01.14.14

Robby Marschand Named 2013 Lilly Scholar

Congratulations to our 2013 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar!  James (Robby) Marschand will receive full tuition to the Indiana college of his choice and a $900 yearly stipend for required books and equipment.

Robby is the son of Jim and Becky Marschand and is a graduate of St. Gabriel Catholic Elementary School. While at Connersville High School, he served as treasurer of the National Honor Society and was a member of the athletic council. He has been involved with Project Lead the Way since his freshmen year, serving as ambassador for his class. During his four years on the CHS soccer and wresting teams, Robby received best mental attitude a total of five times, academic all state three times, and was captain of both teams his senior year.

Robby has also spent many hours volunteering for the elementary soccer and wrestling camps, judging the Indiana Sport Stacking Tournament and delivering Thanksgiving meals to families in need. Robby is uncertain whether he will be studying engineering at Purdue University or Rose Hulman Institute of Technology next year.

Robbie selected Mike Bottomley as his most influential teacher/coach/spiritual advisor. “He has taught me how to interact with adults and act as and adult. When he first started coaching me, I was just a teenager, physically and intellectually. Now I am able to portray myself as a mature responsible adult.”

Twelve students applied for the Lilly Scholarship this year. The Lilly nominating committee narrowed the field down to six interviewees based on academics, leadership, goals, family, and letters of recommendations. Once the interview scores were figured in the names of the finalist and alternate were submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. (ICI) for the selection of Fayette County’s Lilly Scholar.  We are very excited to have Robby represent Fayette County as this years Lilly Scholar!