Vermillion County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Vermillion County: Aidan Lacey of South Vermillion High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are recognized for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership.
Aidan demonstrates an outstanding academic record along with strong leadership skills and active involvement in both school and community activities, as reflected in his application. His personal essay clearly and thoughtfully articulated his career aspirations, showcasing his intelligence, determination, strong work ethic, and positive, enthusiastic demeanor. Aidan plans to pursue a career in mechanical engineering with an emphasis on sustainable farming, while also earning a degree in aviation management.
Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides for full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment for four years of undergraduate study on a full-time basis leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars may also participate in the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects scholars with resources and opportunities to be active leaders on their campuses and in their communities. Both the scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI).
“I am incredibly grateful to be selected as the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipient. It means a lot to be recognized by the community, and I’m very honored to be in this position. The scholarship opens the door to opportunities that would never have been possible without substantial financial aid. I look forward to seeing what I can accomplish with the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship,” said Aidan Lacey, Lilly Endowment Community Scholar.
In selecting Vermillion County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar, the Nominating Committee conducts a thorough and thoughtful review process that considers academic achievement, school involvement, work experience, volunteer service, letters of recommendation, personal essays, statements of financial need, and interviews. This year, fifteen Vermillion County students applied for the scholarship. Each high school’s selection committee advanced up to six applications to the Vermillion County Community Foundation, resulting in twelve applications being forwarded to the Nominating Committee. Members independently review and score each application based on established criteria, after which six finalists are invited to participate in interviews. Following the interview process, final scores are compiled, and the three highest-scoring applications are submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI), the statewide administrator of the program, for final selection.
“The high-caliber applicants from North Vermillion and South Vermillion high schools are impressive every year,” said Nancy Reed, Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Coordinator for the Vermillion County Community Foundation. “These students are mature, goal-oriented, highly involved in their schools and communities, and strongly recommended by their counselors, teachers, and peers. The interview process highlights their character, personality, and the experiences that have shaped their career goals. The Nominating Committee approaches this responsibility with great care, fully aware of the significant and lasting impact this scholarship can have on a student’s educational journey.”
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.
Vermillion County Community Foundation is a not-for-profit public charity established in 1996 to serve donors, award grants and scholarships, and provide leadership to improve all of Vermillion County, Indiana.
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.
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Vermillion County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Western Indiana Community Foundation, is a not-for-profit public charity established in 1996 to serve donors, award grants and scholarships, and provide leadership to improve all of Vermillion County.
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