Emma Hornbecker, Lebanon High School senior, was named as one of the recipients of the 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship from the Community Foundation of Boone County.
According to the Foundation, Hornbecker was selected for her outstanding community involvement, leadership qualities, character and academic success that exemplifies what a Lilly Endowment Community Scholar should possess.
The scholarship provides the recipients with full tuition, required fees and an allowance of up to $900 annually for books and equipment to be utilized throughout the recipients four years of study for their Bachelor’s Degree. The scholarship may be utilized at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university as long as the recipient intends to pursue a full-time baccalaureate degree. The recipients are also invited to engaged with the Lilly Scholars Network, which is a platform that connects current scholars and alumni from the program to foster bonds, share resources and provide leadership opportunities for every Lilly scholar.
For Boone County, the Lilly Endowment Community Scholar nominees must rank in the top 20% of their graduating class, must exhibit outstanding dedication to the county and surrounding communities and must commit to a full-time undergraduate degree though and Indiana institution.
According to the Foundation, Hornbecker stood out amongst the nominees due to her passions, including being a skilled vocalist, a scholar and an athlete at Lebanon High School. Hornbecker serves as the girls’ golf team captain and regularly performs as the lead in the school’s musical productions. She also actively participates in show choir and has earned the title of Great American Songbook Ambassador–a prestigious summer program.
Hornbecker serves as the president of DECA was also a factor the Foundation sought after during the nomination process as her role proved her commitment to leadership and community engagement as well as her dedication to fundraising efforts and supporting members of the community.
Hornbecker also serves in community organizations outside of the Lebanon High School walls, such as volunteering with the Key Club, the Shalom House and the Black Box Theater Company.
Hornbecker aspires to pursue her passions of vocal performance and biology at the University of Notre Dame with a dream of becoming an obstetrician-gynecologist. She also strives to continue her contributions to the local theater community throughout her four-year academic pursuit at Notre Dame and beyond.
Frank Meyer, Lebanon High School Principal, expressed that Hornbecker exemplifies the dedication and ambition required to be selected as a scholar in the program, and he commented that Hornbecker will continue to shine as she pursues her goals.
“This recognition is testament to Emma’s hard work in so many facets of high school life–from the classroom to the green to the stage,” Meyer said. “Never have I met a more deserving student.”
Supertinendent Dr. Jon Milleman echoed Meyer’s sentiment, stating that the entire school should be proud of Hornbecker’s achievements.
“Congratulations to our own Emma Hornbecker, who was named as one of the two Boone County Lilly scholarship winners,” Milleman said. “It’s an outstanding accomplishment.”
Hornbecker will be invited to the next Lebanon Community School Corporation Board meeting on Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. for the board members and the community to congratulate her on her accomplishments.