The Lilly Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards given to one senior in Cass County and is a full-ride scholarship to any college or university in the state of Indiana. The application process is very difficult and long as well as stressful. Becoming a Lilly Scholarship finalist is challenging to achieve, let alone win the Lilly Scholarship. Despite the difficult task of applying for the scholarship, Lewis Cass senior, Nick Park is the 2024 Lilly Scholarship recipient.
The Lilly Scholarship is not announced publicly to inform the recipient. Instead, the foundation surprises the recipient at school and tells them with their family there as well. The recipient is also not aware of the actual day the winner will be announced, it is completely random. It was announced to Nick Park that he had become the 2024 Lilly Scholarship recipient on Monday, December 9, 2024.
Park was asked a few questions about the process and his plans for college after becoming the recipient. Nick was asked how it feels to finally know he won the Lilly Scholarship and no longer has to worry about the application process or if he won. Park replied saying it was a huge relief lifted off his shoulders, and it was nice to know he will no longer need to worry about applying for other scholarships or worry about student loans in his future. Next, Park was asked as a Lilly Scholar, where he plans to attend college and what he will major in. Park replied saying he plans to attend Purdue University or Rose-Hulman. He said he plans to study a discipline of engineering, likely nuclear, aerospace, or mechanical engineering. Tagging on to where Park plans to attend Nick was asked what he is looking for in a college. Nick told how he would enjoy a college where he can have a personal relationship with his professors, as well as an academic support system that ensures he comprehends the content. He says he wants an environment where he can succeed with his education.
Finally, Nick was asked what the hardest part of the Lilly Scholarship application process was and if the hard work he put forth was worth it. Park replied by saying the hardest part for him was the interview. The interviews took place back on October 6. Park said while preparing for the interview the parts that needed to be improved were highlighted during the preparation, as well as causing him to break out of his comfort zone. Although it took time and effort to prepare, Park said he was ready when it came time for the real interview. Nick says the work was definitely worth the outcome. He spent four months in total preparing, working, and waiting for the scholarship. Park tells how this reward will last for his entire life.
As a part of the Lewis Cass community, we congratulate Nick Park on becoming the 2024 Lilly Scholarship recipient. Park put forth tremendous effort in applying for the Lilly Scholarship. Congratulations Nick Park, we look forward to seeing where this opportunity takes you in the future.
