More than $8,000 was awarded by the Community Foundation of the Quincy Area to eleven students pursuing higher education and one teacher for a recognition award. The awards are funded from permanently endowed funds held with the Community Foundation.
The funds provide scholarships at an accredited post-secondary institution for a graduate or student of each respective high school or college. One fund also provides a teacher award. Another fund provides a renewable scholarship award. A portion of the earnings is reinvested in the funds for continued growth to provide future scholarships and awards.
“These scholarship awards honor donors who loved their communities and valued education while assisting students,” said Community Foundation Program Coordinator Amy Meyer Lehenbauer. “The scholarships demonstrate the power every one of us has to meet needs and provide opportunities for the things that matter most to us.”
Recipients include:
- Jennifer Buss, a student at Quincy University, is awarded the Amelia A. Bauner, Frances A. Hall and Walter J. Hall Scholarship.
- Evan Sheppard, a graduate of John Wood Community College, is awarded the George & Sharen Borrowman Agriculture Scholarship.
- Mason Fairley, a graduate of Quincy Senior High School, is awarded the Becky Swisher Crowe Memorial Scholarship.
- Katlin Whitlock, a graduate of Pleasant Hill High School, is awarded the Virginia Kaye Leinweber Leeds Scholarship.
- Kaan Raif, a graduate of Western High School, is awarded the Marvin J Likes & Thomas Leo Likes Math Scholarship.
- Katheryn Tossick, a graduate of Quincy Senior High School, is awarded the Kenneth & Eleanor Lohr Memorial Scholarship.
- Kaylee Stearns, a graduate of Western High School, is awarded the Dorothy J. Motley Memorial Scholarship.
- Cody Griesbaum, a graduate of Palmyra High School, renewed the Alton A. Vannice FFA Leadership Scholarship.
- Megan Koontz, a graduate of Quincy Senior High School, is awarded the Quincy High School Class of 1957 Scholarship.
- Caitlin McChristian, a graduate of Palmyra High School, is awarded the Teresa Lynn Thompson Memorial Scholarship.
- Aubrey Durst, a graduate of Canton R-V High School, and Mr. Chad Gilpin, science teacher at Canton R-V High School received the Tom and Judy Zenge Scholarship and Teacher Recognition Award.
Amelia A. Bauner, Frances A. Hall and Walter J. Hall Scholarship – Quincy University
Jennifer Buss is a student at Quincy University majoring in elementary and special education pursing endorsements in reading, English, and social sciences. She and her nine children reside in Quincy. Jennifer plans to pursue a career in teaching following graduation.
The Amelia E. Bauner, Frances A. Hall, and Walter J. Hall Scholarship Fund annually provides a scholarship to aid in the payment of tuition to students residing in Adams County and enrolled at Quincy University pursuing a degree in education. Amelia Bauner, a retired teacher with a continuous service record of 44 years in the Quincy Public Schools, passed May 2008 at the age of 99. “Mrs. Bauner had very little family, but many friends. She wanted to do something for the community and to honor her brother and sister,” stated her attorney, Henry B. Geise.
George & Sharen Borrowman Agriculture Scholarship Fund – John Wood Community College
Evan Sheppard, a 2013 graduate of John Wood Community College, will attend Western Illinois University and major in Agriculture Education in the fall. Evan is the son of Bill and Martha Sheppard of Pearl.
The George & Sharen Borrowman Agriculture Scholarship Fund provides one or more scholarships for a former student or graduate of John Wood Community College entering his or her junior or senior year at an accredited college or university pursuing a bachelor’s degree with a major in an agricultural-related field. Sharen Borrowman established this scholarship in memory of her husband, George, who died in 2009. George was a third generation farmer in Pike County, IL. “Farming was his life,” said Sharen. “I want to help with someone’s education and to honor George and his life.”
Becky Swisher Crowe Memorial Scholarship Fund – Quincy (IL) Senior High School
Mason Fairley is a 2013 graduate of Quincy Senior High School. He is the son of Ron and Joyce Fairley of Quincy. Mason plans to pursue a degree in secondary education at Lindenwood University with the goal of becoming a math teacher, baseball coach, and athletic director.
