VALPARAISO, IND. — Ashlyn Gentry, Sophia Ho, and Katherine Newbanks are the recipients of the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Porter County.
The prestigious scholarship provides for full tuition, required fees and an allocation for required books and equipment for four years of undergraduate education at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university.
“The Porter County Community Foundation has the privilege of nominating three students to receive this scholarship each year,” said Bill Higbie, PCCF President and CEO. “Ashlyn, Sophia, and Katherine are remarkable community members who have also excelled academically. We look forward to their continued success as they begin a new chapter of their education.”
Ashlyn Gentry, a Portage High School senior, has demonstrated a commitment to academics, extracurricular activities, and church. Her compassion, ability to connect with others, and communication skills will serve her well as she pursues a career in medicine. Gentry plans to attend Indiana University, Purdue University, or the University of Notre Dame.
Sophia Ho, a senior at Valparaiso High School, channeled her passion for her community into launching the Valpo Daylist with WVLP, a radio show created to bridge the gap between young people and the rest of the community. She is intellectually curious and a leader among her peers. Ho will attend Indiana University, Purdue University, or the University of Notre Dame and pursue a career as an astronautical engineer.
Katherine Newbanks, a Chesterton High School senior, has demonstrated leadership and resiliency. She is an outstanding musician with a strong work ethic who lifts up those around her. Newbanks plans to study psychology at Valparaiso University and aspires to advocate for children and families as a guardian ad litem.
“Each year during this process I am reminded that our future is in good hands,” said Higbie. “All of the finalists are accomplished young people who excel both in and out of the classroom.”
The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program has benefitted 106 Porter County students since its creation for the 1997-98 school year totaling over $7 million in aid.
The primary purposes of the program are: 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.
Scholarship recipients may also participate in the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), 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 LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to ICI and Indiana Humanities.
In addition to nominating local students for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program, PCCF offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for first year and continuing college students. Applications will be available on January 12 and are due at noon on March 6, 2026. Visit PCCF.gives to learn more.
The Porter County Community Foundation collaborates with community members to support their favorite causes by creating and managing permanent endowment funds that make it possible for generosity to last forever. Since 1996, PCCF has awarded over $50 million in grants and scholarships to organizations and students in our community. To learn more about how you can make a lasting difference for your favorite causes, contact PCCF at 219-465-0294 or visit the foundation online at PCCF.gives.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in Eli Lilly and Company. The Endowment supports community development, education, and religion, with a special commitment to Indianapolis and Indiana.
Founded in 1948, Independent Colleges of Indiana (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% of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20% of its undergraduates.
