10/13/2026
Congratulations, Blake!
Meet 2027 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship finalist Blake Simmons of Anderson High School!
Blake pairs exceptional academic achievement with service shaped by his own life experiences. In addition to serving as treasurer of Anderson High School's National Honor Society, he has volunteered extensively as an advocate for Breakthrough T1D/JDRF, helping raise funds for research and supporting those who are learning to navigate a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis. He has also put his interest in technology to work repairing devices through AHS's Chrome Room.
Blake's own experiences helped spark his interest in science and medicine. He plans to study biochemistry at IU Indianapolis and hopes to pursue medicine, potentially as a cardiologist or endocrinologist. His goal is not only to care for patients, but also to help improve how people facing serious health conditions are supported and treated.
The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship (LECS), administered locally by the Madison County Community Foundation, provides full tuition, required fees, and up to $900 annually for required books and equipment for up to eight semesters at an eligible Indiana college or university.
Two Madison County students will be selected as 2027 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars and announced in December. Each finalist not selected as a Lilly Scholar will receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Madison County Community Foundation.