Anne Vail of the Community Foundation of Hancock County told the board on Nov. 11 that the foundation recommended two finalists from Greenfield Central High School for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. Vail described the foundation's 32-year role administering the county selection process, explained that eligible applicants must rank in the top 15% of their class and pursue a four-year degree, and said third-party, out-of-county reviewers conducted blind reviews to choose eight finalists countywide.

Vail said the foundation submitted its recommendation to Lilly Endowment and that awards are pending final approval; the foundation presented tokens of recognition to the two Greenfield Central nominees and asked Peter Hummel and Kendall Schnecker to come forward.

A district representative read biographical highlights for each finalist: Peter Hummel (interests in biochemistry/pre-med, cross-country and track, band, community service and Eagle Scout activities) and Kendall Schnecker (plans to study speech-language pathology, leadership in the state-champion marching band and community volunteer work). The foundation said financial need is not a criterion for the county selection.

Awards will be announced in December if Lilly Endowment approves the foundation's recommendations.