington, or Purdue University – West Lafayette, earn a degree in biochemistry, and eventually become a clinical and research endocrinologist. At ZCHS he is president of the HOSA (future health professionals) club. He has researched disparities in STEM education in Indiana and co-founded a nonprofit organization working to bring STEM education opportunities to underserved areas of the state. Volunteering at TopSoccer and directing a nonprofit that distributes food and essentials in remote areas of Vietnam demonstrate his commitment to service. Anthony leads his club soccer team and Taekwondo team, and plays the piano.
About the Community Foundation of Boone County
The Community Foundation of Boone County exists to unite people, organizations, and philanthropy to create a thriving community for all. Since 1991, its leaders have worked to empower and engage local communities to make a difference right here in Boone County while also leading a vision to collaboratively address the root causes of challenges facing Boone County in diverse and equitable ways. The Community Foundation continues to invest in the people working to fill local needs. It has granted more than $31 million to nonprofit organizations and programs working to solve critical challenges in Boone County. With more than $40 million in endowed assets, the Community Foundation works with donors to create permanent funds for charitable giving to strengthen Boone County for generations to come.
About Lilly Endowment, Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in Eli Lilly and Company. The Endowment supports community development, education, and religion, with a special commitment to Indianapolis and Indiana.
About Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI)
Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for Indiana’s 29 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a local economic