CARROLL COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES LILLY ENDOWMENT SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

March 28, 2011 -- One Carroll County student has been named a recipient of a four-year, full-tuition scholarship as the Carroll County Community Foundation 2011 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar.

Ashley Gray, daughter of Patricia Gray and Thomas Gray, will receive full tuition to the Indiana college of her choice and up to $800 per year for required books and equipment.

Ashley, a Delphi Community High School student, is a member of the National Honor Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions (S.A.D.D.) Club, Key Club and Spanish Club. She is on the softball team and volleyball team. In addition, she has received the Bob Blades Sportsmanship Award and Spanish Award. Ashley plans to become a physician’s assistant and she is undecided on her choice of college.

In a letter of recommendation, Brian Tonsoni, Delphi Community Schools, noted that Ashley is a compassionate and dedicated student. "Ashley often is seen demonstrating concern for her classmates in time of need and will share her notes with fellow students. She understands the importance of knowledge and works hard to achieve it through each class."

This is the 14th year that the Lilly Endowment has funded the Community Scholars program. The Carroll County Community Foundation defined the criteria based on the endowment's goal to "raise the educational attainment in Indiana." The selection criteria identified by the Foundation included academic achievement; school, community and work activities; potential for success; and financial need. A committee of volunteers evaluated the applications and selected the four finalists who were interviewed by the Carroll County Community Foundation board. There were 22 Carroll County students who applied for the scholarship.

The finalists' names were submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) for the selection of recipients. ICI is a nonprofit corporation that represents 31 regionally accredited degree granting, nonprofit, private colleges and universities in the state.

The Foundation recognized the achievements of the three finalists with $1,000 scholarships. They include Erika Matricia, from Delphi Community High School, daughter of Gary and Kayuri Matricia; Shelby Spray from Carroll High School, daughter of Don and Margie Spray; and Trexie Wolfs from Rossville High School, daughter of Nell Purdy and stepdaughter of Michael Purdy.

"These students exemplify the high standards that Lilly Endowment hopes to achieve through its community scholarship program," said Paul Manning, chairman of the Carroll County Community Foundation. "This program looks to the future of Indiana and helps promote the value of higher education in our state. In addition, it highlights the vital role foundations play in Indiana counties."

There were 142 scholarships awarded statewide. For the 2011 recipient group, the average cost per scholar is estimated at $106,000 for four years.

The Carroll County Community Foundation was established in 1997 as a not-for-profit charitable organization governed by a volunteer board of local citizens. Its purpose is to serve the interests of donors, to make grants and to act as a catalyst around issues of community importance in Carroll County. For details about making a charitable gift or establishing a permanent endowment fund to benefit a charitable organization or interest in Carroll County, contact the Carroll County Community Foundation.