Scholarship Listing

From grade school through college, the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation manages a wide range of scholarships. Learn more about each scholarship below, or easily contribute online to one today!

The Central Illinois Ad Club of Decatur, Ill., created this scholarship for graduating seniors from a Macon County (Ill.) high school who plan to attend Millikin University or Richland Community College to major in Graphic Design, Marketing or Communications.

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Created using funds from an anonymous bequest, the purpose of this award is to provide a source of funding for higher education for qualified individuals who are an immediate family member of an AFSCME Local 612 employee.

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The Al Dobbins Scholarship Award honoring the founding members of the Decatur Frontiers Service Club on their 50th Anniversary was created by John Eugene "Jack" and Barbara Ann Witzeman McCoy.

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The Amos Fonville Davis-Raycraft Scholarship for Richland Community College was created by John Eugene "Jack" and Barbara Ann Witzeman McCoy in memory of Mr. Fonville and his contribution to Davis-Raycraft Pharmacy.

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Created by her family in Anita's memory, this fund provides an annual scholarship to members of the Boys & Girls Club of Decatur.

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Created by Ritchie and Sandy Barnett to honor the memory of Ritchie's parents, who were married for over 50 years and engaged in farming throughout their lives. The purpose of this scholarship fund is to support and enhance the agricultural education programs by providing scholarships to students with a preference given to students studying in agricultural-related coursework. In the event scholarships cannot be awarded to such students, the fund can then be awarded to a student majoring in business. The Richland Community College Foundation and the college's financial aid office will coordinate in the selection of the recipients and amount of the individual awards.

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The Billy Guyse Scholarship Award honors the founding members of the Decatur Frontiers Service Club on their 50th Anniversary. It was created by John Eugene "Jack" and Barbara Ann Witzeman McCoy.

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The Burl Stoner Scholarship Award honors the founding members of the Decatur Frontiers Service Club on their 50th Anniversary. It was created by John Eugene "Jack" and Barbara Ann Witzeman McCoy.

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This endowed fund honors Carl and Kathryn Brink by providing scholarships for students graduating from Eisenhower High School who meet the published criteria and to provide funds to the Lutheran School Association Foundation.

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This award was established to honor Bill Turner, a distinguished research chemist at A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company (now known as Tate & Lyle), who was credited with the development of two starch patents. This award recognizes an outstanding graduating chemistry student at St. Teresa High School.

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The Chelsea Eugene "Mac" McCoy and Dorothy Mae Clemens McCoy Children of Saint Thomas Grade School Scholarship was created by John Eugene "Jack" and Barbara Ann Witzeman McCoy in memory of Jack's parents.

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The Clarence Taylor Early Bird Kiwanis Memorial Scholarship Award for Richland Community College honoring Clarence Taylor was created by John Eugene "Jack" and Barbara Ann Witzeman McCoy. Clarence Taylor was a member of the Early Bird Kiwanis Club of Decatur.

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The Claud Thompson Decatur Industrial Electric Scholarship assists students seeking a career in business through the Tabor School of Business (PACE included) at Millikin University or students pursing engineering technology degrees at Richland Community College. Additional criteria online include financial need and students who are self-driven and leadership-oriented with a record of community service. High school seniors and college students may apply for this scholarship on the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation website.

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The Cornelius Diggs Scholarship Award honors the founding members of the Decatur Frontiers Service Club and was created by John Eugene "Jack" and Barbara Ann Witzeman McCoy.

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For graduates of Low Point-Washburn High School, this generous scholarship was created by Curtis and Georgia Ann before they passed away as a gesture of gratitude to the community where they lived and raised their family.

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The purpose of this endowed fund is to provide financial support to Decatur Christian Schools, Inc.

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Thanks to management at Decatur Foundry, Inc., J.L. Johnson's dreams of providing a source of funding for qualified high school students who are pursuing higher education continues to be a reality.

