For Immediate Release
More Information: Jenny Schebler, 812.662.6364 or jschebler@dccfound.org
The Decatur County Community Foundation is pleased to announce Madison Gould of Greensburg Community High School as the recipient of the 2025/26 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Decatur County.
Madison is the daughter of Greg and Danielle Gould of Greensburg.
As the recipient of Decatur County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, Gould receives four years of full-tuition to the college of her choice. Required fees and up to $900 per year for required books and equipment is included. The scholarship is for a full-time undergraduate student working toward a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university.
In determining DecaturCounty’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar nominees, consideration was given to the 60 applicants’ community involvement, school activities, work experience and grades. A controlled essay was also conducted and scored by judges outside of the community. Points were then averaged, and the top five students moved on to the finalist round to give an oral presentation on a topic of their choice and answer a series of interview questions.
In addition to Gould, semi-finalists included Rori Phelps from South Decatur High School; and Mya Comer, Chloe Dick, and Brenley Jameson from Greensburg Community High School. These semi-finalists will receive a $5,000 DCCF Community Scholarship. This year, additional funding for the DCCF Community Scholarships is being contributed by Lynda Smith in memory of her late husband, William O. (Bill) Smith. Bill was an integral part in establishing the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship programming in Decatur County.
Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership. All five finalists are ideal role models, according to DCCF Scholarships Manager Jenny Schebler.
“These young ladies managed through a rigorous selection process because of their excellent character, values and leadership skills,” said Schebler. “We are very proud of them all.”
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.
About the Decatur County Community Foundation:
The Decatur County Community Foundation helps people who care about a cause establish a way to support their charity forever. Community grants, scholarships and partnerships are at the core of what the Foundation does.
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 impact of over $5 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana’s highest four-year graduation rates and produce 30% of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20% of its undergraduates.
