Parke Heritage Senior Abbie Lash awarded 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship

Chosen among over 50 other applicants, this honor includes a four-year full tuition scholarship to any accredited Indiana college or university.

Parke Heritage High School senior, Abbie Lash, has achieved a remarkable milestone by being named the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Lilly Endowment Community Scholar Award. This honor includes a four-year full tuition scholarship to any accredited Indiana college or university, a testament to her outstanding academic achievements and community involvement. She was presented this award by Parke County Community Foundation staff members Colleen Engle and Amy Edwards.

Abbie is the daughter of Jason Lash and Courtney Lash of Rockville. Throughout her high school career, Abbie has demonstrated a strong commitment to her education and extracurricular activities. She plans to attend Franklin College, where she will pursue a degree in Multimedia Journalism. 

During high school, she has been a four-year member of the dance team and was an integral part of helping the squad win two state championships during her junior year. She is also a member of the Interact Club; Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA); Student Council, National Honor Society, Art Honor Society and Student Media. 

“I am beyond honored to be awarded the Lilly Scholarship. The Parke County Community Foundation has opened so many doors for my future and for that I am forever thankful,” said Abbie. 

Her selection as the Lilly Endowment Community Scholar was a competitive process, with more than 50 applications submitted. The Parke County Community Foundation utilized a scholarship sub-committee, composed of individuals unaffiliated with the Foundation, to ensure an unbiased selection process. Finalists were then forwarded to the Independent Colleges of Indiana for the final decision.

Abbie's achievement is not only a reflection of her hard work and dedication but also an inspiration to her peers and community.