MADISON, Indiana – The Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Jefferson County – Lillian “Lilly” Canida of Madison Consolidated High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are recognized for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership, and are awarded a full tuition scholarship to the Indiana four-year college or university of their choice.

Jefferson County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship nominee is selected through a blind process, meaning that applicant identities are withheld from the review committee. Scoring consideration is given to strong academics, school and community involvement, character references, a timed essay, and a final interview. After narrowing the field of applicants, the nominee was submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI), the statewide administrator of the program, which approves the final selection of scholarship recipients.

Lilly plans to major in Business at Butler University and participate in the university’s Pre-Law Advising Program, hoping to pursue a career in Real Estate Law. She is the daughter of Ben and Becky Canida and the granddaughter of Bob and Charlotte Canida of Madison. Among many accomplishments, Lilly is ranked in the top of her class and is involved in the National Honor Society, Captain of both the Varsity Volleyball and Swim teams, and is President of the Madison Student Athletic Council. 

Upon learning of the award, Lilly commented, “I am honored and ecstatic to be chosen as the 2026 Jefferson County Lilly Endowment Scholar out of such a competitive group of candidates. I look forward to representing Madison and the Community Foundation at Butler University, both academically and on the swim team. I want to give a special thanks to everyone who has helped me get where I am today, including my supportive family, my dedicated teachers, my amazing friends and teammates, the Community Foundation, and most of all, God.”

Six Jefferson County students ranked in the top ten percent of their classes were selected as finalists for the 2026 scholarship. In addition to Canida, the remaining finalists were Brady Cook (Southwestern), Max Joseph (Southwestern), Braxton Lewis (Southwestern), Ellie Whitaker (Madison Consolidated), and Jamison Williams (Shawe Memorial). These five finalists will each receive a $1,500 Community Foundation Scholar Award from the Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County for their efforts and achievements.

Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides full tuition, required fees and up to $900 per year for required books and equipment for four years of full-time undergraduate study leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Scholars can also join the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects them with resources and opportunities to lead on campus and in their communities. Both the scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment Inc. to ICI.

Since its inception in 1997-98, Lilly Endowment has supported this program with tuition grants totaling more than $505 million, benefitting over 5,400 Indiana students. The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program are:

• To raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana
• To increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play
• To encourage and support Lilly Scholars’ engagement with Indiana leaders to improve the quality of life statewide

Since 1991, the Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County has worked to build a strong, vibrant community by helping donors provide perpetual funding for the people, projects, and passions of Jefferson County, Indiana.

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.

Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for the state’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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MADISON, Indiana – The Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Jefferson County – William “Bodie” Harsin of Madison Consolidated High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership, and are awarded a full tuition scholarship to the Indiana four-year college or university of their choice.

Bodie plans to major in Finance and minor in Accounting at either Indiana University – Bloomington or the University of Notre Dame. He is the son of Kyle and Amanda Harsin of Madison. Among many accomplishments, Bodie is ranked in the top of his class, and is involved in the National Honor Society, plays for the Varsity Tennis and Baseball teams, and participates on the Student Athletic Council. 

Upon learning of the award, Bodie commented, “I am overjoyed and grateful to be given the great honor to represent my community as the Jefferson County Lilly Endowment Scholar! I would like to thank God for giving me this opportunity, along with the Community Foundation, Lilly Endowment, and my friends and family who have built me up during this process.”

Five Jefferson County students ranked in the top ten percent of their classes were selected as finalists for the 2025 scholarship. In addition to Harsin, the remaining finalists were William Livingston (Madison Consolidated), Kelly McClure (Shawe Memorial), Lincoln Sheets (Madison Consolidated), and Emma Wynn (Madison Consolidated). These four finalists will each receive a $1,500 Community Foundation Scholar Award from the Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County for their efforts and achievements.

In determining Jefferson County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar nominee, consideration was given to strong academics, school and community involvement, and character by the review committee. After the field of applicants was narrowed down, the nominee was submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI), the statewide administrator of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship program, which approves the final selection of scholarship recipients.

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 equipment for four years. The scholarship is for full-time undergraduate students 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 current scholars and alumni 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 Inc. to ICI and Indiana Humanities.

Lilly Endowment Inc. created the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for the 1997-98 school year. Since then, grant funding totaling in excess of $490 million has supported more than 5,300 Indiana students who have received scholarships through the program.

The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program are: 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to 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.

Since 1991, the Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County has worked to build a strong, vibrant community by helping donors provide perpetual funding for the people, projects, and passions of Jefferson County, Indiana.

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 their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff, and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education, and religion. The Endowment funds significant programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.

Since 1997, Independent Colleges of Indiana has administered the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program statewide with funding provided by Lilly Endowment. Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for the state’s 29 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a total local economic impact of over $5 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana’s highest four-year, on-time graduation rates, and ICI institutions produce 30 percent of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20 percent of its undergraduates. 

