Two outstanding La Porte County students have been named recipients of full tuition, four-year scholarships as Unity Foundation of La Porte County 2018 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars.
Jorden Clemons and Bailey Scott will receive tuition to an accredited public or private Indiana college or university of their choice, and an annual $900 stipend for required books and equipment.
Jorden Clemens will graduate with an academic honors diploma from South Central High School, having taken several advanced placement and dual credit courses. Jorden has demonstrated leadership and initiative through becoming an Eagle Scout and earning the honor of being in the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s National Honor Society, due to his volunteer service work. He is a math and English mentor tutor and he actively participates in National Honor Society, Quiz Bowl, Robotics Club, German Club, and FFA. Jorden also serves his community through church activities and is a nine year member of 4H. In addition to maintaining his academics and high level of community involvement, Jorden works as a stocker at a retail store. He looks forward to pursuing a career as an agricultural scientist.
Bailey Scott is at the top of her class at La Porte High School and will graduate with an academic honors diploma, including having taken several dual credit and advanced placement level courses. Bailey has a great interest in political and social events as evidenced by her participation in the Mayor’s Youth Council. She is an active member of National Honor Society, Girls Reserves, and Student Council; she also volunteers in a variety of programs, many with a focus on serving women and children. Bailey works at a local restaurant year round and, seasonally, at a Camp where part of her duties involve leading activities for youth. She plans to pursue a career in International Relations and also hopes to volunteer in the Peace Corps.
Unity Foundation received 80 applications for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship from students throughout the county. Applicants were judged on their academic achievement, service to others, extracurricular activities and, to a lesser extent, financial need.
A committee comprised of La Porte County residents reviewed the applications, not knowing the applicants’ names until after the finalists were selected. The 9 finalists were then interviewed, and nominees were submitted to the Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. for the final selection.
Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) is a nonprofit corporation that represents 30 regionally accredited degree granting, nonprofit, private colleges and universities in the state. 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 1992, Unity Foundation of La Porte County has served donors, nonprofits and local communities. As La Porte County’s community foundation, it manages approximately $31 million in assets, administers more than 325 charitable funds, and has distributed approximately $16 million through direct grants and scholarships. The Council on Foundations has deemed Unity Foundation in compliance with all Indiana and national ethical and operating standards for community foundations.
Unity Foundation’s mission is to strengthen La Porte County now and forever by: building permanent endowments; providing leadership; offering philanthropic vehicles for everyone; and, being a catalyst for social and economic vitality. For more information, please visit www.uflc.net or call 219-879-0327.