Scholarship applications now available
Applications are now available for The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Porter County through the Porter County Community Foundation (PCCF). Three students will be awarded the scholarship beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP) awards may be used for otherwise unreimbursed full tuition, required fees and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and equipment for four years of undergraduate study on a full-time basis leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university.
To be eligible, an applicant must: be a current high school student and a resident of Porter County; graduate from an accredited Indiana high school and receive their diploma no later than June 30, 2027; and intend to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study at an eligible college or university in Indiana. Applications will be reviewed by each high school, and PCCF’s scholarship committee will interview finalists on Oct. 27. Applicants are evaluated on, but not limited to, the following criteria: academic excellence; leadership and engagement in school activities; and community involvement. Scholarship recipients will be notified by PCCF in December. The deadline to apply is Noon on Aug. 28. Applications must be submitted online are available at https://pccf.gives/scholarships/.
PNW to hold school-supply giveaways
Area families in need of school supplies for the upcoming academic year are invited to visit Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) free “Roaring Back to School” supply giveaway events on Thursday and Friday at PNW’s Hammond and Westville campuses. The events are open to families with children in kindergarten through 12th grade. PNW’s Thursday event takes place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hammond campus, 2200 169th St., on the first level of the 169th Street parking garage. The Friday event will be held from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Westville campus, 1401 S. U.S. 421, inside the H.D. Kesling Gymnasium in the James B. Dworkin Student Services and Activities Complex. Visitors will be able to collect various back-to-school essentials, including writing utensils, notebooks, folders and art supplies. Students must be present to receive school supplies and are encouraged to bring a bag to collect their items. For more information, visit pnw.edu/backpack-giveaway.
Franciscan Health hosting Senior Day at Lake County Fair
Franciscan Health will host a free Senior Day at the Lake County Fair for those 62 and older from 9 a.m. to Noon Monday at the Lake County Fairgrounds’ Showcase Tent at the west end of the Midway near Gate 5 at 889 S. Court St., Crown Point. Free health screenings and information on a variety of Franciscan Health programs and senior services will be available. Scheduled screenings include skin cancer spot checks, fall risk assessments, blood pressure, glucose and spirometry (lung function). Representatives and information from Franciscan Physician Network oncology services, stroke, chest pain, hospice, Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), trauma services, Senior Promise, Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults (VASIA), EMS services will be available. Snacks, healthcare materials and giveaways are included as well as free shuttle service to and from the tent and around the fairgrounds. More information is at https://www.lakecofaircp.com/.
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VCC presents third annual Mural Walk
Valparaiso Creative Council (VCC) will host their third annual Mural Walk from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 22 throughout downtown Valparaiso. Rain date is Aug. 29. An immersive, free community event, visitors can watch as local artists paint large-scale outdoor murals at three new downtown locations: Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, 162 W. Lincolnway; Smith Ready Mix, 251 W. Brown St.; and Central Park Plaza, 256 Indiana Ave. Kick-off official check-in will take place at Valpo Creates Center, 256 Indiana Ave. Mural Walk Event Stations will be located at Valpo Creates Center; the VCC booth at the Valpo Farmer’s Market, 70 Lafayette St.; Valparaiso City Hall and Valpo Chamber Alleyway, 166 Lincolnway; and Smith Ready Mix. Event maps will be available to guide attendees. Explore interactive venues and tour 13 existing murals, as well as the three newly-activated murals, and visit four featured art exhibit locations within the walkable downtown area. Enjoy live music, and join in creative activities led by local artists. Early-birds will receive a complimentary tote full of interactive event details as well as the official Mural Walk coloring book for 2026. VCC is offering group Mural Walk Tours starting the first week of September for school groups, parents or group leaders. To schedule a group tour, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd83v4pF4Is00lrDXp3hz2O828S9AvEJhJEgYsEiUAG7ppgaA/viewform. Volunteers are needed for the Mural Walk. For more information, visit https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/113747654015/true#/invitation.