Heritage Fund names local 2026 Lilly Scholarship recipients

COLUMBUS, Ind. – Heritage Fund – The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County has announced Columbus Signature Academy – New Tech High School seniors Zoey Jernigan and Kevin Wittekind as the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars for Bartholomew County.

Lilly Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership.

“This scholarship opens doors to opportunities for local students. We’re confident Zoey and Kevin will accomplish remarkable things through their continued education,” said Aida Ramirez, chair of Heritage Fund’s Lilly Scholarship Selection Committee.

Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships provide full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and equipment. The four-year scholarship is for undergraduate students studying on a full-time basis, leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university.

Heritage Fund received 59 applications for this year’s scholarships, from which 10 finalists were selected. The other eight finalists were:

• From Columbus East High School: Jasmin Cordoba, Abigail Dabson, and Ruthie West
• From Columbus North High School: Angelica Armstrong, Caleb Ferguson, Ava Laplante, and Alfredo Madero
• From Hauser Jr-Sr High School: Kaysie Kistler

Since Lilly Endowment created the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for the 1998-99 school year, grants totaling over $486 million have been distributed.

More than 5,000 Indiana students have received the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship since its inception. To date, 59 Bartholomew County students have been named Lilly Endowment Community Scholars.