Finalists chosen for full-tuition scholarship

Six seniors from Lincoln, Hagerstown and Richmond high schools were selected as Wayne County’s finalists for two full-tuition Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships. And, another Hagerstown student is competing for Henry County’s Lilly scholarship.

Wayne County’s finalists are:

• Abigail Lumpkin, HJSHS
• Josiah Berry, LMHS
• Celina Cheng, Rosalinda Colaj, Priya Hodges and Yuvraj Prajapati, RHS

The finalists were chosen from 62 applicants. Wayne County Foundation’s selection committee independently scored the applications in a blind review process.

Committee members considered several factors, including students’ activities, achievements, community service, academic performance, financial need, work experience and leadership potential.

Educators say all six finalists are excellent candidates.

Brandon Pennington, who has taught Berry and served as his Student Government sponsor, said how the Lincoln senior interacts with and treats others sets him apart from his peers. He also noted Berry’s commitment to academic excellence and his school community.

“Josiah is a great person and student,” Pennington said. “You can always count on Josiah doing the right thing in classroom, hallway or in the athletic arena. … We are all hoping he is rewarded the Lilly for all his efforts at LHS.”

RHS Principal Rae Ferriell-Woolpy said the selected Red Devils exemplify the highest standards of excellence and dedication inside and outside the classroom.

Ferriell-Woolpy called the finalists well-rounded, passionate leaders who are active in organizations including Student Council, Business Professionals of America, Devilettes, athletics and community nonprofits.

“Known for their dedicated work ethic, outgoing personalities and contagious enthusiasm, these students inspire their peers with a positive outlook and a drive to make a difference,” Ferriell-Woolpy said. “They truly represent the spirit and values of Richmond High School.”

WCF’s committee will interview the finalists in early November. Interview scores will be combined with application results to determine final rankings.

“We once again received an impressive number of applications from some of the best and brightest students in Wayne County,” said Brian Schleeper, WCF’s director of nonprofit engagement, in a news release. “We look forward to meeting with these finalists and learning more about their future educational and life goals.”

The committee’s recommendations from the committee will be submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana Inc. for final review and approval. Wayne County’s winners will be announced in December.

Another Hagerstown finalist, Zeda Kersey, is competing for Henry County’s award as a resident of that county.

Nettle Creek Superintendent Emily Schaeffer said they’re thrilled to have two finalists. She called Kersey an exemplary student whose responsibility, determination and resilience set her apart.

“She approaches every endeavor with a commitment to excellence, consistently striving to do her absolute best,” Schaeffer said. “Zeda’s dedication to her family is a testament to her remarkable character and demonstrates the incredible leader she is destined to become.”

In addition, Schaeffer said Lumpkin is “a remarkable and well-rounded young woman who embodies the values of leadership, compassion, academic excellence and community service.” In addition to rigorous high school studies, Schaeffer said Lumpkin exhibits strong servant leadership qualities through consistent devotion to service within her local community and church.

“We are incredibly proud of both Zeda and Abby and look forward to following their successes after graduation,” Schaeffer said.  

Lilly Endowment Community Scholars receive a four-year, full-tuition scholarship toward a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. The scholarship also includes up to $900 annually for required textbooks and equipment.

Since the program began in 1998, 59 Wayne County students have been named Lilly Endowment Community Scholars.

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 their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company.