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MADISON, Indiana – The Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Jefferson County – Brooke Hay of Madison Consolidated High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership, and are awarded a full tuition scholarship to the Indiana four-year college or university of their choice.

Brooke plans to major in Psychology but is currently undecided on a college. She is the daughter of Michelle Patton of Madison and Eric Hay of Madison. Among many accomplishments, Brooke is ranked in the top of her class. She is involved in the MCHS Bee Corps., the MCHS Theatre Arts Program through the Fine Arts Academy, is a member of the National Honor Society, attended Hoosier Girls’ State, and volunteers with the River Valley Community Church. 

Upon learning of the award, Brooke commented, “I am beyond grateful and honored to be given this incredible opportunity! Thank you to the Community Foundation, Lilly Endowment, and to my amazing group of friends and family who have always been my biggest supporters”

Six Jefferson County students ranked in the top ten percent of their classes were selected as finalists for the 2024 scholarship. In addition to Hay, the remaining finalists were Nicholas Biallas (Madison Consolidated), Zachary Gish (Shawe Memorial), Jack Heckler (Madison Consolidated), Elijah Kummer (Christian Academy of Madison), and Jamison Lewis (Southwestern). These five finalists will each receive a $1,500 Community Foundation Scholar Award from the Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County for their efforts and achievements.

In determining Jefferson County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar finalists, consideration was given to strong academics, school and community involvement, and character by the review committee. Award nominees were submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI), the statewide administrator of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship program, which approves the final selection of scholarship recipients.

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 equipment for four years. The scholarship is for undergraduate students 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 current scholars and alumni 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 Inc. to ICI and Indiana Humanities.

Lilly Endowment Inc. created the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for the 1998-99 school year and has supported the program every year since with grants totaling in excess of $505 million. More than 5,200 Indiana students have received the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship since the program’s inception.

The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program are: 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to 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.

Since 1991, the Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County has worked to build a strong, vibrant community by helping donors provide perpetual funding for the people, projects, and passions of Jefferson County, Indiana.

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 their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff, and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education, and religion. The Endowment funds significant programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion. However, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.

Since 1997, Independent Colleges of Indiana has administered the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program statewide with funding provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for the state’s 29 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a total local economic impact of over $5 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana’s highest four-year, on-time graduation rates, and ICI institutions produce 30 percent of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20 percent of its undergraduates. 

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MADISON, Indiana – The Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2023 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Jefferson County – John Mitchell Adams of Madison Consolidated High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership, and are awarded a full tuition scholarship to the Indiana four-year college or university of their choice.

Mitchell plans to major in Sports Media and Broadcasting but is currently undecided on a college. He is the son of Troy and Kristy Adams of Madison. Among many accomplishments, Mitchell is ranked at the top of his class. He is involved in band, plays the piano and organ for local churches, is a member of the National Honor Society, and attended Hoosier Boys’ State. He works at WORX/WXGO Radio and is a commentator for the World Racing Network.

Upon learning of the award, Mitchell commented, “I am so grateful to the Community Foundation, Lilly Endowment, and everyone involved in this process. This has opened up a lot of new opportunities for me that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. I could not be more honored to have been selected and to have been a part of a great group of finalists.”

Five Jefferson County students ranked in the top ten percent of their classes were slected as finalists for the 2023 scholarship. In addition to Adams, the remaining finalists were Jordan DeAtley (Southwestern), Brady Jackson (Shawe Memorial), Kaitlyn Rutledge (Madison Consolidated), and Elijah Turner (Shawe Memorial). These four finalists will each receive a $1,500 Community Foundation Scholar Award from the Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County for their efforts and achievements.

In determining Jefferson County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar finalists, consideration was given to strong academics, school and community involvement, and character by the review committee. Award nominees were submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI), the statewide administrator of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship program, which approves the final selection of scholarship recipients.

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 equipment for four years. The scholarship is for undergraduate students 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 current scholars and alumni 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 Inc. to ICI and Indiana Humanities.

Lilly Endowment Inc. created the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for the 1998-99 school year and has supported the program every year since with grants totaling in excess of $486 million. More than 5,000 Indiana students have received the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship since the program’s inception.

The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program are: 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to 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.

Since 1991, the Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County has worked to build a strong, vibrant community by helping donors provide perpetual funding for the people, projects, and passions of Jefferson County, Indiana.

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 their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff, and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education, and religion. The Endowment funds significant programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion. However, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.

Since 1997, Independent Colleges of Indiana has administered the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program statewide with funding provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for the state’s 29 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a total local economic impact of over $5 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana’s highest four-year, on-time graduation rates, and ICI institutions produce 30 percent of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20 percent of its undergraduates. 

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