Fall 2024 Adult Scholarship Recipients
Macon County – Twenty-six Macon County residents are receiving nearly $60,000 in educational scholarships through a competitive program coordinated by The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation. This semester’s individual awards range from $1,000 to $2,500. Since inception in 2020, the adult scholarship program is possible thanks to generous individuals, families, and organizations, granting up to $100,000 annually.
The adult scholarship program represents an investment in workforce development supporting individuals seeking further education in critical need fields. This scholarship cycle, six new recipients are pursuing advanced degrees in education, three recipients are pursuing degrees in social work, two recipients are pursuing degrees in business administration, one is pursuing a master’s in nursing, and one is pursuing a local apprenticeship.
New Adult Scholarship Recipients Fall 2024
Name, School/Program, Place of Employment
- Brooke Bates, University of Tennessee–Knoxville, State of Illinois
- Lillian Briscoe, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Lutheran Child & Family Services
- Nikki Eagler, American College of Education, Maroa-Forsyth Elementary Teacher
- Jami Fawley, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Children's Museum of Illinois
- Heather Fields, Grand Canyon University, Gailey Eye Clinic
- Tara Hubbard, Grand Canyon University, Decatur Public Schools
- Alexa Jones, Eastern Illinois University, Sangamon Valley High School Teacher
- Garrett McMillion, Midstate Electrical Training Center, Student
- Abigail Norman, American College of Education, Meridian High School Teacher
- Denisha Patrick, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, Decatur Public Schools
- Joshua Platzbecker, Millikin University, Illinois College
- Allison Shuppara, Undecided, Richland Community College
- Emily West, Millikin University, ADM
Renewing Adult Scholarship Recipients Fall 2024
Name, School/Program, Place of Employment
- Kelsey Armstrong, Southern New Hampshire University, Regions Bank
- Nathan Cardinal, Wilmington University, State Farm Insurance
- Denise Flexser, Grand Canyon University, Mt. Zion Intermediate School
- Natasha Hamilton, Millikin University, Student
- Diane Johnson, Millikin University, Decatur Public Schools - Hope Academy
- Evan Klaves, IBEW 146 Apprenticeship, Bodine Electric of Decatur
- Serena Klaves, University of Illinois-Springfield, Farm Credit Illinois
- John Meek, Midstate Electrical Training Center, Bodine Electric of Decatur
- Raphaella Prange, Maryville University, