We received notifications from Lincoln Land Community College and University of Illinois Springfield that our club's annual scholarships have been awarded. The awards were formally announced at recent scholarship events. Bonnie Styles attended the two events and had the opportunity to meet one of the recipients.
Lincoln Land Community College selected Alyssa LeSeure (image to left) as the recipient of our club's $2000 2023-2024 John Giavaras Scholarship. Alyssa is a 2023 graduate of Glenwood High School. She began attending Lincoln Land Community College this fall as a business major. She is interested in exploring areas such as international affairs and accounting. She prides herself in her community service including serving her local food bank and the United Way. Throughout high school she volunteered, played recreational and competitive volleyball, participated in National Honor Society, and she worked part-time at locally owned businesses.Alyssa expressed sincere gratitude for this scholarship, and said “it will undeniably change my educational future and many other aspects of my life. This will not only lower the cost of my education for me, but allow me to achieve my goals, help my family, and leave my mark on the world."
Alyssa relayed that her father lost his job right before the pandemic, and it caused her family financial hardship. “I had to get two jobs at 15 to have money for myself and to help out my parents.” She chose to attend community college because it was the best option financially. She further noted that the Rotary scholarship will allow her to pursue her education without as much financial stress, something she has had to deal with her whole life. After she finishes at Lincoln Land she hope to transfer to a four year college and be a first generation college graduate for her family.
Bonnie met Alyssa at the Lincoln Land Scholarship Donor Appreciation Reception on October 30 (image on left) and enjoyed speaking with her. Bonnie invited Alyssa to have dinner with members of the Rotary Club of Springfield at one of our meetings in the New Year and speak briefly about what the scholarship means to her. She said she would gladly speak to our club.
Bonnie attended the University of Illinois Springfield Scholarship Luncheon on November 8. UIS selected Connor Emmons as the recipient of our Club’s 2023-2024 Francis W. Wenzel Memorial Scholarship ($2000). Connor is a Biology major at UIS. He chose this field of study because of a long-term interest in the subject. In high school, his favorite classes were Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Terminology, genetics, and forensics. Given his interest in the human body, he recently decided that he would like to be a dentist. After he completes his undergraduate work at UIS, he hope to pursue dental school. Connor expressed sincere appreciation to the Rotary Club of Springfield for the scholarship. In his written materials, he indicated that he will use the monies for books, supplies, and incidental expenses. Although he was scheduled to attend the scholarship luncheon, he was unable to attend. We look forward to meeting him later in the year.