Foundation Announces 2017 Lilly Community Scholar

The Parke County Community Foundation has announced the results of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholar Award selection process. Rockville High School senior Jayci Wicker has been awarded a four-year full tuition scholarship to any accredited Indiana college or university.

Jayci is the daughter of Mary Wicker and the late Ned Wicker of Rockville. She plans to attend Indiana Wesleyan University to pursue a degree in Music Therapy. Jayci is a member of the volleyball team, National Honor Society, Student Council, Interact Club, FCA and the Rockville Christian Church. She is currently ranked 9th in her class with a 3.884 GPA.

“I am blessed and beyond words to have received the 2017 Lilly Endowment Scholarship,” states Wicker of award. “Through the many emotions, hugs, and smiles, I will never forget the morning of December 8, 2016, when I was awarded the Lilly Endowment Scholarship. Receiving this award is not only a blessing for me and for my future, but also for my family. I would not be the person I am today without my mother and sisters right by my side, encouraging me and celebrating my achievements. The Lilly Endowment Scholarship has given me the opportunity to select the university that fits me personally and academically. I will be attending Indiana Wesleyan University in the fall of 2017 with a major in Music Therapy. I am very grateful and honored to represent the Lilly Endowment Scholars, Parke County Community Foundation, and Rockville High School.”

In addition to tuition, the Lilly Community Scholarship includes an annual stipend of $900 to cover the cost of required books, equipment and fees. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholar was selected from numerous applications submitted. The Foundation utilizes a scholarship selection sub-committee comprised of individuals not associated in any other capacity with the Foundation. Finalists for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship are then forwarded to Independent Colleges of Indiana for final selection.

Independent Colleges of Indiana is a non-profit corporation that represents 31 regionally accredited degree-granting, non-profit, private colleges and universities in the state. ICI performs this final selection at the request of Lilly Endowment in support of their initiative to help Hoosier students reach higher levels of education. Indiana ranks among the lowest states in the percentage of residents over the age of 25 with a bachelor’s degree. There were 142 scholarships awarded statewide. Several dozen other seniors, and over 100 other current college students from Parke County, will share more than $200,000 in additional awards from the Parke County Community Foundation.