2026 Lilly Endowment Inc. Community Scholars

Carroll

Katie, daughter of Amanda and Douglas Powlen, is a Carroll Senior High School student graduating with an Academic Honors diploma.

Katie has held Vice Presidential positions with the student council, Carroll County 4H, and served as President of both Indiana Chapter and District Five FFA. She has also spent her high school career as an active member of the varsity track and cheer teams.
Katie’s commitment to community service includes several youth mentoring activities with Crossroads Community Church, Shiloh Children’s Ranch, P.A.L.S. Mentor Program, and various opportunities within her involvement in FFA.
Katie’s leadership roles with FFA have inspired a passion for agriculture, as she now plans to attend Purdue University to major in Agriculture Education.

Clinton

Brooklynn, daughter of Molly and Roman Ledergerber, is a Clinton Prairie Senior High School student graduating with an Academic Honors diploma.

Brooklynn is an active member of student council, and served as Vice President of the National Honors Society her senior year. She is also a member of the varsity volleyball team, and was an active competitor in both Battle of the Books and Academic Super Bowl throughout her high school career.
Brooklynn has volunteered as a mentor for COACH Kids of Clinton County, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Frontier Girls scouting program. She was also a dedicated member of Clinton County 4H for nearly ten years, with interests in the horse, dog, and photography clubs.
Brooklynn plans to attend Indiana University—Bloomington to major in Bio-Chemistry on a pre-med track.

Howard

Ethan, son of Kortne and Sonnie Kelser, is a Kokomo High School student graduating with an Academic Honors diploma.

Ethan has served as a member of student council, National Honor Society, and Kokomo Leadership Academy. He also contributed to sports management for two years with the Kokomo High School swim team.
Ethan has facilitated community service efforts through his involvement with the Environmental Club, recycling programs, and Grandparent Pen Pals program. His passions of environmental sustainability and animal welfare are reflected in his community service, which includes assistance to the Kokomo Animal Hospital, Kokomo Humane Society, and Ark Miniature Horse Therapy.
Ethan plans to attend Purdue University to major in Environmental Engineering.

Howard

Jacob, son of Joseph and Myra Trueblood, is a Taylor High School student graduating with an Academic Honors diploma.

Jacob has served as Class President for the Class of 2026, and is a member of the Spanish Honor Society. He has been an active member of both the soccer and baseball teams, serving as team captain for the soccer team during his senior year and member of the varsity baseball team for three years.
Jacob is also a member of the Taylor High School Marching Band as a percussionist. His commitment to community service includes sharing his musical talents with the Abundant Life Church worship team, volunteering for local veterans programs, and assisting with the Rocksteady Boxing program at the YMCA.
Jacob plans to attend Indiana University—Bloomington to major in Biology, with hopes of becoming a Heart Failure Specialist.

Celebrating Our Scholars

Scholarship History