Lillian Burks Awarded Harrison County's 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship
Corydon, Ind. (August 28, 2026) – Every year, Lilly Endowment Inc. awards one Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship to a Harrison County graduating high school student through the Harrison County Community Foundation (HCCF). For the Class of 2026, the scholarship was originally awarded to Lincoln Greene, a graduate of Corydon Central High School. While Lincoln intended to use the scholarship, his plans changed when he decided to serve his country. He is now pursuing his education at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
With Lincoln’s changed plans, Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI), the organization that administers the statewide Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP), awarded Harrison County’s 2026 LECSP scholarship to a new recipient: Lillian Burks, a recent graduate of North Harrison High School.
When Kim Carter, HCCF Scholarship Manager, called Lillian to share the news, she was packing for her freshman year at Indiana University Bloomington.
“Speechless and blessed,” was how Lillian described the moment she learned she had been selected. “Receiving the Lilly Scholarship is truly a life-changing opportunity for my family and me. I am incredibly honored to be the recipient of this scholarship. As I begin the next chapter of my life, this scholarship will allow me to pursue my career dreams without the stress of having to pay for college.”
Burks is now a first-year student at Indiana University Bloomington, where she is studying exercise science and one day hopes to serve others as a physical therapist. Through the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, Lillian will receive full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and equipment for four years of full-time undergraduate study. Each Lilly Scholar also joins the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects scholars with resources and opportunities to lead on their campuses and in their communities.
“I am sure it has been a memorable month for Lillian. She is incredibly deserving, and I know she will make not only her family proud, but all of Harrison County as well,” said Carter. “Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are recognized and awarded for their community involvement, academic achievements, character, and leadership, and Lillian exemplifies these qualities. I am excited to see what she accomplishes at Indiana University and how she will use this opportunity to make a difference.”
With the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship now awarded, HCCF, ICI, and Lilly Endowment Inc. look ahead to 2027. The 2027 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship application is currently available. Students can learn more about the scholarship and apply by visiting hccfindiana.org/hccf-scholarship-applications. Applications must be completed and submitted before 4 pm EST on Wednesday, September 30, to be considered.
Questions may be directed to Kim Carter, Scholarship Manager, at kimc@hccfindiana.org or (812) 738-6668.