Scott County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, Blake Lortie of Austin High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character and leadership. He joins 44 other Lilly Scholar recipients from Scott County since 1998.
Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides for full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment for four years of undergraduate study on a full-time basis leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Scholars may also join the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects them with resources and opportunities to lead on campus and in their communities. Both the scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI).
Blake is the son of Brian and Ashley Lortie of Austin. He played soccer, serves on Academic Bowl teams, is a member of Kindness Krew, the Art Club, participates in Jobs for America’s Graduates, is active in his church’s youth group. He also owns his resale business. He is undecided on where he plans to attend college, but will major in communications and marketing.
“Opening the door to the surprise of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship revealed countless new possibilities for me,” said Blake. “I am truly honored to be selected as the Scott County recipient and deeply grateful for the support of the Scholarship Committee and the members of the Community Foundation. This opportunity not only eases the financial stress of college but also motivates me to strive for excellence in my academic and personal goals. I am so excited to begin my college journey and eager to grow as a student and leader. I look forward to using this opportunity to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of those around me.”
“Selecting this year’s recipient was incredibly difficult because every candidate was truly exceptional,” said Tinisha Bowles-Densford, chair of the Scott County Community Foundation Scholarship Committee. “Each student brought something special to the table through their academics, service, and leadership. Blake’s passion for his community, strong work ethic, and entrepreneurial drive was evident throughout the process, and he represents the very best of what the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship celebrates. We are so proud of all our applicants and excited to see the positive impact they will have in the future. Congratulations, Blake!”
Students were judged based on community involvement, extra-curricular activities, work activities, academics, financial considerations, honors and awards, letters of recommendation and three essays. Seven students advanced to the interview portion as finalists. After the scholarship committee narrowed the field, nominees were submitted to ICI for the selection of the Scott County recipient. ICI is the statewide administrator of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program, which approves the final selection of scholarship recipients.
Since awarding its first community grants totaling $50,000 in 1997, the Scott County Community Foundation has been Scott County’s partner for positive change. Scholarships and grants totaling more than $6.8 million have made it possible for local students to attend college and for the diverse needs of our neighbors to be served. In addition, almost $14 million has been funneled to Scott County through the Community Foundation through the generosity of Lilly Endowment Inc.
Since its inception in 1997–98, Lilly Endowment has supported this program with tuition grants totaling more than $505 million, benefiting over 5,400 Indiana students. The program’s primary purposes are to raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations play; and to encourage and support Lilly Scholars’ engagement with Indiana leaders to improve quality of life statewide.
Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for Indiana’s 29 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a local economic impact of over $5 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana’s highest four-year graduation rates and produce 30 percent of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20 percent of its undergraduates.
