LaGrange County Foundation Announces Lilly Scholarship Finalists – InkFreeNews.com
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Pictured from left are Lydia Jacobson, Myra Miller, Bentley Ryall, Briana Kaufman and Audrianna Martin who were recently selected as finalists for the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. The group participated in a Scholarship Success Workshop at the LaGrange County Community Foundation on Oct. 14 as part of the next phase of the selection process. Photo provided by LaGrange County Community Foundation.
LAGRANGE – Five LaGrange County high school seniors have been selected as finalists for the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. The award provides full tuition and a $900 annual book stipend for four years at any Indiana college or university.
The 2026 finalists are Lydia Jacobson of Lakeland High School; and Briana Kaufman, Audrianna Martin, Myra Miller, and Bentley Ryall, all of Westview High School.
This year, the foundation received 23 competitive applications from students representing all three LaGrange County high schools. The scholarship honors students who excel academically and demonstrate leadership and community engagement. Applications were evaluated on academic performance, involvement in school and community activities, extracurricular participation, work experience, honors and awards, personal statements, essays and letters of recommendation.
All finalists participated in a scholarship workshop at the Community Foundation on Oct. 14, led by scholarship manager Beth Retterbush. The session included interview preparation and an impromptu essay exercise.
Finalists will return later this month for interviews and to present their personal digital portfolios to the Lilly Scholarship advisory committee. These scores, combined with their application evaluations, will determine the nominee and two alternates recommended to Independent Colleges of Indiana, which will select the final recipient. The winner will be announced in December.
In addition to the full-tuition award, LaGrange County finalists not selected as the Lilly Scholar will receive the Lambright Leadership Scholarship, a $4,000 award established in 2013 by Kevin and Carrie Lambright.
Audrianna Martin intends to major in animal science and minor in biochemistry. Briana Kaufman plans to study applied medicine. Lydia Jacobson plans to pursue a degree in architecture. Bentley Ryall is interested in biomedical engineering or computer science. Myra Miller plans to study psychology or social work.
“All five finalists have shown exemplary dedication to excellence in both school and their community. We are honored to administer this scholarship for the 29th year. They are wonderful representatives for LaGrange County,” said Retterbush.
The scholarships are the result of a statewide Lilly Endowment initiative to: 1. help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2. increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3. encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.
There are 147 scholarships awarded statewide; the number awarded in each county is based on population. LaGrange County is eligible to nominate one student for the award.
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