Local Students Receive $20,000 in Scholarships from the Community Foundation

Sixteen area students pursuing higher education and a local teacher are being awarded more than $20,000 in scholarships and recognition awards from the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri.

Recipients of the scholarships, most of which come from permanently endowed funds at the Community Foundation, will receive financial support towards the accredited post-secondary institution they are attending in the 2017-2018 school year. One fund also provides a teacher recognition award and grant to provide classroom resources.

Each scholarship fund has its own criteria representing the donor’s or honoree’s interests or legacy. A portion of the earnings of each fund is reinvested for continued growth, providing future scholarships and awards to deserving students.

This year’s recipients include:

• Jacob Schumacher, a student at Quincy University, received the Amelia E. Bauner, Frances A. Hall, and Walter J. Hall Scholarship.
• Tanner Stratton , a student at John Wood Community College, received the George & Sharen Borrowman Agriculture Scholarship.
• Samantha Reed , a graduate of Quincy Senior High School, received the Becky Swisher Crowe Memorial Scholarship.
• Eric Jones , a graduate of Hannibal High School, received the Hannibal High School Class of 1955 Scholarship.
• Rebecca Giles, graduate of Pleasant Hill High School, received the Virginia Kaye Leinweber Leeds Scholarship.
• Charlotte Sullivant , a graduate of Quincy Senior High School, received the Kenneth and Eleanor Lohr Memorial Scholarship.
• Austin Ward , a graduate of Western High School, received the Dorothy J. Motley Memorial Scholarship.
• Taylor Gonnerman, a graduate of Highland High School, and Jackson Barry , a graduate of Canton R-V High School, received scholarships from the Ben C. and Etta M. Plank Memorial Fund.
• Luke Engelmeyer , a graduate of Quincy Senior High School, received the Quincy High School Class of 1957 Scholarship.
• Chloe Churchwell, a graduate of Palmyra Senior High School, received a scholarship from the Teresa Lynn Thompson Memorial Scholarship Fund.
• Shannon DeHaan, Cooper Sutter, Trevor DeHaan and Ben Althoff , graduates of Palmyra Senior High School, received and renewed scholarships from the Alton A. Vannice FFA Leadership Fund.
• Richard Kell , a graduate of Canton R-V High School, received the Tom and Judy Zenge Fund Scholarship.
• Chad Morss, a teacher at Canton R-V High School, received the Tom and Judy Zenge Fund Teacher Recognition Award.

Amelia A. Bauner, Frances A. Hall and Walter J. Hall Scholarship Fund - Quincy University

Jacob Schumacher is a student at Quincy University majoring in education. He plans to pursue a teaching career following graduation in December 2017.

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 who are 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, died 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.

George & Sharen Borrowman Agriculture Scholarship Fund – John Wood Community College

Tanner Stratton of Quincy, IL is a 2017 graduate of John Wood Community College. He will attend Western Illinois University this fall where he will major in agronomy.

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

Samantha Reed is a 2017 graduate of Quincy Senior High School. Samantha will attend John Wood Community College where she will major in education. Samantha is the daughter of Ann and Casey Reed.

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.

Hannibal High School Class of 1955 Scholarship Fund - Hannibal (MO) High School

Eric Jones is a 2017 graduate of Hannibal High School. Eric will attend Missouri State University where he will major in pre-physical therapy and minor in business and entrepreneurship. He is the son of Eric and Talia Jones of Hannibal.

The Hannibal High School Class of 1955 Scholarship Fund provides a scholarship to a Hannibal High School graduate who will be attending an accredited post-secondary institution for tuition, room and board, fees and/or books, and related expenses.

At its 50th reunion, two members of the Hannibal High School Class of 1955 challenged others to establish a scholarship to give back to the community and school that were so important to them during their formative years. Forty-six members made founding gifts to establish this scholarship fund in 2005.

Virginia Kaye Leinweber Leeds Scholarship Fund – Pleasant Hill (IL) High School

Rebecca Giles is a 2017 graduate of Pleasant Hill (IL) High School. Rebecca will attend MacMurry College and pursue a career in nursing. She is the daughter of Mike and Dolly Giles of Pleasant Hill, IL.