The Becky Swisher Crowe Memorial Scholarship Fund provides a scholarship at an accredited two-year or four-year institution for a Quincy High School senior intending to pursue a degree in education.
Becky Swisher Crowe taught at Quincy Junior High School and Quincy Senior High School. She was killed March 9, 1979 in an automobile accident on her way to work. Her colleagues immediately set up a scholarship in her name. “Becky loved kids and teaching,” said her best friend Karen Bottorff. “Whenever she was around, it was a happier place.” In 2006, the scholarship was transferred to the Community Foundation to ensure Becky’s name and legacy endured.
Virginia Kaye Leinweber Leeds Scholarship Fund – Pleasant Hill (IL) High School
Katlin Whitlock is a 2013 graduate of Pleasant Hill (IL) High School, and the daughter of Kim Whitlock and George Whitlock. Katlin will attend John Wood Community College in the fall. She plans to obtain her registered nursing degree.
The family of Virginia “Ginger” Leeds established the fund as a tribute to the health care professionals who took care of Ginger when hospitalized. Although Ginger was confined to a wheelchair at age 33, she kept her enthusiasm for life and sense of humor. She returned to college at age 43 where she completed her bachelors degree and two masters degrees. After finishing school, Ginger returned home to Pleasant Hill. The Virginia Kaye Leinweber Leeds Scholarship Fund provides a scholarship to a Pleasant Hill High School graduate interested in pursing the field of nursing. “Mom loved young people and wanted to see everyone have the opportunity to go to college,” says her daughter, Leah Erke. “I chose the field of nursing as a way to honor all of the nurses who cared for her.”
Marvin J Likes & Thomas Leo Likes Math Scholarship – Western (IL) High School
Kaan Raif is a 2013 graduate of Western High School and the son of Korhan and Ayca Raif of Barry. Kaan plans to attend Saint Louis University and major in biomedical engineering with plans to become a doctor and engineer.
The Marvin J Likes & Thomas Leo Likes Math Scholarship honors the memories of Marvin J Likes and Thomas Leo Likes. The Marvin J Likes and Thomas Leo Likes Math Scholarship reflect the two men’s standards. “Both were an inspiration and encouragement for young people to better themselves,” said Ralph Garner, who was a long-time employee of Likes Land Surveyors, Inc., Barry, Illinois. Pat Likes established this scholarship in memory of her husband Marvin and their son Tom. Marvin had requested that Pat set up a scholarship because he saw a need to encourage young people to go into math professions. Marvin was a surveyor and Tom an engineer/surveyor. The scholarship ensures they’ll continue to make a positive impact in the lives of young people.
Kenneth & Eleanor Lohr Memorial Scholarship – Quincy Senior High School
Katheryn Tossick is a 2013 graduate of Quincy Senior High School. She is the daughter of Bob and Linda Tossick of Quincy. Katheryn will attend Drake University and major in pharmacy with the goal of becoming a clinical pharmacist.
The daughters of Kenneth & Eleanor Lohr established the Kenneth & Eleanor Lohr Memorial Fund with the Community Foundation to honor their parents’ passion and life working in the pharmaceutical profession. Mr. Lohr felt strongly that a pharmacist should focus on medical issues and serving the public. He dedicated his life to the pursuit of excellence in the field. He encouraged young people to pursue the pharmaceutical profession. Mrs. Lohr was a registered nurse who supported her husband’s dream and worked by his side at Lohr’s Prescription Shop. The fund provides one or more scholarships to a student majoring in pharmacy and intending to pursue a career as a pharmacist.
Dorothy J. Motley Memorial Scholarship Fund – Western (IL) High School
Kaylee Stearns is a 2013 graduate of Western High School in Barry, Illinois. She is the daughter of Tina Graham of Barry. Kaylee will attend Southern Illinois University and major in elementary education with plans to become a third or fourth grade teacher.
The Dorothy J. Motley Memorial Scholarship Fund was established as part of Mrs. Motley’s will to assist a Barry High School student attending college. “Mrs. Motley was very quaint and lived quietly…loved to collect dolls of all kinds,” said Debbie Harshman, owner of The Paper in Barry. “She always had something good to say to me and made (people) feel so special. That quality is priceless…making others feel special.” The scholarship for a graduate of the former Barry, now Western, High School helps with expenses for attending an accredited post-secondary institution.
