Meet AHS's 2025 Lilly Scholar

Each year, the Hendrcks County Community Foundation oversees the awarding of three Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships to deserving Hendricks County seniors. This scholarship awards full tuition to any university in Indiana. This year, Avon High School senior Heiabeal Ainom received the scholarship.

We asked Heiabeal about the award, her experience in Avon Schools, and her plans for the future. Below is a transcript, lightly edited for this format.

How long have you been attending Avon Schools? If it's been a while, which schools have you attended?

I have been attending Avon schools since 5th grade, so I went to Avon Intermediate East, Avon Middle School North, and now Avon High School.

This scholarship has been a life changing opportunity for me. My whole family is celebrating and I could not be more blessed and grateful! Heiabeal Ainom

You keep a busy schedule. What are some of the ways you're involved at AHS and in the community?

I just wrapped up a great season as the World Schools debate team captain. During my high school career I have also played tennis, published in the school newspaper, and been a part of National Honor Society. In the community I enjoy volunteering at my church, Lakeview, and at Sheltering Wings,  a domestic violence shelter!  

Your bio in the Hendricks County Community Foundation press release talks about your plans for the future. How did you decide to pursue a career/calling in immigration law?

I think a lot of the process with choosing a career for me involved seeing the struggle around me, with my own immigration process and many underrepresented communities in Avon. Hopefully I can help make the legal process faster and smoother to help families reunite and to benefit communities. For college, I plan to either attend Notre Dame or IU Bloomington for prelaw and I am very excited for what college has for me!   

What does winning this scholarship mean to you?

    This scholarship has been a life changing opportunity for me! My whole family is celebrating and I could not be more blessed and grateful for the Hendricks County Community Foundation and the Lilly Endowment program. It has already connected me with a vast network of other Lilly scholars and I look forward to college without worrying mostly about how I will pay for it, but rather how I can use my degree for good. 

Is there anything else you'd like to add? 

 I would just like to reiterate how thankful I am for this opportunity and I feel so fortunate to have been chosen!  

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Congratulations, Heiabeal. We're excited to celebrate with you as you move forward into your bright future!