We love to surprise our Lilly Endowment Scholarship recipients! This year was especially sweet after such a challenging and tough year. A little good news goes a long way towards lifting everyone’s spirits!

We traveled to Westview Jr Sr High School to make the surprise announcement to Mary Hostetler.

Mary Hostetler is the daughter of Douglas and Delores (Dee) Hostetler of Topeka. They were all happy to join in the surprise announcement! She was overwhelmed with emotion when she found out that she was named the 2021 Lilly Endowment Scholar.

Mary plans to attend Huntington University in the fall of 2021 where she plans to study animal science. Her decision to pursue a career in animal science was inspired by her grandfather, Richard Hostetler.

He developed in me a love for animals and being involved in FFA and 4-H solidified my career choice.

Mary Hostetler

Mary’s biggest dream is to start her own blood line and herd of Hereford cattle. She has a goal to give back to the community by either donating the meat to the Clothes and Food Basket of LaGrange County or selling it at reduced rates based on financial need.   

In the meantime, Mary will finish out her senior year at Westview feeling reassured that she does not have to worry about how her college expenses will be met.

It’s amazing to think I don’t have to worry about how to pay for college or about having a lot of debt after college. It allows me to focus on my goal of obtaining my degree in animal science and returning to LaGrange County.

Mary Hostetler

We want to wish Mary all the best as she pursues her dreams.

If you would like to learn more about the Lilly Endowment Scholarship, please click here.