(Decatur County, IN) – The Decatur County Community Foundation has announced the five finalists for Decatur County’s 2027 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship.
They are 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 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 in the hands of Independent Colleges of Indiana to formally determine a winner.
The recipient will receive full tuition to the Indiana school of their choice along with a $900 book stipend.
The four remaining finalists receive a $10,000 Decatur County Community Foundation/William O. Smith Memorial Scholarship.
Decatur County’s Lilly Scholarship recipient will be announced in December.