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 bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees.

The Virginia Kaye Leinweber Leeds Scholarship Fund provides a scholarship to Pleasant Hill High School graduates interested in pursuing 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.”

Kenneth and Eleanor Lohr Memorial Scholarship Fund – Quincy (IL) Senior High School

Charlotte Sullivant is a 2017 graduate of Quincy Senior High School. Charlotte will attend Drake University, where she will complete undergraduate work to pursue a career as a pharmacist. Charlotte is the daughter of Christine Sullivant of Quincy.

The Kenneth and Eleanor Lohr Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by the daughters of Kenneth and Eleanor Lohr 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.

Dorothy J. Motley Memorial Scholarship Fund – Western (IL) High School

Austin Ward is a 2017 graduate of Western High School in Barry, Illinois. Austin will attend Culver-Stockton College where he will major in nursing. Austin is the son of Patrick and Tina Ward of Hull, IL.

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,” said Debbie Harshman, owner of The Paper in Barry. “She 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.

Ben C. & Etta M. Plank Memorial Fund - Canton High School and Highland High School

Jackson Barry is a 2017 graduate of Canton High School. Jackson will attend Missouri University of Science and Technology where he will major in engineering. He is the son of Patti Mathison and Jay Barry of Canton, MO.

Taylor Gonnerman is a 2017 graduate of Highland High School. Taylor will attend Moberly Area Community College. She is the daughter of Chris and Tracy Gonnerman of LaBelle, MO.

Dorothy Plank established the Ben C. and Etta M. Plank Memorial Fund , in honor of her parents, through her trust. The scholarship is for students graduating from Canton High School or Highland High School, Lewis County, Missouri to help fund college tuition. The endowed fund will continue to provide support for students continuing their education for years to come.

Dorothy Plank was a modest person who did not draw attention to herself. She thought long and hard about what she wanted to do to benefit others. A longtime friend and her attorney both agreed that while living she would not have wanted people to know her estate plans. They also agree that what Miss Plank did serves as an example for others to consider when planning for charitable causes.

Alton A. Vannice FFA Leadership Fund – Palmyra High School

Shannon DeHaan is a 2017 graduate of Palmyra R-1 High School. Shannon will attend Lake Land Community College in Mattoon, IL where she will major in agricultural education. She is the daughter of Kevin and Diane DeHaan of Taylor, MO.

Cooper Sutter, a 2016 graduate of Palmyra R-1 High School, attends the University of Missouri and majors in crop management. Sutter received his second year of the renewable scholarship.

Trevor DeHaan, a 2015 graduate of Palmyra R-1 High School, attends Kansas State University where he majors in animal nutrition. Trevor DeHann received his third year of the renewable scholarship.

Ben Althoff, a 2014 graduate of Palmyra R-1 High School, attends Northwest Missouri State University where he majors in agronomy with a concentration in precision and commercial agriculture. Althoff received his fourth and final year of the renewable scholarship.

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

Luke Engelmeyer, a 2017 graduate of Quincy Senior High School, is the recipient of the Quincy High School Class of 1957 Scholarship. He will attend Wheaton College and major in psychology and English.

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

Chloe Churchwell is a 2017 graduate of Palmyra R-I High School. Chloe will attend Moberly Area Community College where she will major in elementary education. She is the daughter of Eric and Cara Churchwell of Palmyra, MO.

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 had 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

Richard Kell is a 2017 graduate of Canton R-V High School. Richard will attend Missouri University of Science and Technology where he will major in chemical engineering. Richard is the son of David and Cindy Kell of Canton, MO.

The student scholarship recipient recommends selection of the teacher award recipient. The primary consideration is for the teacher who has been most influential in helping the student to achieve academic success. Mr. Chad Morss is a high school math teacher at Canton R-V High School. With the award, Mr. Morss will use the award to purchase Smart Notebook software and an Apple TV for the school.

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 encourages 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.