One Scott County student has been named recipient of a full-tuition, four-year scholarship as the Scott County Community Foundation 2017 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar.

HSTW Senior, Katlyn Hunger will receive full tuition to the Indiana college of her choice and a $900 yearly stipend for required books and equipment. She joins 35 other Lilly Scholar recipients from Scott County since 1998.

Katie is the daughter of James and Jennifer Hunger of Scottsburg. She is a member of Sunshine Society, Student Council, and plays volleyball. She attends Lexington Presbyterian Church and serves as an assistant teacher at Diamond Dance Center. She is also employed part time at Ponderosa Steakhouse.

Katie is unsure where she will attend college, but plans to major in English.

“My parents have worked very hard to provide me with anything and everything I’ve ever needed, and I have worked very hard at school and in all of my activities in hopes that one day I could repay them,” said Katie. “Winning this scholarship makes me feel like all of their sacrifice and my hard work has been worth it. I am so thankful to God for this blessing, and to the Foundation for thinking I am a worthy recipient. Receiving the Lilly is truly an honor.”

“Katie is an excellent student, person, and member of our community,” said Josh Stigdon, scholarship committee chairman. “The Board is excited to see what the future holds for her and wishes her much success at college and beyond.”

Students were judged based on financial consideration, community involvement, extra-curricular activities, work activities, academics and two essays. Nine students advanced to the interview portion. After the scholarship committee narrowed the field to one nominee and two alternates, the finalists’ names were submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana Inc. (ICI) for the selection of the Scott County recipient.

ICI is a nonprofit corporation that represents 31 regionally accredited degree granting, nonprofit, private colleges and universities in the state.

The scholarships are the result of a statewide Lilly Endowment initiative to help Hoosier students reach higher levels of education. Indiana ranks among the lowest states in the percentage of residents over the age of 25 with a bachelor’s degree. There were 142 scholarships awarded statewide.