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John Leighty graduated from Decatur High School in 1927. He earned a bachelor's degree from Millikin University and his Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D.) from Purdue University. He later became the Director of Research for the Eli Lilly Company. The Decatur High School Class of 1927 Scholarship was established by John Leighty and several members of his graduating class. Matching dollars also were contributed by the Eli Lilly Foundation. Originally intended for Stephen Decatur High School graduates, the founders included the stipulation that if Stephen Decatur High School closed, the earnings each year would be divided equally among the remaining Decatur public high schools and St. Teresa High School, providing one scholarship for each school. The selection criteria include acceptance to an institution of higher education, financial need, good grades, good citizenship and being a well-rounded student.

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Created by a bequest gift from the Carrolls' estate, this fund provides tuition to Richland Community College for graduating seniors of Meridian High School.

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The Elfreda Virginia Jacobson Witzeman Scholarship Award for Richland Community College honoring Elfreda Witzeman, the mother of Barbara A. Witzeman McCoy and Susan Witzeman, was created by John Eugene "Jack" and Barbara Ann Witzeman McCoy. Her husband was the late Everett Burk Witzeman. Her grandchildren are John Eugene McCoy II, Michael Burk McCoy, Mary Catherine McCoy Smith and Kimberly Ann McCoy Brown.

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The Ellsworth Dansby, Jr. Davis-Raycraft Scholarship for Richland Community College was created by John Eugene "Jack" and Barbara Ann Witzeman McCoy in memory of Mr. Dansby and his contribution to Davis-Raycraft Pharmacy.

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The Everett Ryan Early Bird Kiwanis Memorial Scholarship Award for Richland Community College honoring Everett Ryan, a teacher at Douglas MacArthur High School, was created by John Eugene "Jack" and Barbara Ann Witzeman McCoy. Everett Ryan was a member of The Early Bird Kiwanis Club of Decatur.

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The George and Rick Glasscock Memorial Scholarship for Millikin University received matching dollars from ADM and provides an annual gift to Millikin University for a deserving biology student selected by the university.

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Created by Gerald Demirjian, this fund provides a scholarships to children who have received services from Webster Cantrell Hall.

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Established by members of the Golden K Kiwanis Club of Decatur, the purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial assistance to students in the Macon County (Ill.) region attending or planning to attend an accredited college or university. In addition, the student must have participated in extracurricular activities, community service and/or church activities, be a full-time student, and be in good academic standing. Seniors may apply for this scholarship on the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation website.

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Created by his daughter in his memory, the Grandpa Bud Scholarship for Holy Family School memorializes Eugene "Bud" Sherer by making annual scholarship distributions.

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The Harry S. Johnston Early Bird Kiwanis Memorial Scholarship Award for Richland Community College honors Harry S. Johnston, a corporate cashier at Archer Daniels Midland. Harry Johnston was a member of The Early Bird Kiwanis Club of Decatur.

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The Horace G. Livingston, Jr. Davis-Raycraft Scholarship for Richland Community College was created by John Eugene "Jack" and Barbara Ann Witzeman McCoy in memory of Mr. Livingston and his contribution to Davis-Raycraft Pharmacy.

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The scholarship will be for private lessons by a professional teacher at an accredited school of music and will be awarded annually to a student grades 8-12 from McLean County who by audition shows exceptional musical talent on an instrument used in a symphony orchestra.

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The J. Patrick Mohan Excellence in Education fund was created by Tate & Lyle and coworkers of "Pat" Mohan to celebrate his retirement. Earnings from the fund are used to advance projects of the Decatur Public Schools Foundation.

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James W. Thomas was born in 1947, and began his career in education with the Decatur public high schools in 1972. During his tenure, he served as a business teacher, coach, dean of students, assistant principal and principal until 2002. As a respected leader, Mr. Thomas served as a president of the Decatur Association Building Administrators and Phi Delta Kappa. In addition, he served on many educational committees. Mr. Thomas died in 2002 at age 54. This scholarship was established in his memory by school staff, friends and family members to provide financial assistance for a graduating senior of a Decatur public high school who is majoring in education and pursuing a college degree in teaching. Seniors at Decatur public high schools may apply for this scholarship on The Community Foundation of Macon County website.

