Each year, the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne has the privilege of awarding the prestigious Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship to five outstanding high school seniors in Allen County. This scholarship recognizes not only academic achievement but also leadership, community involvement, and resilience in overcoming challenges.
The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, established in 1998, has provided more than $490 million in tuition support for over 5,300 Indiana students. This incredible opportunity covers full tuition, required fees, and a $900 annual stipend for books and equipment, ensuring recipients can focus on their education at any eligible Indiana college or university.
A Community Effort
Applying for the Lilly Scholarship is no small feat. Students begin by working with their school’s guidance counselors, who guide them through the process, which includes essays, recommendations, and documentation of their achievements and goals. Application deadlines vary by school, and completed applications are submitted to the Community Foundation for review.
At the Foundation, a Scholarship Review Committee—composed of community volunteers—evaluates each applicant, carefully nominating five finalists. These nominations are then sent to the Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI), which oversees the statewide program and selects the final recipients.
A Heartfelt Celebration
The most rewarding part of the process comes in December when the Community Foundation surprises each of the five recipients at their schools. This year, Jaren Harmon and Estela Gutierrez, who manage the program, coordinated with school administrators to arrange surprise celebrations. Joined by the students’ families, peers, and faculty, these moments are filled with joy, pride, and even a few tears as the scholars learn they’ve received this life-changing scholarship.
Meet the 2025 Lilly Scholars
We are thrilled to introduce this year’s recipients:
- Prestin Salyer – Homestead High School
- Alexandra Cabrera – Wayne High School
- Ka Bya Lay – North Side High School
- Alanya Brentlinger – New Haven High School
- Hayden Couey – Leo Jr./Sr. High School
To learn more about the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship and its impact, access our full press release.