5 Indiana Students Making The Hoosier State Proud

Indiana is full of bright, driven young people making a difference in and out of the classroom. That’s why Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to spotlight students excelling in academics, athletics and community service.

Check out five exceptional Indiana students making a big impact. And if you know a student who deserves a shoutout, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate them for a chance to be featured as a Star Student on Patch!

Ayodeji Fawuyi (Indianapolis) — Ayodeji Fawuyi is a standout senior at Arsenal Technical High School. He has earned not one but two of Indiana’s most prestigious scholarships: the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, providing full tuition to any in-state college or university, and the Chick Evans Scholarship, a full housing and tuition award for accomplished youth caddies. A dedicated student and caddie at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel, Ayodeji was recognized for his strong academic record, leadership, financial need and exemplary character. As one of just 19 Indiana recipients of the Evans Scholarship and one of four IPS students named a Lilly Scholar this year, Ayodeji’s future is bright both on and off the course. Read more here.

Regan Bandy (Gary) — As valedictorian of West Side Leadership Academy’s Class of 2024, Regan Bandy graduated with a 4.6 GPA and a résumé full of accolades, including being named an Indiana Academic Regional All-Star and receiving five scholarships from the Gary Educational Development Foundation. Regan’s commitment to leadership extends beyond the classroom—through her three-year internship with Butterfly Dreamz, Inc., she built a national network of mentors and peers and helped publish the organization’s Leadership Journal. The Presidential Merit Scholar is now a first-year economics major at Hampton University, where she participates in the HU Marching Force and the NCNW. Read more here.

Martha Hunter (Carmel) — After graduating from Carmel High School in 2020 and earning a biology degree from Purdue University, Martha Hunter is now on her way to medical school at Indiana University, with a powerful personal story guiding her. In 2024, she received an $8,000 scholarship from the Indiana Donor Network Foundation, an award given to those impacted by organ donation. Martha’s younger brother Thomas, who had Coffin-Siris syndrome, became an organ donor after suffering irreversible brain damage, inspiring her to pursue medicine with a focus on pulmonology and transplant care. During her time at Purdue, Martha worked as a tutor, lab assistant and medical scribe, while completing a competitive internship at the Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Cancer Research. Now, she's committed to a future of compassionate care and raising awareness around organ donation. Read more here.

Isis Fleming (Hobart) — Hobart High School senior Isis Fleming has made her mark both in the classroom and in her community. As a finalist for the prestigious Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship and President of the Mayor’s Youth Council, Isis exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose. She serves as the student representative to the school board and participates in National Honor Society, Student Council, choir, theater and multiple clubs. She also plays for the girls' tennis team while managing the boys' team. With plans to study electrical engineering and business in college, Isis is determined to use her voice and talents to drive innovation and positive change. Read more here.

Caroline Sampson (Zionsville) — A natural leader with a heart for service, Caroline Sampson received a 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, earning a full ride to the Indiana college of her choice. The Zionsville Community High School senior is a multisport team captain in basketball and lacrosse, a 10-year 4-H member and president of Zionsville Girls Mentoring. She volunteers extensively, from coaching youth sports for children with disabilities to serving on the Zionsville Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council. Caroline plans to pursue a career in health care at Notre Dame, Butler or IU Bloomington and continue her commitment to helping others. Read more here.

These exceptional students are just a glimpse of the incredible talent in Indiana. The future is certainly looking bright! If you know a Star Student making an impact in your community, nominate them today to be featured on Patch!