RCCF Announces Five Finalists for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship

One will win a full-tuition scholarship to the Indiana college of their choice.

(Ripley County, Ind.) - Dreams of a tuition-free college education is closer than ever for five Ripley County students.

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship drew sixty-four applicants from Ripley County’s class of 2025. The field of candidates, through an anonymous process, was narrowed to five finalists: Delaney Donawerth, Roman Hite, Christian Mack, Elizabeth McKittrick, and Shanna Smith. A ten-member committee made up of representatives from each of the five public school corporations serving Ripley County, scored applicants on academic performance, citizenship, leadership, and personal attitude based on community involvement, school activities, and work experience.

"The caliber of applicants for this year's Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship was truly impressive. It's a testament to the exceptional students we have in Ripley County,” noted Ripley County Community Foundation Executive Director, Amy Streator. “These finalists have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to their education, their communities, and their personal growth." 

Ripley County’s finalists are:  

Delaney Donawerth, daughter of Chad and Brittany Donawerth, is a senior at East Central High School. During her high school career, she has participated in a wide variety of sports and clubs. Delaney was a member of FCCLA serving as VP of Public Relations, VP of Competitive Events, and Student Advisor.  She was in FFA, Student Ambassadors, and National Honor Society and participated in Cross Country, and was a Senior Leader in Softball, and was the recipient of the Newcomer Award. 

Roman Hite, son of Rodney and Amanda Hite, is a senior at Switzerland County High School.  During his high school career, he participated in FFA, was President and Vice President of Business Professionals of America, Class President, President of Spanish Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and was a member of Pep Club, Varsity Baseball, Varsity Soccer, Varsity Swimming, and Varsity Bowling. 

Christian Mack, son of Peter and Deborah Mack, is a senior at Oldenburg Academy. During his high school career, he was the Honorary Captain of the Soccer Team, was Team Leader for Track, and participated in Campus Ministry, Rube Goldberg, as well as is Class Treasurer for Student Government, Youth Group Leader, Eucharistic Minister, Altar Server, and Student Ambassador. 

Elizabeth McKittrick, daughter of Jason and Julie McKittrick, is a senior at South Ripley High School. During her high school career, she participated in Drama Club, Student Council, FFA, Swimming, Cross Country, Track, Pep Club, Band, and Social Studies Club. 

Shanna Smith, daughter of Deron and Malena Smith, is a senior at Batesville High School. During her high school career, she participated in Cross Country, Track and Field as an athlete and Manager, was the pianist in the school choir and for community concerts, Student Council, Student Leadership Club, National Honors Society, Academic Team, Drama Club, Jazz Band, and Service Project Club.  

The applications of these five finalists are sent to Independent Colleges of Indiana who will name Ripley County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipient. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipient will receive full tuition for four years to an Indiana College of the recipient’s choice, plus a $900 per yearbook stipend.  The other four finalists will each receive a $2,000 scholarship from the Ripley County Community Foundation for their freshman year, 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 $490M 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, more than 5,300 Indiana high school students have been awarded the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship.