Scholarships

2022 Scholarship Recipients

The Russ Marvel Scholarship Celebrations took place on May 4, 2022, in EHS small gym.

60 scholarships were awarded, totaling $43,000!

Thank you to everyone who donated, and congratulations to all of the scholarship recipients.

 

Al’s Tire Mart Scholarship – Al’s Tire Mart is offering a $500 scholarship to an Effingham High School senior who wishes to continue his or her education in any field of study.

Bill and Julie Fritcher Scholarship – The Effingham Unit #40 Education Foundation is offering a $500 scholarship to an Effingham High School senior who wishes to continue his or her education in the field of Education or Social Services. Russ and Shari Marvel started this scholarship as a thank you to William and Julie Fritcher for their contributions in education, Julie as a school counselor and Bill for his years of dedicated service to Unit #40. In addition, Bill was instrumental in the establishment and growth of the Unit 40 Education Foundation.

Centenary United Methodist Church Scholarship – This $500 scholarship is given in memory of John and Patricia Kirby by their family.  John and Patricia were both graduates of Effingham High School.  Preference is to be given to a student who is a member of Centenary United Methodist Church.

Chris Donaldson Memorial Scholarship – Chris Donaldson graduated from EHS in 1995.  He later served in the U.S. Army, stationed at numerous bases across the US, as well as Germany, Korea, and Afghanistan.   Because of his hard work and perseverance after enlisting, he was accepted into flight training school in Fort Rucker Alabama, he graduated as a Chinook helicopter pilot, and later rose to the high rank of Chief Warrant Officer II, serving with the 10th Mountain Division.  While serving in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom, Chris died in a helicopter crash on May 5, 2006, along with nine other soldiers.  Chris was such an outstanding, kind, and generous person that his surviving family, friends, and many others donate annually so that two $750 scholarships can be awarded in Chris’s honor to graduating EHS seniors pursuing any field of study.

Chuck Stevens Memorial Scholarship –

Civil Design Inc. – Civil Giving Scholarship – Civil Design is a female-owned Civil Engineering Firm with offices in St. Louis, Missouri; Effingham, Illinois; and Louisville, Kentucky.  Civil Design Inc. is offering a $500 scholarship to a female Effingham High School senior who wishes to continue her education in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) related field.  Civil Giving Fund of the St. Louis Community Foundation, Civil Design Inc.’s charitable branch, started this scholarship as a recognition and appreciation of the many women leaders in STEM fields.

Clyde Oberlin Memorial Scholarship – The Clyde Oberlin family is offering a $1,000 scholarship to an Effingham High School senior who wishes to continue his or her education in the graphic arts, business, or information technology fields. Clyde Oberlin moved to the Effingham community in the early 1970s. He was instrumental in bringing the World Color Press plant to Effingham and was an inspiration for corporate citizenry and civic leadership.Upon his death in 1997, his wife Charlene determined the best way to keep his civic spirit alive was to create scholarships for college-bound students. This scholarship is separate from the Oberlin Scholarships offered through Midland States Bank and will take into consideration academic achievement, extracurricular activities and community service.

Dan Hecht Business Scholarship – Dan Hecht Chevrolet Toyota, Inc. is offering a $500 scholarship to an Effingham High School senior who wishes to continue his or her education in the field of Business.

Dan King Memorial Scholarship – This $500 scholarship is in honor of Daniel J. King, given by his family.  Dan graduated as valedictorian from Carmel High School, Carmel, Indiana, and considered himself a life-long learner.  As a long-time member of the Effingham community, Dan was very active in volunteer work – especially programs involving young people.  He was an 8^th grade Sunday School teacher and Youth program coordinator at his church for 25 years, including leading youth on 15 mission trips to Appalachia.  A proud Eagle Scout, he was a member of the Lincoln Trails Boy Scout Council Board of Directors and played an active role in the troops at the local level.  Dan was a past member of the board for United Way of Effingham County.  He helped the EHS Band Boosters grow their cookout fundraiser from the occasional football game to a standing tradition of the EHS football season with a permanent structure.  The successful applicant needs to demonstrate a high academic standard and a strong commitment to volunteerism.  Criteria to be considered include a minimum GPA of 3.5, any course of study at a four-year university, and more than one type of volunteer experience–at least one with a youth-oriented group (church, Scouts, sports, etc.).

Debolt Enterprises, Inc./Culver’s of Effingham Scholarship – Debolt Enterprises, Inc./Culver’s of Effingham is offering a $500 scholarship to an Effingham High School senior going on to further his or her education in any field of study.

Dr. P.D.L. Nayak Scholarship – Dr. P.D.L. Nayak is offering a $1000 scholarship to an Effingham High School senior going on to further his or her education in any field of study.

 

Ed Minor Memorial Scholarship –

Effingham JFL Scholarship – The Effingham JFL is sponsoring a $500 scholarship to an EHS senior who wishes to continue his or her education.  Applicants must have participated in JFL football or cheerleading for at least 2 years and also participated in the high school program.

Effingham Kiwanis Club –

Helen Niccum Education Scholarship –

J & J Ventures Gaming, LLC Scholarship – J & J Ventures Gaming LLC is offering a $1000 scholarship to an Effingham High School senior who will attend an Illinois school to further his or her education in a business field of study. The successful applicant will be active in extra-curricular activities, perform well academically, and be generally a well-rounded individual.

Jack Klosterman Memorial Scholarship –The family of Jack Klosterman is offering a $500 scholarship with preference given to EHS graduates who have played football.  Growing up, Jack was an outstanding athlete in both basketball and football.  He translated his love of sports into an outstanding coaching career.  Jack was the EHS football coach from 1956, until his retirement in 1980.  His overall coaching record was 198-63-8 in thirty-one years, including 9 conference titles, 6 undefeated seasons, and 2 playoff appearances. He twice was named Coach of the Year by the Decatur Herald and Review, inducted into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame, and honored with the naming of EHS’s football field, as Klosterman Field.

James Zumbahlen Construction Skills Scholarship – Lustig Custom Cabinets is sponsoring a $500 scholarship to an Effingham High School senior exhibiting a strong interest in building construction and/or woodworking.  Jim taught Construction Trades and Woodworking at EHS for over 30 years.  His class was featured in “This Old House” for their work helping renovate Effingham’s historic Garnet Hall.

Kindra Westendorf Memorial Scholarship – This $1,000 scholarship is given in honor of Kindra Westendorf, an EHS graduate who excelled in volleyball and academics. Kindra was pursuing her career as a physician, prior to her untimely death. She is remembered for her leadership, ability to focus, athletic competitiveness, and community involvement. Kindra traveled to China with a medical delegation, which reflects her work ethic and moral character. The applicant for this scholarship must display much of these same characteristics that exemplified Kindra’s life. The Samuel Music Foundation, in conjunction with her parents Mr. and Mrs. Ken Westendorf, is awarding a $1,000 scholarship to a female EHS senior who meets the following criteria:

1. Has a minimum GPA of 3.0
2. Participated in volleyball
3. Exhibits qualities of leadership, community service, and high moral character.

Linders Limited LLC/McDonalds Scholarship – Linders Limited LLC/McDonalds is offering a $500 scholarship to an Effingham High School senior going on to further his or her education in any field of study.

Marion Eye Center Scholarship – Marion Eye Center is sponsoring a $500 scholarship to an Effingham High School senior who wishes to continue his or her education in any field of study. Strong consideration will be given to financial need for further education, including trade schools and community colleges.

