Hanna Bice Named Lilly Endowment Community Scholar
Hannah Bice has been named the recipient of the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Benton County. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars (LECS) are known for their school and community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership. Hannah is the daughter of Justin and Ashley Bice of Oxford, Indiana.
The scholarship provides for full tuition, required fees and up to $900 per year for required books & 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.
“Hannah Bice was selected as Benton County’s 2026 Lilly Scholar for her outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and dedication to serving her school and community. She embodies the spirit of the scholarship and the promise of Indiana’s future”, said Jeanna Pitstick, Chair of the Nominating Committee.
Hannah will graduate from Benton Central Jr/Sr High School and plans to study Business at Indiana University. She is an AP Scholar and dedicated student, athlete and leader. She has excelled in varsity golf, swimming, and track, and served as Class President and Student Council Treasurer. Her involvement spans Business Professionals of America, FFA, and Benton Central Media. Outside school, she’s a 10-year 4-H member, lifeguard, and Miss Benton County 2025. She shows a passion for her community through her many hours of volunteering for various organizations.
A reference from Hannah’s application wrote, “This student is an individual who elevates those around her, whether in the classroom or in extracurricular activities. She brings a strong work ethic, an approachable personality, and leadership skills that will allow her to excel in college and in a future career. I am confident this student will make an impact in whatever she chooses to pursue. She is the type of individual who will not only achieve her goals but will motivate those around her to reach theirs as well.”
In nominating Benton County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholar, the committee considered academic achievement, school and community involvement, work experience, and written communication. After narrowing the field of applicants to four finalists, nominees were submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI), the statewide administrator of the program, for final selection.
“Each year, we are inspired by the exceptional quality of applicants for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. The selection process is rigorous and thorough, ensuring that we recognize not only academic achievement but also leadership, character, and service,” said Executive Director Andrea Bowman. The Benton Community Foundation Board wishes all the applicants the very best as they pursue their educational dreams.
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.
- To encourage and support Lilly Scholars’ engagement with Indiana leaders to improve quality of life statewide.
About the Benton Community Foundation:
The Benton Community Foundation was established in 1998 with the mission to enhance community through civic leadership, philanthropy, and charitable economic development initiatives in Benton County, Indiana. The Community Foundation oversees more than $10 million in assets through a variety of funds established by individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to support charitable causes.. Since 1998 over 40 Benton County students have received the LECS.
About Lilly Endowment Inc.:
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.
About Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI):
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% of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20% of its undergraduates.
For more information on the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship or other programs within Benton Community Foundation, please contact the Community Foundation at (765) 884-8022 or visit our website at bentoncf.org.