The Clinton County Community Foundation announced the recipient of the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Clinton County as Daizy Valdez of Frankfort High School.
Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership. Chair of the Lilly Scholarship Committee at the Community Foundation Alicia Albertson commented on the importance of the scholarship and the recipients every year.
“Our Lilly Endowment Community Scholar exemplifies the very best of our community youth,” Albertson said. “Her academic achievements, demonstrated leadership skills, and commitment to community service set her apart. These scholars not only excel in the classroom but also show a genuine passion for making a positive impact in their communities. The nominating committee was particularly impressed by Daizy’s ability to balance rigorous studies with meaningful extracurricular involvement and volunteer work. We are confident that this exceptional young individual will continue to be a catalyst for positive change as she pursues her higher education goals in Indiana.”
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. The scholarship is for full-time undergraduate students leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars may also participate in the Lilly Scholars Network, which connects both current scholars and alumni with resources and opportunities to be active leaders on their campuses and in their communities. Both the scholarship program and network are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana, ICI, and Indiana Humanities.
About Daizy Valdez:
Daizy, daughter of Jaime Valdez and Guadalupe Santos Valdez, is a Frankfort High School student graduating with an Academic and Technical Honors Diploma. She serves as Class President for the class of 2025 on the Student Council and is a member of the National Honor Society. Daizy is also an Athletic Training Student Aide and competes on both the basketball and volleyball teams, having captained the basketball team last year.
Her commitment to community service includes volunteering with St. Mary’s Youth Group, Core Community Center, and TPA Park. In addition to her school activities, Daizy works for D&Z Lawncare Services. Daizy plans to attend Indiana University – Bloomington to major in Sports Medicine.
In determining Clinton County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar(s) nominees, consideration was given to academic achievement; activities in and out of school; essay; financial need; potential for success; and an interview by the Clinton County Community Foundation Scholarship Committee. After the field of applicants was narrowed down, nominees were submitted to ICI, the statewide administrator of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program, which approves the final selection of scholarship recipients.
“It’s a pleasure for us to engage with the talented students of Clinton County as they pursue their higher education goals.” President of the Clinton County Community Foundation Todd Moser said. “The thorough application process provides us with a unique window into the exceptional qualities of Clinton County’s graduating class of 2025. All of us at the Community Foundation extend our warmest congratulations to Daizy.”
– Photo courtesy of the Community Foundation