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The John Eugene McCoy II Scholarship Award for Richland Community College honors John Eugene McCoy II, a graduate of Richland Community College. The award was created by John Eugene "Jack" and Barbara Ann Witzeman McCoy.

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This scholarship, available to Meridian High School graduates, was created by dear friends to honor the legacy of John Glenn Snow. John was a multi-talented musician who graduated from Macon High School in 1983 and Millikin University in 1987. He was the co-founder of a popular local band, Flatbranch, which had great success throughout central Illinois and a loyal following. John’s wife, Tracy and four adult children live in Nashville where John moved in 1987 to pursue a successful music career and later become a Pastor. John was beloved and cherished by every person he touched. The applicants for this scholarship should demonstrate a love of music and plan to pursue a post-secondary education (community college, 4-year university/college, or technical/vocational institution).

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John Leman, an Eisenhower High School teacher, had an amazing career, but it is even more remarkable when you realize that he battled multiple sclerosis for over 20 years and leukemia for eight years. In 2007, members of Mr. Leman's Eisenhower High School music classes from 1963 through 1967 rallied together to honor his legacy by creating this scholarship which annually sends a talented music student to the University of Illinois Summer Youth Music (ISYM) Program. The recipient of this scholarship (sophomore or junior) is selected by the music teacher and other staff members at Eisenhower High School. The student must complete the application through the U of I Summer Youth Music Program.

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The Johnnie Cleophus Smith Davis-Raycraft Scholarship for Richland Community College was created by John Eugene "Jack" and Barbara Ann Witzeman McCoy in memory of Mr. Smith and his contribution to Davis-Raycraft Pharmacy.

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The James B. Parson Davis-Raycraft Scholarship Award honors Judge James B. Parsons, a Decatur native, and the African American Cultural & Genealogical Society of Illinois, and was created by John Eugene "Jack" and Barbara Ann Witzeman McCoy.

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The Judith Ann Burnell Edmiston Early Bird Kiwanis Memorial Scholarship Award for Richland Community College was created by John Eugene "Jack" and Barbara Ann Witzeman McCoy in appreciation to Judith for all of the help she provided.

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Created by her bequest, the Kathleen Zahner Scholarship Fund provides an annual distribution to St. Patrick Catholic School for scholarships to be provided to students.

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Created by Tate & Lyle and the friends and family of Mark Hanover, this memorial scholarship provides an annual scholarship to an outstanding science student who plans to pursue a science degree at the University of Illinois.

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This scholarship provides a female athlete from St. Teresa, Eisenhower and MacArthur with a scholarship each year.

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The Lenford O'Neal Davis-Raycraft Scholarship for Richland Community College was created by John Eugene "Jack" and Barbara Ann Witzeman McCoy in memory of Mr. O'Neal and his contribution to Davis-Raycraft Pharmacy.

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Created by Ray Livasy, this fund provide a disbursement to the RCC Foundation for the Richland Community College Scholarship Fund each spring.

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Lois was born in Decatur in 1956, graduated from MacArthur High School in 1974, and resided in Mt. Zion. During her career she was employed at Kemper Insurance, State Farm Insurance and J. L. Hubbard Insurance and Bonds. Upon her death in 2011, at age 54, colleagues, friends and family established the Lois M. Chervinko Scholarship Fund to honor the memory of Lois Chervinko, who was continually recognized for her hard work and dedication throughout her 35-year career in the insurance industry. The Lois M. Chervinko Scholarship Fund annually provides a scholarship for a Mt. Zion High School graduating senior who is pursuing a degree in business or a business-related field. Other criteria taken into consideration include good citizenship as evidenced by community service above the graduation requirement or involvement in school activities. Seniors at Mt. Zion High School may apply for this scholarship on The Community Foundation of Macon County website.

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Created by her mother's bequest, the Lynn D. Augustine Memorial Scholarship provides eligible graduating Macon County seniors with an opportunity to receive $5,000 over the course of a four-year college degree.

