The Community Foundation of Boone County has announced the recipients of the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship as a student from Western Boone Community School Corporation and a student from Zionsville Community Schools.
The foundation announced that Cole Ramsey from Western Boone and Caroline Sampson from Zionsville were selected as the recipients of the scholarship this year.
Each scholarship provides full tuition, required fees and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and equipment needed for four years of further education.
Lilly Endowment Community Scholars may also participate in the Lilly Scholars Network that connects both current scholars and alumni with resources and opportunities to be active leaders on campus and within their communities.
“In determining Boone County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar nominees, students must be in the top 20% of their graduating class, have provided exceptional levels of service to Boone County and surrounding communities and intend to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study at an Indiana college or university,” the foundation released.
The foundation released further information regarding Ramsey that led to his selection as a recipient.
Cole is the president and founder of the Boone County Youth Advisory Committee, which helps youth across the county connect and coordinate for service and advocacy. He served as an intern in the Indiana State Senate, and was selected for American Legion Boys State and Boys Nation. His passion for youth mental health was recognized when he was awarded the Mental Health America National Youth Policy Advocate of the Year. A two-sport athlete, Cole is also active in many school clubs including Key Club and Spanish Club, and is a four-year class officer. Cole plans to attend the University of Notre Dame or Wabash College with the goal of studying Political Science, International Relations, and Spanish in preparation for a career in public service, diplomacy, and elected office.
The foundation released further information regarding Sampson that led to her selection as a recipient.
Caroline has been a multi-sport athlete and team captain for basketball and lacrosse, 10-year 4-H member, and servant leader at ZCHS. She combined her passions for athletics and service by working as a swim instructor and volunteering with basketball and soccer organizations for disabled youth. A multi-year Girl Scout, Caroline is working toward the highest award, the Gold Award, and serves on the Zionsville Mayor Youth Advisory Council. She is also active in ZCHS Student Council, Best Buddies, and Zionsville Girls Mentoring, where she is president. Caroline is the seventh of ten children. She is planning to attend the University of Notre Dame, Butler University, or IU Bloomington to prepare for a career in health care.
This year, eight finalists were selected from nearly 60 submitted applications to partake in an interview process with a selection committee made up of nine volunteers not affiliated with any Boone County schools. The top finalists were submitted to the statewide administrator of the program, ICI, to solidify and approve the final selection of the recipients.
The additional 2025 finalists included Tobias Dollens of Zionsville, Carson Fu of Zionsville, Andrew Qin of Zionsville, Louisa Santos of Zionsville, Sapna Srinivasan of Zionsville and Taylor O’Brien of Lebanon.
– Photos courtesy of the Community Foundation of Boone County
