The Decatur County Community Foundation has announced the five finalists for Decatur
County’s 2026/27 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship.
Finalists include Macy Kinker from North Decatur Jr./Sr. High School; Michael Nobbe from
South Decatur Jr./Sr. High School; and Kiera Kennelly, Kirkley Lowe and Alaina Schwering from
Greensburg Community High School.
Decatur County’s process began in August with 65 students completing an online application.
The online app was reviewed by a six-member committee made up of representatives from
various community organizations. Applicants were scored on community involvement, school
activities, and work experience. Students were also evaluated on academics.
Round two included a controlled essay. A second set of three volunteers from outside the
county scored the controlled essays.
Points from these two rounds were averaged, and the top five students moved on to the finalist
round which was recently completed. During this step, each finalist prepared an oral
presentation on a topic of their choice. Students also answered a series of impromptu interview
questions. The presentations and interviews were scored by a third set of nine judges.
All applicants remained anonymous throughout each stage of the process.
Scores from all three rounds of evaluations are now sent to the Independent Colleges of Indiana
to formally determine a winner. The top student will be named Decatur County’s Lilly
Endowment Scholarship recipient and will receive full tuition to the Indiana school of choice,
along with a $900 book stipend. The four remaining semi-finalists receive a $10,000 Decatur
County Community Foundation/William O. Smith Memorial Scholarship.
Decatur County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipient should be announced in
December.
About Independent Colleges of Indiana
Since 1997, Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) has administered the Lilly Endowment
Community Scholarship Program statewide with funding provided by Lilly Endowment Inc.
Founded in 1948, ICI is the collective voice for Indiana’s private, nonprofit colleges and
universities. ICI advances excellence and choice in higher education through advocacy,
research, collaborative services, and the administration of scholarships and grants. ICI member
institutions employ more than 22,000 Hoosiers and generate approximately $5.5 billion in
economic impact statewide. Students at ICI colleges achieve Indiana’s highest four-year, on-
time graduation rates, reflecting the important role independent higher education plays in
developing talent, strengthening communities, and contributing to Indiana’s economy.