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Created by Nancy Acks and Donna Dash, the MacArthur Lady Generals Scholarship is selected by the athletic department and provides an award to a graduating female senior from MacArthur High School who is a four-year athlete.

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Created by colleagues and friends when Decatur Public School District No. 61 Superintendent Elmer "Mac" McPherson retired. This endowed fund was created to benefit graduates of DPS.

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The Matt and Natalie Beck YLIA Female Leadership Scholarship was established to encourage and empower young women to assume future leadership roles in their communities. Actions, not titles, make leaders, and this award honors a female member of Young Leaders in Action (YLIA) who demonstrates a commitment to leading social change.

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The McCoys (John Eugene "Jack" and Barbara Ann Witzeman McCoy) have generously provided several scholarships that honor individuals and benefit students of Millikin University.

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The McCoys (John Eugene "Jack" and Barbara Ann Witzeman McCoy) have generously provided several scholarships that honor individuals and benefit students of Holy Family Grade School.

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The McCoys (John Eugene "Jack" and Barbara Ann Witzeman McCoy) have generously provided several scholarships that honor individuals and benefit students of St. Teresa High School.

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The McCoys (John Eugene "Jack" and Barbara Ann Witzeman McCoy) have generously provided several scholarships that honor individuals and benefit students of St. James Grade School.

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The McCoys (John Eugene "Jack" and Barbara Ann Witzeman McCoy) have generously provided several scholarships that honor individuals and benefit students of St. Patrick Catholic School.

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The McCoys (John Eugene "Jack" and Barbara Ann Witzeman McCoy) have generously provided several scholarships that honor individuals and benefit students of St. Thomas Grade School.

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This scholarship provides funds for students from Macon County who have maintained at least a 2.75 grade point average on a 4.0 scale and are pursuing a degree (associate's or bachelor's) in agriculture or an agriculture-related field. Horticulture is excluded. This scholarship may be renewed each year for three years if the student makes good progress toward the degree. High school seniors or college students renewing may apply for this scholarship on The Community Foundation of Macon County website.

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Decatur Trades & Labor Assembly, a Central Labor Council of the AFL-CIO representing 13,000 union members and retirees in Macon County, created this scholarship to honor their past president, Michael E. Shampine, who passed away in 2007 at age 55. This scholarship is open to affiliate union members and their immediate family who plan to enroll in higher education, vocational trade school or apprentice programs. The ideal recipient will be recognized as having a desire to succeed by demonstrating strengths in leadership, community and political awareness. College students may reapply each year. High school seniors or college students renewing, may apply for this scholarship on The Community Foundation of Macon County website.

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The Millikin University Quarterback Club created this scholarship fund which provides an annual distribution to Millikin to be placed into the Merle Chapman Scholarship.

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Created by Ron Koopman in memory of his wife, Nancy, the Nancy Koopman Scholarship for St. John's Lutheran Church provides an earnings distribution each year to the Lutheran School Association to provide scholarships.

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Norman Lee Stewart began teaching English in the Decatur public high schools in 1959. In 1967, he became Chairman of MacArthur High School's English Department where he remained until his retirement in 1989. Mr. Stewart passed away in 2013, and his family, former students and friends contributed to his legacy of excellence in education through the creation of the Norman Lee Stewart Education Scholarship. This scholarship provides financial assistance to a MacArthur High School graduating senior who is pursuing a college degree in the humanities (languages, literature, philosophy or history). Seniors at MacArthur High School may apply for this scholarship on The Community Foundation of Macon County website.

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The Randy L. Kistler Early Bird Kiwanis Scholarship for Richland Community College was created by John Eugene "Jack" and Barbara Ann Witzeman McCoy in honor of Mr.Kistler and his contribution to Early Bird Kiwanis.

