2011 Lilly Scholars

Only the best and the brightest of Vanderburgh County receive this scholarship award, and these students are to be commended on their exceptional academic performance, participation in school activities, their character, community activities, writing skills, and personal poise. We offer our congratulations to the following scholars for their outstanding achievements!

Samantha Laszlo
Samantha is the daughter of Christopher and Susan Laszlo. She has achieved a stellar academic record, while displaying leadership, talent, and service to her community. A graduating senior at North High School, Samantha is president of the National Honor Society, Student Government president, treasurer of Class Council, a member of the Teen Advisory Council, Teenpower, the Youth Resources Board, Community in Action, Link Crew, and is a class officer for DECA. In addition to being a volunteer for the Children's Museum of Evansville and Angel Mounds as well as a past volunteer for the Evansville Christian Life Center, Samantha earned a letter on the Debate team in her freshman year and participated in the Art Club and Women's Beginning Choir. Along with being a member of North Steppers, editor of the Northstar newspaper during her junior year, and playing the role of Matron in North's production of Hairspray, our recipient is co-captain of North's volleyball team and was a member of the junior varsity track and softball teams. Samantha plans to study public and nonprofit management at Indiana University.

Ryan Schultheis
Ryan is the son of Elaine and Larry Schultheis. A graduating senior at Memorial High School, Ryan is president of Student Council and has been a member since his freshman year. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Tigers in Drug Education, and the Multicultural Club, which he co-founded. Ryan is Teen Advisory Council President with Youth Resources as well as a Youth Resources board member. He is a member of the Indiana Association of Student Councils High School Executive Committee and is State Vice President this year. Ryan is president of the Debate Team and was octo-finalist in the Lincoln Douglas Debate at the Indiana State Debate Championships.  He is captain of the varsity tennis team and played for the Memorial Club Hockey team during his freshman year, when the team won the city championship. Ryan plans to study political science at the University of Notre Dame.

Matthew Stewart
The son of Patty Stewart, Matt is a member of the National Honor Society and has been a member of Student Council throughout high school, serving as treasurer during his senior year.  He is president of Snowflake and has been a member since his freshman year.  He also is a member of TIDE, a Tiger Ambassador, and a member of the Link Crew.  Matt received the honor of Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts, is a member of Memorial's football team, is head basketball manager, and is a feeder league football referee.  He also is a volunteer at his church and plays the guitar.  Matt plans to enter the chemical engineering program at Wabash College.

Catherine Fritchley First Alternate
Catherine is an outstanding young woman and an exceptional leader. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Teenage Republicans, Student Council, Science Club and Science Academic Team, and German Club. Along with participating in the Olive Tree Arts Show and the American General Art Show, our recipient has volunteered for Angel Mounds, Oak Hill Animal Hospital, and her church. She is member of 4-H, where she has held several offices and won several awards. Catherine plans to enroll in the pre-veterinary medicine program at Purdue University. Catherine received the Vanderburgh Community Foundation Scholarship, an award that recognizes applicants selected as alternates.

Neel Erickson Second Alternate
A graduating senior at Signature School, Neel is an outstanding student with an exceptional academic record. He is treasurer of Student Council as well as a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honors Society, Spanish Club, and Linguistics Club. Neel has been a volunteer for the Joshua Academy Mentoring Program, the Trover Foundation Hospital, and the 4H Foundation Recycling Program. He is an award-winning pianist, a saxophonist for the high school orchestra, a tenor for the school choir, and a member of the Evansville Varsity Select Travel Hockey team. Neel plans to study economics at Washington University-St. Louis. Neel received the Vanderburgh Community Foundation Scholarship, an award that recognizes applicants selected as alternates.