Jessica Bott, a senior at Southwood High School is the 2018 recipient of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Wabash County, awarded by the Community Foundation. The scholarship is a four-ear, full tuition scholarship to any accredited public or private college or university in Indiana and includes a $900 stipend annually for books and supplies. Bott is the daughter of David and Jennifer Bott, owners of Bott Electric.
Jessica is a lifelong resident of Wabash County and a first-generation college student. Her parents are professional electricians, but did not attend college. Jessica says, “Continuing my education has never not been something I have wanted to pursue; I have had an interest in my future education for as long as I can remember.” Jessica plans to attend Butler University in Indianapolis to study business, marketing, and finance. “A business degree has always been an area I have been drawn to. There are so many different options and concepts to be involved in, and personally, I need to be challenged to think outside the box.”
Already an accomplished student, Jessica serves on the Crossroads Bank Junior Board, presides over the Student Congress as president, and considers her induction into National Honor Society as one of her best achievements. She works for the family business, but also volunteers as a mini 4-H leader, a helper at the Chili for Charity Cook Off, and a volunteer at a local nursing home.
Her teacher, Angela Loschiavo, describes Bott as capable, responsible, and articulate. Loschiavo says, “I have watched her compassion for others mature, and I have come to appreciate the fine leadership skills she has developed. In my opinion she demonstrates exactly the characteristics that a Lilly scholar should.”
Jessica has never been afraid of hard work. “My parents,” she said, “have always encouraged me to shoot for the stars and work hard, because you only will fail if you do not try to put in endless effort for what you love to do; if it is worth it, it will never be a walk in the park, because if it is easy, everyone would do it.”
Jessica Bott will represent Wabash County well in this prestigious program. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Wabash County is funded by the Lilly Endowment and awarded by the Community Foundation. Selection of a recipient is based on a variety of criteria, among them high academic achievement, financial need, work and volunteerism, participation in school and community activities, leadership, and well-written essays. The chief purpose of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship is to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana and to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.
This year, 143 scholarships will be awarded statewide. There have been over 4,340 scholarships awarded statewide since the program began in 1998.
The Community Foundation of Wabash County is a nonprofit public charity established in 1954. It serves the citizens of Wabash County by implementing their charitable aspirations, making grants, investing and safeguarding charitable assets, providing information regarding charitable endeavors, convening citizens, and linking resources to address issues confronting our shared lives. Visit us at www.cfwabash.org and like us on Facebook.
