Scholarships

The Russ Marvel Scholarship Celebration took place at 5:00pm

on May 6, 2024, in EHS small gym.

61 scholarships were awarded. Congratulations, Seniors!

Photos provided by Nicole Fields Photography

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 $1000 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. 

Brian and Sue Wick Scholarship – Brian and Sue Wick are offering a $1000 scholarship to an EHS senior who is going on to study in any field. Brian and Sue are both former Unit 40 teachers.

Centenary United Methodist Church Scholarship – A $500 scholarship will be awarded this year from Centenary United Methodist Church.  This scholarship is given in memory of Alice Brasel and Michael Strange.  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 t3hat 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.

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 $1000 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. Navi Arora Scholarship –Dr. Navi Arora is offering a $500 scholarship to an EHS senior going on to pursue a career in the health care field. Dr. Arora was born and raised in Effingham and is a 2002 graduate of Effingham High School. Dr Arora moved back to Effingham in 2013 to become the medical director of his parent’s primary and urgent care clinic – Effingham Prompt Care.

Earth Energy Scholarship – The Earthrise Energy Company is sponsoring a $500 scholarship for an EHS student that is going to further their studies in a STEM field – preference will be given to a student interested in studying renewable energy. The successful applicant will have participated in at least 2 extra curricular activities at EHS (sports, band, drama, scholar bowl, NHS, clubs etc) and have volunteer experience outside of school (church, local charities, scouts, youth organizations etc) More information on Earthrise Energy can be gotten by contacting Foundation Board member Ryan Engel.

Ed Minor Memorial Scholarship – All four of Ed and Sue Ann Minor’s sons graduated from Effingham High School. Brian, Derek and Jared went on to further their education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Craig earned degrees from Lake Land College, Western Governors University and Chamberlain University. Higher education was always a priority for Ed. He graduated in 1980 with a degree in physics from Eastern Illinois University and worked his entire career in a variety of roles at two coal power plants:  Newton and later Coffeen.  He was a life-long learner and especially enjoyed anything science, math, and computer related.  His wife and sons would like to offer a $1,000 scholarship with preference going to someone who plans to attend UIUC and major in a STEM field.

Effingham High School Band Boosters Scholarships – The EHS Band Boosters are sponsoring 2 –  $500 scholarships. These Scholarships will be given to students going into any field of study.  The successful recipients will have participated for 4 years in one or more band class (Concert Band or Wind Ensemble) and/or band extracurricular (Marching Band, Color Guard, Drumline, Jazz Band). Extra consideration will be given to students who also participated in honor bands (ILMEA Band, All-State Band, Bi-State Band or Apollo Conference Band).

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

Effingham Kiwanis Club Scholarship – Kiwanis Club of Effingham County is offering a $500 scholarship to an Effingham High School senior who wishes to continue his or her education in any field of study working with children. (Examples:  Education, Social Work, Day Care, Nursing, Pediatrician, Psychology, DCFS, Human Services etc).  The applicant must at least have a B grade point average.  The Kiwanis Club is an organization made up of members dedicated to improving the lives of children in the Effingham County community.

Effingham Machining Scholarship – (formerly Waupaca Foundry) Effingham Machining is offering three scholarships:

2. Two $500 scholarships to an Effingham High School students who are continuing their education in the field of Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering.
3. One $500 scholarship to an Effingham High School student who is continuing his or her education in any field of study.

George and Ardel Huntington Scholarship – The George and Ardel Huntington Family is offering a $1,000 scholarship to an Effingham High School senior who wishes to further his or her studies in the field of Education, Law Enforcement or Social Justice.  George and Ardel are graduates of Effingham High School and have lived, worked, volunteered and raised their family in the Effingham community.

Helen Niccum Education Scholarship – Helen Niccum is offering a $500 scholarship to an Effingham High school senior who wishes to continue their studies in the field of education.  Preference will be given to a student who wishes to pursue Elementary Education as a specialty.

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. The successful applicant will be active in extra-curricular activities, strong academically, and be 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.

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.

Leisure Times Scholarship – A $500 scholarship is offered to an EHS senior.

Mary Higgs Trust Scholarship – The Mary Higgs Trust is offering five $1,000 scholarships in 2024. 

Maxine Gravenhorst Memorial Scholarship – The Maxine Gravenhorst family is offering a $750 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 Maxine and her contribution to Education.

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 further 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 2019-2020.  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. 

