The Rush County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Rush County: Lilly Loveall of Knightstown Community High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are recognized for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership.

The expected valedictorian of her graduating class, Loveall has served as class president for three years and as an officer in National Honor Society. She created KHS’s Volunteering Club to provide students opportunities to become more involved in their community and has an exhaustive list of extra-curricular and community activities, in addition to part-time employment. She resides in Washington Township and is the daughter of Angela Smith.

“Lilly Loveall stands out as a remarkable young lady who has accomplished so much in her young life and will represent Rush County well as this year’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipient,” said Rush County Community Foundation (RCCF) executive director Chris May.

Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides full tuition, required fees, and up to $900 per year for required books and equipment for four years of full-time undergraduate study leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Scholars also join the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects them with resources and opportunities to lead on campus and in their communities. Both the scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI).

“It is hard to fathom the weight of the generosity behind receiving the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship,” Loveall said upon notification of her award. “It gives not only financial, but also emotional relief. For both, I could never express with words the full extent of my gratitude.”

In nominating Rush County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar(s), the committee considered academic achievement, exhibited character and community involvement, demonstrated leadership and financial need. After narrowing the field of applicants, nominees were submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI), the statewide administrator of the program, for final selection.

“This was a thorough and highly competitive process,” notes RCCF executive director Chris May. “Beyond this year’s recipient, there are numerous young people in Rush County who are incredibly accomplished with bright futures ahead of them – congratulations to all who were in the running for this year’s scholarship award.”

Since its inception in 1997–98, Lilly Endowment has supported this program with tuition grants totaling more than $505 million, benefiting over 5,400 Indiana students. The program’s primary purposes are:

• To raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana.
• To increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations play.
• To encourage and support Lilly Scholars’ engagement with Indiana leaders to improve quality of life statewide.

Loveall is the 45th Rush County resident to receive the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship award, representing well over $3 million in educational opportunities funded through the program.

About Rush County Community Foundation:
Established in 1991, the Rush County Community Foundation cultivates resources to enhance life in Rush County. With nearly $37 million in assets, 2025 has been a record year for RCCF, reaching all-time highs in assets and in grantmaking – supporting Rush County with over $1.35 million in payouts, including over $250,000 in scholarships.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.:
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in Eli Lilly and Company. The Endowment supports community development, education, and religion, with a special commitment to Indianapolis and Indiana.

About Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI):
Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for Indiana’s 29 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a local economic impact of over $5 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana’s highest four-year graduation rates and produce 30% of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20% of its undergraduates.