ORLEANS – Julia Isom of Orleans High School is the recipient of the 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Orange County.
Julia exemplifies what it means to be a Lilly Endowment Community Scholar through her community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership.
The daughter of John Paul and Julie Isom, Julia plans to attend Indiana University to co-major in management and marketing while minoring in law, ethics, and decision-making. She is Orange County’s 43rd Lilly Scholar.
“I plan to expand my experience in leadership and my sense of community by participating in Women in Business (WIB). I am excited to open myself to new people and places by establishing a network among the women succeeding in the business field,” Julia said in her application essay. “I am beyond grateful and excited for this opportunity to build upon my knowledge and strengths in my future college education.”
While attending high school, Julia has been an active member of the FFA Chapter at Orleans High School, serving as secretary, vice president, and president and holding the office of District Treasurer. She was a past president of the Business Professionals of America, a current present of the Student Council, treasurer of the National Honor Society, and a four-vice president of her class.
Julia is also a team captain on the academic team and a Tri-Hi-Y, FACS of Life, and Pep Club member. She also served as co-captain of the Varsity Girls Golf Team her senior year. Julia is an active member of the Orange County Community Foundation Youth Council. She was first elected secretary and then took the reins as President her sophomore year, holding that position for three years. She avidly participates in the annual Trunk or Treat and Easter Egg Hunts. She also helps at local holiday markets, ringing bells for the Salvation Army and collecting donations for local charities and school activities. She volunteered several years at the French Lick West Baden’s Fright Night at the Museum and helped with the Paoli Merchant’s Open House.
A cause close to Julia’s heart is Orange County CASA, and she has devoted many hours to helping that program with various activities and shopping for Angel Tree children. Julia has also volunteered at the annual Battle of the Books held at Orleans Elementary, where she is currently a cadet teacher.
Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and equipment for four years. The scholarship is for full-time undergraduate students leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars may also participate in the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects current scholars and alumni with resources and opportunities to be active leaders on their campuses and in their communities. The scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and Indiana Humanities.