Alton A. Vannice FFA Leadership Fund – Palmyra High School
Cody Griesbaum is a 2012 graduate of Palmyra High School and a current student at Truman State University. Cody received the first Alton A. Vannice FFA Leadership Fund Scholarship in 2012. The renewable scholarship provides the second year of the award in 2013. He is the son of Daren and Melinda Griesbaum of Palmyra.
In 2012 Alton Vannice’s wife Joyce, and their family, decided to honor Alton’s legacy of agricultural leadership by establishing the Alton A. Vannice FFA Leadership Fund. The family endowed a scholarship for the further education of Palmyra FFA students who show outstanding leadership qualities and seek to enter agricultural careers. Alton Vannice was a 10th generation farmer who learned the skills of leadership through his experiences in the Palmyra FFA Chapter. Alton’s beliefs in his community and in agriculture were expressed as he served on numerous committees and boards throughout his farming career. He gladly served in these capacities and others because he believed in the values espoused in the FFA creed: leadership, respect, the ability to work efficiently and think clearly, and in the promise of better days through better ways.
Quincy High School Class of 1957 Scholarship Fund – Quincy (IL) Senior High School
Megan Koontz, a 2013 graduate of Quincy Senior High School, is the recipient of the Quincy High School Class of 1957 Scholarship. She is the daughter of Tim and Wendy Koontz of Quincy. Megan will attend Wheaton College and major in business and economics. Her goal is to become an international business executive.
The scholarship was initiated with a gift from Dr. John E. Sallstrom to commemorate the 50th Reunion of the QHS Class of 1957. “The scholarship fund should help the recipients continue their chosen career paths and motivate them to strive for excellence in their lives,” says Dr. Sallstrom. “If it encourages other individuals and classes to do something similar in the future, the whole community will be enriched.” The Quincy High School Class of 1957 Scholarship Fund provides one or more scholarships to a Quincy High School graduate who will be attending an accredited, four-year post-secondary institution for tuition, room and board, fees and/or books, and related expenses.
Teresa Lynn Thompson Memorial Scholarship Fund – Palmyra (MO) High School
Caitlin McChristian is a 2013 graduate of Palmyra R-I High School. Caitlin will be attending Moberly Area Community College and majoring in business.
The Teresa Lynn Thompson Memorial Scholarship Fund was established with memorials and donations made following Teresa’s death in May 2004. The scholarship assists a Palmyra High School student attending a post-secondary school. Teresa’s roots were in Palmyra. She has many family and friends there. She spent her life’s work in radio. Her ability to work and deal with people earned her great respect, according to her employer and friend, Bud Janes, former owner of Bick Broadcasting.
Tom and Judy Zenge Fund – Canton (MO) R-V High School
Aubrey Durst is a 2013 graduate of Canton R-V High School. Aubrey is the daughter of Dennis Durst and Samantha Durst of Canton. She will attend the University of Missouri-Columbia and major in animal science in the fall.
The student scholarship recipient recommends selection of the teacher award recipient. The primary consideration is “the teacher that has been most influential in helping the student to achieve academic success.” Mr. Chad Gilpin is a high school science teacher at Canton R-V High School. With the award Mr. Gilpin plans to strengthen the educational experiences of students enrolled in his classes by purchasing science equipment.
The Zenges established their fund in 2006 with the Community Foundation to provide annual scholarship and teacher recognition awards at Canton R-V High School. The scholarship provided by the Tom and Judy Zenge Fund aims to encourage the best and brightest young men and women to enter technical careers, whether engineering, research, teaching, manufacturing or other related fields. The teacher award recognizes a teacher that continues to make learning a lifelong passion.
The Scholarship Funds are held with the Community Foundation, a nonprofit resource that connects people who care with causes that matter. Serving 13 area counties, it serves as a savings account, building permanent funds to address significant needs and opportunities now and in the future. It is a publicly supported 501(c)(3) organization to which contributions are tax deductible.
Since 1999, your Community Foundation has awarded more than 1,300 grants totaling more than $1,950,000 through its various programs.
For more information, call 217-222-1237, email [email protected], go to www.mycommunityfoundation.org or www.facebook.com/mycommunityfoundation.