RCCF Announces 2027 Lilly Scholarship Finalists

The five finalists are competing for a full-tuition scholarship

Photo provided.

(Ripley County, Ind.) - The prestigious Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship drew 27 applicants from Ripley County’s Class of 2027.

The field of candidates, through an anonymous process, was narrowed to five finalists: Avery Austin, Viktor Aylor, Grace Gutzwiller, Braydin Hughes, and Gracelyn Wise.

A committee, made up of representatives from five public school corporations serving Ripley County, scored applicants on academic performance, citizenship, leadership, and personal attitude based on their community involvement, school activities, and work experience.

“The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship is an extraordinary opportunity for students in Ripley County, and we are honored to play a role in the selection process,” stated Brady Westerfeld, Grants and Scholarships Manager at the Ripley County Community Foundation. “One of the most rewarding parts of managing scholarships is recognizing the hard work students have already put into their education while opening the door to future academic possibilities.”

Meet Ripley County’s Lilly Endowment Scholarship Finalists

Avery Austin, daughter of Trent and Carla Austin, is a senior at Oldenburg Academy. Throughout her high school career, she has been actively involved in National Honor Society, Student Council, swimming, and soccer, while also volunteering with Mayor’s Youth Council and Ripley Youth Outreach. Avery’s wide-ranging interests and eagerness to embrace new experiences have led her to continually challenge herself, including joining the golf team and trying out for the school play during her senior year. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time outdoors and visiting state and national parks, while also pursuing her appreciation for the arts through interests ranging from painting to origami. Avery plans to pursue a degree in architectural design.

Viktor Aylor, son of Mitch and Gerlinde Aylor, is a senior at Batesville High School, where he participates in Academic Team, Robotics, and Archery. Viktor’s curiosity extends well beyond the classroom. An avid learner and engineer at heart, he enjoys discovering how things work and developing new skills. His interest in automotive mechanics led him to a part-time job at a local automotive garage, while his interest in technology has also inspired him to explore the field of IT. Viktor also appreciates the outdoors and has given back to his community through volunteer service at Versailles State Park. Building on his curiosity, technical interests, and passion for problem-solving, Viktor plans to pursue a degree in a STEM field.

Grace Gutzwiller, daughter of Tony and Amy Gutzwiller, is a senior at Batesville High School, where she has participated in Student Council, tennis, and soccer. Outside of school, Grace enjoys cooking and especially values the opportunity it creates to bring family and friends together around a meal. She also finds joy in caring for children and spending time with those who are important to her. Looking toward the future, Grace plans to pursue a degree in political science with the goal of attending law school.

Braydin Hughes, son of Jeremy and April Hughes, is a senior at Batesville High School. His extracurricular involvement includes basketball, Kiwanis Student Leadership Academy, and National Honor Society, all while balancing a part-time job. Outside of school and work, Braydin has a deep love and appreciation for animals and enjoys caring for his many pets. Looking toward the future, he plans to pursue a degree in medicine, with an interest in specializing in either anesthesiology or surgery.

Gracelyn Wise, daughter of John and Jenni Wise, is a senior at South Ripley. She has been involved in Art and Drama Clubs and has volunteered with the Ripley County Humane Society. Creative and compassionate, Gracelyn enjoys drawing, writing poetry, spending time outdoors, and caring for animals. Her deep appreciation for animals, strengthened through her volunteer experiences, has inspired her to pursue a degree in veterinary science.

Next Steps

Finalist scores have been submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana, which will determine the scholarship recipient. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides full tuition for four years to an Indiana College of the recipient’s choice, plus a $900 per yearbook stipend. The remaining four finalists will each receive a $2,000 scholarship from the Ripley County Community Foundation for their freshman year, followed by the Grateful Family Scholarship in their sophomore year, and the Jane Deiwert Scholarship in their junior year.

Since the 1997-98 school year, Lilly Endowment Inc. has provided over $486M in grant support for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program. Administered statewide by Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. with local support from Indiana community foundations, nearly 5,300 Indiana high school graduates have been awarded the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship.