By: Kallie Sulanke, Community Engagement Officer—
Muncie, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc., has selected the recipients of the 2018 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, an award that grants full tuition to any accredited public or private non-profit college or university in Indiana. The Lilly Scholarship also covers fees and provides an annual stipend for required books and equipment.
The recipients of the 2018 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship are Madison Smalstig from Yorktown High School and Kelby Stallings from Muncie Central High School. They were chosen out of an applicant pool of 102 impressive candidates from high schools across Delaware County.
“The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships in Indiana, and Madison and Kelby are very deserving of this award,” said Kelly Shrock, President of The Community Foundation. “These young women have achieved this recognition through their involvement, achievement, and academic ability. Being named a Lilly Scholar is an honor these students will carry with them for the rest of their lives.”
Madison Smalstig, a senior at Yorktown High School, plans to study journalism. She is the daughter of Scott and Tara Smalstig. Madison is ranked second in her class. Madison has been active in student government and National Honor Society. She is a member of the yearbook staff and has served as editor for the last two years. She has held several leadership positions within her school, and has been active as a community volunteer. Madison has been a cheerleader for four years. She serves as team captain this year.
Kelby Stallings, a senior at Muncie Central High School, plans to study engineering or landscape architecture. She is the daughter of Daniel and Lynne Stallings. Kelby is ranked first in her class. Kelby serves as president of National Honor Society and has participated in a variety of academic and leadership activities. She has played the oboe as a member of the Muncie Central High School Wind Ensemble and has been a part of the Spirit of Muncie Band and Guard, where she has played her instrument and been a member of the color guard. She has also acted in a Muncie Civic Theater production. She is an active community volunteer. Kelby is a four-year member of the basketball and tennis teams, and she serves as captain of the basketball team.
In selecting Delaware County Lilly Endowment Community Scholars, consideration is given to student activities and achievements, community and civic service, academic ability and potential for leadership. After the field of school nominees was narrowed to two, the finalists’ names were submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. (ICI) for the selection of the recipients.
ICI is a nonprofit corporation that represents 31 regionally accredited degree granting, nonprofit, private colleges and universities in the state. The scholarships are a result of a statewide Lilly Endowment initiative to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 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 the program began in the late 90s, Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships totaling $372M have been awarded to 4,340 students across Indiana.