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The Reverend Mr. Herman Harris Davis-Raycraft Scholarship for Richland Community College was created by John Eugene "Jack" and Barbara Ann Witzeman McCoy. in

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Robert G. Turner graduated from Knox College in Galesburg, Ill., and earned a master's degree in educational administration at the University of Illinois. He taught social studies and coached at MacArthur High School before becoming assistant principal. In addition, he was principal at Eisenhower High School and served many years as associate superintendent of Decatur Public Schools until his retirement in 1984. Mr. Turner passed away in 1987 at age 66. Robert Turner's family established the Robert G. Turner Memorial Scholarship to honor his memory. Mildred Ruth Turner grew up in South Haven, Mich., graduating from Chicago's North Park Junior College before earning her bachelor’s degree in music education from Augustana College. While teaching music at Woodhall High School, she met Robert G. Turner, the coach. They married in 1951 and had four children, all graduates of Decatur’s MacArthur High School. She briefly worked for Decatur Public Schools where she was a music sub and taught ESL (English as a Second Language). However, choral music was her passion. Millie directed choirs and played handbells in multiple Decatur church settings and formerly directed the city’s PTA and PEO choirs. She founded the Grace Notes singing group and was an active alto in the Greater Decatur Chorale, Millikin Community Chorus and Opus 24. Her community service included the American Red Cross, Project Read, Historical Society, Noon Kiwanis and serving as lay assistant at First Lutheran Church. Robert Turner's family established the Robert G. Turner Memorial Scholarship to honor his memory. After her death in 2020, the family requested that Mildred's name be added to the scholarship. Seniors at Eisenhower High School, MacArthur High School, St. Teresa High School or LSA High School who are pursuing a liberal arts degree may apply for this scholarship on The Community Foundation of Macon County website.

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Robert Witt, long time business teacher and athletic coach at Eisenhower High School in Decatur, graduated from Illinois State University in Normal. In 1958, he joined the staff at the newly opened Eisenhower High School. At Eisenhower, he taught business and coached various sports for 33 years. In 1959, he married Joy, and they raised three very successful children. Bob Witt passed away in 1990 at age 57. Faculty at Eisenhower High School honored Bob by dedicating the gym in his honor and named it the Robert Witt Gymnasium. In 1991, faculty, family and friends created the Robert Witt Scholarship fund in his memory. The scholarship is awarded each year to a girl or boy senior athlete who displays a competitive spirit, is a hardworking team player, shows good sportsmanship and citizenship, and is of good character. His wife, Joy, graduated with a teaching degree from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston and went on to receive her master's degree at the University of Illinois. She taught for over 38 years in Decatur as an elementary school teacher with approximately 30 of those years devoted to special reading classes and programs. Joy passed away in 2012 at age 76, and the scholarship was renamed by the family to include her. Each year, the recipient of the Robert and Joy Witt Scholarship is selected by a staff member in the athletic department at Eisenhower High School.

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Roberta K. Gorden from Blue Mound, Ill., established this scholarship in December 2014. This scholarship is awarded each spring to a graduating senior from a Macon County public high school who is seeking a degree in an agriculture-related field. Criteria states the student must have financial need, be in good academic standing, demonstrate involvement in extracurricular activities and community service, provide a letter of recommendation, and submit a 300-word essay describing the importance and value of work that mentions the applicant's work experience. Seniors may apply for this scholarship on The Community Foundation of Macon County website.

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This scholarship honors and remembers Police Officer Robin Vogel of the Decatur Police Department, who died in the line of duty. The scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a Macon County high school who is pursuing a career in law enforcement, criminal justice or a related field.

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The Roy Lee Frady Memorial Scholarship for Richland Community College was created by John Eugene "Jack" and Barbara Ann Witzeman McCoy in memory of Mr. Frady, a master welder and lifelong friend.

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Created by the Sons of American Legion Post 105, this scholarship fund provides annual scholarships to applicants who meet the published criteria.

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In 2000, SuEllen Brauer, dedicated mathematics teacher at Eisenhower High School for 33 years and mathematics department chairperson for several of those years, established the SuEllen Brauer Scholarship. This scholarship provides college funds for a graduating senior at Eisenhower High School who has taken four years of mathematics and demonstrates good character and integrity. In the spring, the recipient of this scholarship is selected by the mathematics department at Eisenhower High School.

