Tippecanoe Valley High School senior Barbara Kimmel (left) is presented with the 2013 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. She is pictured with (left to right): Kirk Doehrmann, TVHS Principal; Cindy Kimmel, mother; Suzie Light, Executive Director of Kosciusko County Community Foundation; and Joe Kimmel, father.
(photo provided)

Two students have been named recipients of four-year, full-tuition scholarships as the Kosciusko County Community Foundation 2013 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars.

Barbara Kimmel and Rebecca Ailes will receive full tuition to the Indiana colleges of their choice and $900 yearly stipends for required books and equipment.

Barbara Kimmel is ranked first in her class at Tippecanoe Valley High School. She plans to attend the University of Indianapolis to study Psychology and Occupational Therapy. She has gained work experience as an assistant gymnastics coach, helping her families racing team, and by providing pet and child care.

Kimmel is a varsity cheerleader, swimmer, diver and gymnast. Additionally, she has participated in track and field, her youth group, student government and National Honor Society. She has gained volunteer experience through her gymnastics gym, church, KYLA and Key Club. Kimmel’s references described her as hard working, determined and motivated.

Warsaw Community High School senior Rebecca Ailes (pictured in striped shirt) is presented with the 2013 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. Others in photo include WCHS Principal, Troy Akers; KCCF representative, Alan Alderfer; Michele Ailes, mother; Steve Ailes, father; Rebecca, recipient; Tammy Keirn, KCCF representative; Suzie Light, KCCF representative; and Dr. Craig Hintz, Warsaw Schools Superintendent.
(photo provided)

Rebecca Ailes is ranked third in her class at Warsaw Community High School. She plans to attend Purdue University and study pre-veterinary and animal science. She works at the Animal Welfare League. Ailes’ activities include church youth group, volleyball, softball, FFA, National Honor Society, and the Tiger Student Athletic Board. Her volunteer work has included Animal Welfare League and outreach with her church youth group. Her references described her as generous, responsible and compassionate.

The Kosciusko County Community Foundation utilizes a “blind” selection process in which reviewers do not have access to the identity of the applicants they are reviewing. The award is based on academic achievement, community service, work experience, extracurricular involvement, essay responses and references. The foundation’s scholarship committee made their recommendations to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) for final 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 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 this year.

Since 1968, Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Inc. has brought caring people and charitable endeavors together for the good of the community. The Community Foundation is a public charity, and gifts made to the Foundation are tax-deductible.

For more information about the Community Foundation, visit www.kcfoundation.org, call 574-267-1901, or visit our office at 102 E. Market Street, Warsaw.