Nick Nosbisch Memorial Scholarship – Two $1000 scholarships will be awarded in memory of Nick Nosbisch, one to an EHS senior boy and one to an EHS senior girl. Nick was a quiet leader, a hard worker, and a terrific friend and teammate. He was the kind of kid who made the right choices, even if no one was watching. He was always smiling, and carried himself in a positive manner. He was the type of student athlete whose memory remains vividly in the minds of his coaches 20 years later. The students that receive these scholarships will be ones that are focused on giving back to the Effingham community.

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 – Ten $1000 scholarships from the Opal Dancey Memorial Foundation formed in 1975 by her childhood sweetheart Russell Dancey are offered in memory of Opal Utterback Dancey (b.1904) for EHS seniors pursuing education in health care or business with an emphasis on entrepreneurship. The Foundation is currently managed by her grandchildren with fond memories of her courage, strength and “spunk.” 

Ron Mietzner Scholarship – The Unit 40 Foundation is sponsoring a $1000 scholarship in honor of our favorite Santa – Ron Mietzner, who has helped make our annual Breakfast With Santa a huge success for many years. This scholarship is for any field of study. The successful student will have more than one type of volunteer experience in the resume.

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 Healthcare Scholarship – is offering a $500 scholarship to a student entering the healthcare field.

Shawn Mohundro Memorial Scholarship – This scholarship is to honor Shawn Mohundro, a friend and colleague who played a large role in Dan’s success throughout his career.  Shawn always demonstrated great leadership in business, partnership for charity, and friendship to many.  Shawn understood the importance of furthering education and continuously improving in business.  This $1,000 scholarship is being offered by the Starwalt Family to an Effingham High School Senior going on to further education in the field of Business.

Starwalt/McGrath Scholarship – This $1,000 scholarship is to honor the great men and women in both the Starwalt and McGrath families and is being offered by the Starwalt Family.  These families were built on strong values and work ethics.  This scholarship will be offered to an Effingham Senior pursuing an education through a technical, vocational or trade college.

Stevens Family/Martha Stevens Memorial Scholarship – This $1500 scholarship is in honor of Martha Stevens, given by her family.  Martha graduated as valedictorian from Teutopolis High School.  Although she was not able to go on to college, she devoted her life to her husband, seven children, many grandchildren, and great grandchildren, as well as the communities of Teutopolis and Effingham, which she dearly loved.  She was truly a lifelong learner and supporter of education.  Martha taught religious education at Teutopolis High School for many years and loved her interactions with the students.  She sat on the board for what is now the ARC Community Support Systems and was truly committed to securing opportunities for all people with disabilities.  She was instrumental in forming the first group homes for those with disabilities in Effingham.   Above all else, Martha showed a sense of help and compassion to those in need. Together with her husband, Chuck, they supported people of all ages, near and far, as they worked to better their lives.  It is our hope that this scholarship will go to a youth that exemplifies her hardworking, giving and compassionate spirit.  Criteria to be considered includes a minimum 3.7 GPA, major in teaching or medical field at a junior college or four-year university, and at least three types of volunteer experience. 

Stevens Family/Chuck Stevens Memorial Scholarship – This $1500 scholarship is in honor of Chuck Stevens, given by his family.  Chuck was a Chicago native who came to the Teutopolis community after being in the Air Force and attending DePaul university.  He could always be heard telling people that our community in Effingham County was in God’s Country, and it was the people that made it incredible.  Together with his wife, they raised 7 children and founded and built Stevens Industries, which began in the back of his father-in-law’s garage.  He always claimed that the employees were what made the company so successful.  Chuck Stevens exemplified hard work and determination, and he valued these attributes.  He was a self-trained engineer and carpenter and huge supporter of the trades.  While he fully supported college educations, he was the first to admit that the trades were just as important.  He was the first to quietly help someone in need or give someone a second chance.  Together with his wife, they supported many trying to improve their lives through hard work.  It is the wish of his family that this $1500 scholarship go to an individual that exemplifies his hardworking, selfless, and determined spirit.  Criteria to be considered includes a minimum of a 3.5 GPA, focus on trades, engineering, or architecture fields at trade school, junior college, or four-year university.

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.

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.

Zach Scott Business Scholarship – This $1,000 scholarship is being offered to an EHS senior goingon to attend a four-year university and furthering his or her education in any field of study. Preference will be given to students participating in school-sponsored extracurricular activities.
Zach graduated from EHS in 2007 and went on to study Business and Finance at Butler University in Indianapolis. He is sponsoring this scholarship to give back to the community in which he was born and raised.

Effingham Unit 40 Education Foundation Scholarship – The Effingham Unit #40 Education Foundation is offering multiple $1000 scholarships to Effingham High School seniors who wish to continue their education in any field of study.