Two Scott County students have been named recipients of full, four-year scholarships as the Scott County Community Foundation 2008 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars.

Natalie Reeves and Stephen Riley will receive full tuition to the Indiana college of their choice and an $800 yearly stipend for required books and equipment.

Natalie is the daughter of Dennis Reeves and Julia Reeves, both of Scottsburg. She will graduate from Scottsburg High School. Her activities include the Sunshine Society, Student Council, golf and the First Christian Church in Scottsburg. She plans to attend the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville and major in elementary education.

“I was very surprised!” Natalie said, upon learning she received the scholarship. “It’s exciting and a big weight off my shoulders.”

Stephen Riley is the son of Zachary and Billie Riley of Austin. He will graduate from Austin High School. His activities include the Mayor’s Youth Council in Austin, Future Leaders of Austin and the Austin High School New Dimensions show choir. He plans to attend Hanover College but is undecided on his major.

“I’m really speechless,” said Stephen, about winning the scholarship. “This is a huge, huge relief to know that I’m going to have this much help going into the future.”

Twenty-one students applied for the Lilly Scholarship. Students were judged based on financial consideration, community involvement, extra-curricular activities, work activities, academics and two essays. Several students advanced to the interview portion. After the scholarship committee narrowed the field to two nominees and one alternate, the finalists’ names were submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. (ICI) for the selection of the recipients.

ICI is a nonprofit corporation that represents 31 regionally accredited degree granting, nonprofit, private colleges and universities in the state.

The scholarships are the result of a statewide Lilly Endowment initiative to help Hoosier students reach higher levels of education. Indiana ranks among the lowest states in the percentage of residents over the age of 25 with a bachelor’s degree. There were 216 scholarships awarded statewide.