SCCF Announces 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar Finalists
Angola, IN- Six 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar finalists have been selected by the Steuben County Community Foundation (SCCF). After reviewing twenty-three highly competitive applications from the schools serving Steuben County, the committee named six finalists to continue with the three-step selection process. The 2026 Steuben County Lilly Endowment Community Scholar will receive a full tuition scholarship and a $900 annual book stipend to attend an Indiana college or university.
From back left: Lela Wolf, Nadia Cline, Daniela Carmona. From front left: Daniel Koch, Gabriella Concus, Charles Senecal.
Lela Wolf, Nadia Cline, Daniela Carmona, Daniel Koch, Gabriella Concus, and Charles Senecal met on October 6th for phase two of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship application process, which included an interview success workshop and an impromptu essay. The final step for these young community leaders consists of an interview with the selection committee and a presentation of their personal portfolio.
Fremont High School senior, Lela Wolf intends to study Biological Engineering and Biochemistry. Angola High School senior Nadia Cline plans to study Mild and Intense Education with a minor in Psychology. Angola High School senior Daniela Carmona plans to study Speech Language Pathology. Angola High School senior, Daniel Koch plans to study Cybersecurity. Fremont High School senior Gabriella Concus plans to major in Education and minor in Pre-law. Fremont High School senior Charles Senecal plans to study Business and Pre-Medicine Track.
“All six finalists showed exemplary dedication to excellence both in school and in their community. We are honored to have the opportunity to administer this scholarship for the 29th year of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program.”
The Steuben County Lilly Scholar recipient will be selected by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI), the state-wide administrator of the program, and announced in mid-December. SCCF awards a $2,500 Circle of Friends scholarship to the other five finalists.
The scholarships are the result of a statewide Lilly Endowment initiative to:
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.
There are 147 scholarships awarded statewide; the number awarded in each county is based on population. Steuben County is eligible to nominate one student for this award.