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This endowed scholarship fund was created by Susan and David Marshall to provide scholarships to students attending Millikin University. Each year, the earnings from the fund are sent to Millikin University for distribution.

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Susan Swanson was a special education teacher for 27 years in the Decatur Public School District and was voted Teacher of the Year during her tenure. As a college sophomore, Susan was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. As a teacher, her determination and perseverance with this disease were inspirational to her many students. Susan passed away in May 2007 at age 55 and was memorialized by her husband, Lloyd, and son, Andrew, through the establishment of The Susan Swanson Memorial Scholarship. Lloyd retired after 27 years as a master patrol officer for the Decatur Police Department and past vice-president and sergeant at arms of the Policemen's Benevolent and Protective Association Unit 39. Lloyd passed away in June 2014 at age 63. Upon Lloyd's death, the scholarship was renamed The Susan and Lloyd Swanson Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to children of those who have dedicated themselves to public service. Special consideration is given to students who declare a major in education, special education, computer science or law enforcement. In addition, the student must be the child (son, stepson, daughter or stepdaughter) of a member of the Decatur Education Association (DEA) or the Police Benevolent and Protection Association (PBPA) Unit 39. Seniors may apply for this scholarship on The Community Foundation of Macon County website.

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This endowed fund was created by generous donors to provide annual scholarships to Macon County students who demonstrate excellent potential and musicianship on the piano and who wish to take private lessons with a faculty piano teacher at Millikin University.

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In 1946, Juanita and Robert Tomlinson moved to Decatur where they opened Universal Music Studios on North Water Street. They taught music, sold musical instruments and supplies, and played local gigs. They had two daughters, Sandra and Nancy. Robert died in 1948, and Juanita was forced to sell the business and seek other employment. In 1962, Juanita married Carl Gates and moved to Lansing, Mich., where she continued her love for music. Mr. Gates passed away in 1962. When Juanita passed away in 2002 at age 93, her daughter, Sandra, along with Sandra's husband, Ritchie Barnett, a Decatur businessman, wanted to create a lasting memory for Sandra's parents. Sandra and Ritchie also had been involved in music throughout their lives and had enjoyed Millikin University's many programs, so it was natural for them to establish the Robert F. Tomlinson & Juanita Tomlinson Gates Music Scholarship at Millikin. In the spring, representatives from Millikin University's music department select a deserving music major to receive this scholarship.

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In 2004, June Roby established the Verne and June Roby Scholarship to be awarded to a student enrolled in the Tabor School of Business at Millikin University. Verne Roby earned a business degree from Millikin University. Following the Navy, Verne married June in 1944. In 1946, Verne became a licensed real estate salesman and broker for Roby and Roby along with his father in Decatur. Verne passed away in 2003. June was born in Chicago but loved Decatur from the first time she arrived in 1946. Decatur is where she and Verne raised three daughters. She was an active member of her church and volunteered for many community organizations. June passed away in 2013 at age 89. Representatives from the Tabor School of Business at Millikin University select a deserving business student to receive the Verne and June Roby Scholarship.

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Wole Adeoye was born in Nigeria. His family realized the importance of an education and sacrificed everything to send Wole to the United States for an education. He graduated in 1984 from the College of Pharmacy in St. Louis, Mo. In 1995, Wole and his family moved to Decatur where he accepted a job at Decatur Memorial Hospital as manager of pharmacy operations. In 1999, Wole opened the Victory Pharmacy in downtown Decatur. In 2005, the Victory Pharmacy Scholarship was created to provide financial assistance for black students pursuing a college education in the pharmacy profession. This scholarship is awarded to a graduate of MacArthur or Eisenhower High School who demonstrates financial need, is in good academic and moral standing, and plans to attend an accredited college of pharmacy. Seniors at Eisenhower High School or MacArthur High School may apply for this scholarship on The Community Foundation of Macon County website.

