2010 Spencer County Lilly Endowment Community Scholars

Spencer County Community Foundation Awards

Two Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships

Marlene Parsley, board president of the Spencer County Community Foundation, has announced this year's winners of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship.  Dylan Hay and Jesse Waninger have been selected to receive the full-tuition, four-year scholarship to the Indiana college of their choice as well as an $800 stipend for required books and equipment. 

Dylan Hay is a senior at South Spencer High School and the son of Barry and Kim Hay of Rockport, grandson of Linda Ryan and the late Richard Ryan and the late Don and Mona Hay all of Spencer County. Dylan has attended Rockport Elementary and South Spencer Middle and High Schools. He plans to attend Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and double major in computer and electrical engineering.  Math teacher at SSHS, David Hall commented, "I could not be more proud of Dylan.  He has been a model student in the years that I have had him in class and is right up there with the best of the best that have come through South Spencer High School.  He has an unbelievable understanding of mathematics and will be very successful when he attends Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.  Dylan's limit for success is unbounded and I wish him the best."

High School has been busy for Dylan.  He has been involved with numerous robotics teams. FIRST Tech Robotics Lego Robotics, BEST Robotics, Vex Robotics and the Balsa Wood Bridge Building Competition (1st place finish last year) have all helped Dylan develop a passion for engineering. This passion and interest led to the development of the first South Spencer Robotic's Team. Numerous robotic competitions at Lipscomb University, Ivy Tech and the University of Southern Indiana (with several top 3 finishes and several ‘Best of' Awards) have enabled Dylan to volunteer his time and talents to develop and mentor the middle school Robotics teams.  Pat Erwin commented on Dylan. "I have had the pleasure of working with Dylan as Scoutmaster for Troop 105. I have watched him grow to a young man with the character scouting imparts, Trust, Honesty, and as the Scout Oath says, Mentally Awake and Morally Straight. He is still active in the Troop as Junior Scoutmaster. His Eagle Project is used by kids every year in 4-H, and his love for Robotics and Engineering has been passed on to younger kids thru his participation in the Best and First Robotics programs. Lily Endowment has made a solid choice. He has my absolute support in all his endeavors. Way to Go, Dylan!"

Dylan continues with participation in the Beta club, PAC Academic math & science teams. He was also a member of the Chess Club and Key Club. The list of Academic Awards Dylan has been honored with are numerous.  Sandra Sanders, SSHS Science Teacher and Academic Team coach stated, ‘Dylan has outstanding academic potential and will succeed in any path he chooses.  I am so glad to have had the opportunity to work with him in the classroom and as a member of the science academic team.  I look forward to his future achievements as well.' 

Dylan is also a 10 year participant in the Spencer County 4-H program as well. Some of his projects include: archery, fine arts, chess, creative writing, models and rockets, receiving numerous Champion and Grand Champion awards.

Dylan has earned the rank of Eagle Scout by earning 37 merit badges and demonstrating Scout Spirit through the Boy Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership.  He has held several leadership roles within the scouting program. For his Eagle Scout project he built the AeroSpace display case at the Spencer County Youth and Community Building for the 4-H Fair and also assembled 11 park benches for use at the facility. Dylan will volunteer this summer at the Scout Camp with the hope of being a positive role model for the youth.  He also volunteers at Highland Cemetery and at ABR's Haunted Village.

Dylan stated,  "A Rose-Hulman education provided by the Lilly Endowment would not only give me the skills I need to ensure myself a place in the future's uncertain economy, but also would also give me the ability to help others around me to a much greater extent than I am currently capable of.'  I would like to thank the Lilly Endowment and the Spencer County Community Foundation for awarding me the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship and for giving me the opportunity to attend one of the top rated engineering colleges in the United States.  I would also like to thank my family, my Scouting mentors, my teachers and friends for influencing and guiding me to be the person I am today."

He also participated in Youth Leadership Spencer County and attended Hoosier Boys State.

This summer Dylan will continue working at Holiday World for the 4^th season and will enroll in a Fast-Track Calculus course at Rose-Hulman covering Calculus I, II, & III in 5 weeks. This course allows him the opportunity of attaining a double major in both computer and electrical engineering.

Jesse Waninger, a senior at Heritage Hills High School, is the son of David and Mary Waninger of Chrisney.  Jesse is also the grandson of Lee and Rita Gress of Dubois County and the late Linus and Bernice Waninger of Spencer County.  Jesse has attended Chrisney Elementary, Heritage Hills Middle and High School.  While attending the University of Indianapolis, Jesse plans to double major in Accounting and Political Science. "Jesse is the kind of student that every administrator would love to have in their building.  He is solid in his character, he realizes the importance of academics, he is active in his school, and he is very good role model for other students to follow.  Jesse is an asset to our school and we are proud to call him a Patriot." stated Nick Alcorn, Principal of Heritage Hills High School. 

Student Council (4 year participant holding the offices of Vice President and President), Business Professionals of America (President and former Treasurer), National Honor Society (Secretary), Academic Bowl participant, various church/school youth groups and Natural Helpers have all benefitted because of Jesse's devotion and passion for participating in worthwhile endeavors.  Jesse is also the founder of Creation Club, a group that meets to discuss the alternative to the evolution theory.  While those activities alone would be sufficient, Jesse is very proud of role with Peer to Peer.  ‘I value having stayed true to myself and my beliefs while being able to be a positive influence to the younger generation.'  Jesse has also found time to head a canned food drive, design web-sites for local non-profits, volunteer at Friday Night Live, visit nursing homes, pick up trash with the National Honor Society and volunteer at North Spencer's Soccer Association. 

Jesse is a four year participant in high school wrestling and soccer serving as co-captain his senior year.  Although he doesn't brag on himself, we understand that he is a phenomenal soccer player and has played for the Evansville Soccer Club's FC Team that were state champions last year.  Jesse's participation in wrestling has not suffered either; he has been a regional wrestling qualifier numerous times.  Matt Thompson, head wrestling coach at Heritage Hills High School stated, ‘Over the last four years I have enjoyed watching Jesse progress as leader among his peers. He has been a very valuable asset to our wrestling team as well as the student body. He has tremendous character and we wish him the very best as he continues his development in college.'

Currently, his academic achievements include:  Academic All-State in Soccer, several subject specific GPA awards, the 4.0 Award numerous times and the Ruxer Ford Athletic Academic Excellence Award.

Jesse will take a small break from working at Holiday Foods this summer to participate in a mission trip to the Czech Republic, sponsored by the Christian Fellowship Church.  Jesse will devote the majority of the trip to physical labor, but will also be responsible for teaching English and an evangelic mission. 

"I feel my involvement at Heritage Hills has prepared me to become a well-rounded student so I will be able to excel in academics, athletics and community service while maintaining a high GPA." stated Jesse.  "I would like to thank the Lilly Endowment for giving me the opportunity to attend the University of Indianapolis. I plan to stay involved so I can give back a little for the blessing they have given me. I would also like to thank my Sunday School teachers, teachers, coaches and all the people who have helped me learn from my mistakes and turn them into opportunities. I would like to offer a very special thank you to my family - who have helped shape me into the person that I am today."