Martha Stevens Memorial Scholarship –

Maxine Gravenhorst Memorial Scholarship – The Maxine Gravenhorst family is offering a $500 scholarship to an Effingham High School senior who wishes to continue his or her studies in the field of Education. Maxine Jaycox Gravenhorst was born in Effingham, graduated from the University of Illinois in 1934, and retired from teaching in 1966. Her teaching career included 12 years in Effingham Unit 40 and a term as Assistant Superintendent of Effingham County Schools. Maxine was thoroughly loved by all of her students. Maxine always said, “If I have touched someone’s life, my living was not in vain.” Upon her death in 2015 at the age of 101, this scholarship was established to honor her.

McDevitt, Osteen, Chojnicki & Deters Scholarship –  The law firm of McDevitt, Osteen, Chojnicki & Deters is offering a $500 scholarship to an Effingham High School Senior going on to furthter his or her education in any field of study.

Mitchell Coffin Memorial Scholarship – A $500 scholarship is given in memory of Mitchell Coffin, an EHS student who would have graduated in the Class of 2020-2021.  Mitchell loved all aspects of EHS, but his favorite time was spent in the Drama, Chorus, and Fine Arts Departments.  Mitchell demonstrated strength and bravery during his cancer fight.  The applicant should display high moral character and excellence in all activities with preference given to students continuing their education in a fine arts/theatre field.

Monroe Family Trust Scholarship – The Monroe Family Trust is offering a $1,000 scholarship to an Effingham High School senior going on to further his or education in any field of study.

New Hope Church Scholarship – New Hope Church is sponsoring a $1000 scholarship to an Effingham High School senior with a heart for serving others.  New Hope offers this scholarship to someone pursuing any field of study, actively volunteering in the community, and involved in his or her church.

Northside Ford Business Scholarship – Northside Ford is offering a $500 scholarship to an Effingham High School senior who wishes to continue his or her education in the field of Business.

Opal Dancey Memorial Scholarship –

Roy Schmidt Honda Scholarship – Roy Schmidt Honda is offering a $500 scholarship to an Effingham High School senior who wishes to continue his or her education in any field of study.

Russ and Shari Marvel Teacher Scholarship – Russ and Shari Marvel are offering multiple $500 scholarships to Effingham High School seniors who wish to continue their studies in the field of Education. Both Mr. and Mrs. Marvel were longtime educators in the Effingham community and wish to assist students pursuing a career that they found so personally rewarding.

Sacred Heart School Scholarship – Sacred Heart School is offering a $500 scholarship to an Effingham High School senior who wishes to continue his or her education in any field of study. Preference will be given to a student that graduated from Sacred Heart School and has been involved in service to the church/community.

Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center Scholarship – Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center is offering a $500 scholarship to an Effingham High School senior who wishes to continue his or her education in a medical field of study.

Shawn Mohundro Memorial Scholarship –

Starwalt/McGrath Scholarship –

Tom and Lana Henderson Scholarship – Tom and Lana Henderson are sponsoring a $500 scholarship to an Effingham High School senior who wishes to continue his or her education in the field of Business.  Tom is an Effingham businessman and served on the Unit 40 School Board for 12 years.  Tom and his wife Lana have been longtime contributors to the Unit 40 Education Foundation and believe strongly in supporting education.

 

Washington Savings Bank Scholarship – Washington Savings Bank is offering a $1000 scholarship to an Effingham High School senior going on to further his or her education in any field of study.

Waupaca Foundry, Inc. Effingham Machining Scholarship – Waupaca Foundry, Inc. Effingham Machining is offering three scholarships:

*One $1000 scholarship to an Effingham High School student who is continuing his or her education in the field of Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering;

*Two $500 scholarship to an Effingham High School student who is continuing his or her education in any field of study.

Zach Fish Memorial Scholarship – A $500 scholarship is given in the memory of Zach Fish, EHS Class of 2004.  Zach was a sports enthusiast and received a football and academic scholarship to attend McKendree University.  The applicant for this scholarship should be continuing his or her education in the field of Business, with a preference given to applicants continuing sports at the college level.

Effingham Unit 40 Education Foundation Scholarship – The Effingham Unit #40 Education Foundation is offering multiple $500 scholarships to Effingham High School seniors who wish to continue their education in any field of study.

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