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Walter Kirby was born in New York City and was talented in both voice and piano. While attending college, he discovered an interest in languages, and he also met and married his wife, Vera. They had three children. He earned a master's degree from Columbia University. In 1943, Walter came to Decatur where he taught foreign languages in the public schools. In 1957, he joined the staff at the newly opened MacArthur High School where he taught foreign language until he retired in June 1974. Vera passed away in 1960. Walter married Inabell Trueblood, a teacher and administrator at MacArthur, in 1963. Walter passed away in 2000. Inabell Trueblood was born in Decatur in May 1919. She attended Decatur public schools. In 1941, she graduated from Millikin University. In 1957, following her service in the Army, Inabell joined the staff at the newly opened MacArthur High School where she was the dean of girls. In 1961, she took a leave of absence to complete her doctorate degree in educational administration at the University of Illinois. She continued to teach in Decatur schools until her retirement in 1984. Inabell passed away in 2009 at age 89. Inabell Trueblood Kirby established the Walter Kirby Memorial Scholarship to honor the memory of her husband. Upon Inabell's death, the family renamed the scholarship to be the Walter and Inabell Kirby Memorial Scholarship. The Memorial Scholarship is awarded to two outstanding seniors, one each at MacArthur and Eisenhower High Schools, who have taken four years of foreign language or music. In the spring, the recipient of this scholarship is selected by the foreign language or music teachers at MacArthur High School and Eisenhower High School.

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Walter Kirby was born in New York City and was talented in both voice and piano. While attending college, he discovered an interest in languages, and he also met and married his wife, Vera. They had three children. He earned a master's degree from Columbia University. In 1943, Walter came to Decatur where he taught foreign languages in the public schools. In 1957, he joined the staff at the newly opened MacArthur High School where he taught foreign language until he retired in June 1974. Vera passed away in 1960. Walter married Inabell Trueblood, a teacher and administrator at MacArthur, in 1963. Walter passed away in 2000. Inabell Trueblood was born in Decatur in May 1919. She attended Decatur public schools. In 1941, she graduated from Millikin University. In 1957, following her service in the Army, Inabell joined the staff at the newly opened MacArthur High School where she was the dean of girls. In 1961, she took a leave of absence to complete her doctorate degree in educational administration at the University of Illinois. She continued to teach in Decatur schools until her retirement in 1984. Inabell passed away in 2009 at the age of 89. Inabell Trueblood Kirby established the Walter Kirby Memorial Scholarship to honor the memory of her husband. Upon Inabell's death, the family renamed the scholarship to be the Walter and Inabell Kirby Memorial Scholarship. This Central Christian Church Scholarship is awarded to graduating high school seniors who attend Central Christian Church where Inabell was a member. One scholarship is for a senior at Eisenhower High School, and one scholarship is for a senior at MacArthur High School. Preference is given to students interested in music or languages. To apply, seniors should contact Central Christian Church.

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The generous scholarship fund created by the Wiesemann family is used to provide an annual scholarship to a participant in YLIA.

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The Decatur Family YMCA soccer program began over 35 years ago. Youth soccer through the YMCA offers a noncompetitive, instructional league for boys and girls ages 4 through high school in the community. Youth soccer teaches children the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. The soccer program's greatest resource is volunteers who coach and mentor the children through guidance from the YMCA staff. In 2001, the YMCA Soccer Club established the David Petrowski Soccer Scholarship in his memory. David was a friend and mentor to thousands of area youth as a coach and coordinator of the Decatur Family YMCA's youth soccer program. Each year, a scholarship is awarded to one male and one female high school senior soccer athlete who advanced through the YMCA soccer program. Please contact the YMCA to sign up for soccer or to apply for this scholarship.

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Young Leaders in Action (YLIA) is a youth-led initiative of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation and Rotary Club No. 180 of Decatur. It is open to high school sophomores, juniors and seniors. Through monthly meetings and volunteer opportunities, members enhance their leadership, communication, social and analytical skills while learning about Macon County, nonprofits and philanthropy. High school senior members of YLIA are automatically eligible for the Young Leaders in Action Scholarship.

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This scholarship was established by friends of Zannie Rawls in his memory to honor a top MacArthur High School football athlete.

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