
OCCF would like to congratulate Michael J. Magill on all of his hard work and wish him luck in all of his future endeavors!
One student form Orange County has been named recipient of the four-year, full-tuition scholarship as the Orange County Community Foundation 2013 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar.
Michael J. Magill will receive full tuition to the Indiana college of his choice and a $900 yearly stipend for required books and equipment.
The son of Mike and Mindi Magill, Michael will be studying at an Indiana college or university, with plans in the future of assisting the Department of Defense programs at NSWC Crane. A 2013 graduating senior from Orleans Junior Senior High School, Michael has been active in diverse areas of service. As a member of the Orleans Christian Church, Michael helps lead Sunday night Bible study, assists with communion, and helps with Habitat for Humanity’s Apostles Build program. At school, his activities include National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, track and field, Future Farmers of America, tutoring and acting as a teacher’s assistant.
Michael’s work history includes machine shops, farming, carpentry and self-employment in a lawn care business. In grade six, he received the National Presidential Award, earned academic letters throughout his four years of high school, and was presented the Chapter Discovery Award in FFA.
“For my family and me, any financial aid is very valuable, given the current economy,” Michael stated. “But this opportunity form Lilly is making it possible for me to achieve my dream of an engineering career without placing further strain upon my family and making it more difficult for my parents to provide similar educations form my brother and sister.”
Applicants for the 2013 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship were required to hold an SAT score of 1500 or above, rank in the top 25% of their class, receive an academic honors diploma, and have gained acceptance into an accredited Indiana college. Applications were evaluated on academic skills; character traits such as integrity, responsibility, honesty, leadership and dependability, involvement in community and school and financial need.
From twenty-one qualified applicants, the OCCF Lilly Scholarship Committee narrowed the field down to eight finalists. Applicants chosen as finalists were subjected to personal interview and timed essay; and, once the evaluations were complete, two candidates‘ names were submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. (ICI) for final selection and approval.