Ripley County, IN — The prestigious Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship drew sixty applicants from Ripley County seniors in the class of 2023. The Ripley County Community Foundation review committee narrowed the field to five finalists, representing three area high schools.
“We are very pleased with the candidates we met for this year’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. The students we interviewed displayed passion and potential,” said Ripley County Community Foundation Executive Director Amy Streator. “It is exciting and encouraging to see such promising youth in our community.”
The five Ripley County finalists include:
Ariel Haessig, a senior at Milan High School, and daughter of Robert and Rebecca Haessig. Ariel has been a member of the swim team, volleyball team, and Ripley Youth Outreach during high school. She hopes to attend Butler University after graduation.
Thomas Hartman, son of Randall and Robin Hartman, is a senior at Batesville High School. During his high school career, he has participated in soccer, track and field, and student council. Thomas hopes to attend Notre Dame after high school.
Luke Jackson is a senior at East Central High School and the son of Andrew and Renee Jackson. During high school, Luke has been a member of the swim team, student council, and the AV Club. He hopes to attend Indiana University.
Madison Rahschulte, daughter of Scott and Rebecca Rahschulte, is a senior at Batesville High School. Madison has been involved in student council, track and field, and was the manager of the girl’s varsity basketball team. Madison hopes to attend Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College after high school.
Mason Schutte, son of Scott and Jennifer Schutte, is a senior at East Central High School. During high school, Mason participated in 4-H, track and field, and student council. He hopes to attend Indiana University after graduation.
The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipient will receive full tuition for four years to an Indiana College of the recipient’s choice, plus a $900 per year book stipend. The other four finalists will each receive a $2,000 scholarship from the Ripley County Community Foundation for their freshman year, the Grateful Family Scholarship in their sophomore year, and the Jane Deiwert Scholarship in their junior year.
The final selection will be announced before Christmas break after the Independent Colleges of Indiana’s Selection Committee notifies the Ripley County Community Foundation of the recipient.
(Ripley County Community Foundation press release)
