Lilly Endowment Scholarship Finalists
Congratulations to Mt. Vernon High School (MVHS) seniors Tate Cougill and Brady Webber, who have been selected as finalists for the Community Foundation of Hancock County (CFHC) annual Lilly Endowment Scholarship. Each year, two seniors from each of the four county high schools are chosen as finalists. Of these eight outstanding students, two will ultimately be awarded the prestigious scholarship, which covers full tuition at any accredited Indiana college or university. Thousands of students statewide apply each year, but only a select few achieve finalist status in their county.

To qualify for the highly esteemed Lilly Endowment Scholarship, Tate and Brady demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, ranking in the top 15% of their graduating class, while also showing strong leadership and a deep commitment to community service.

 

Tate Cougill - Also Awarded National Merit Scholarship

Tate Cougill, pictured on the left, is deeply involved in the Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation. In addition to being a Lilly Scholarship Finalist, Tate Cougill has also been named a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist, an honor earned by less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors. Selected from 1.3 million PSAT/NMSQT participants, Tate’s achievement reflects his dedication, academic excellence, and preparation for the future. “I’ve worked really hard throughout all of high school to prepare myself and do well,” said Tate. “To be recognized in this way with such a prestigious scholarship means a lot.” As he advances in the competition, Tate remains a strong role model, exemplifying MVCSC’s values of scholarship, community, and commitment to success.

As a Lilly Scholarship Finalist, Tate demonstrated his community outreach through the Hancock County Youth Assistance Program, where he supports middle school students facing academic challenges. A dedicated leader, Tate has served in student government all four years of high school, contributing to initiatives such as Salvation Army drives, local food pantries, staff appreciation efforts, and hygiene product collections.

In addition, Tate has been a member of the MVHS Community Service Club, National Honor Society, Marauder Mentors, and the Mt. Vernon Tennis Team, where he also volunteers at the Marauder Youth Tennis Camp.

Tate’s passion for filmmaking has inspired him to give back in creative ways. For the past two years, he has volunteered with the Heartland International Film Festival, assisting with prescreening and event operations. He also founded the Mt. Vernon Film Club to help students connect through shared creative interests. Tate plans to pursue a career in documentary filmmaking and hopes to attend the University of Notre Dame or Hanover College.

 

Brady Webber

Brady Webber, pictured on the right, is passionate about his faith and community service. Through his parish, Holy Spirit at Geist, he has dedicated over 100 hours to organizing Thanksgiving baskets, coordinating Christmas gift donations, and leading youth retreats. He has also volunteered at the Fortville Christian Church food pantry to help local families in need. In addition, Brady helped establish a men’s Bible study group with his friends, creating a space for meaningful conversation, growth, and support.

Brady is also a three-sport athlete, participating in boys’ basketball, track and field, and soccer. He volunteers at youth sports camps for both basketball and soccer and is a strong advocate for inclusion through his involvement in Unified Champions, Best Buddies, Special Olympics, and Top Soccer. His leadership extends across numerous school organizations, including Student Government, Hancock County Youth Leadership, Neighborhoods Against Substance Abuse, the Athletic Leadership Team, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the National Honor Society. He has also served as a counselor for Camp Invention.

Brady plans to attend Indiana University or the University of Notre Dame to study professional sales, marketing, and finance, with the goal of one day owning his own business.

 

Recognition

Both finalists were formally recognized at the November Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation Board of Trustees meeting. Mt. Vernon High School Principal Brooke Tharp and Darrell Thomas from the Community Foundation of Hancock County spoke about Brady and Tate’s accomplishments and the honor of being named finalists.

“There are about 145 Lilly scholars each year in Indiana,” shared Darrell Thomas, member of the Education Committee. “To be able to stand here and present these two Lilly scholar finalists from Mt. Vernon is a personal pleasure.”

MVHS Principal Brooke Tharp states, “It is clear why Tate and Brady were selected to be finalists for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. They represent their school and community with high integrity, dedication, and passion. They are exemplars for giving back and showing compassion to others, and we are incredibly proud of both of them.”

The foundation will announce the two Lilly Endowment Scholarship recipients in December, and Tate will also continue in the National Merit Scholarship. MVCSC sends its best wishes to Tate and Brady!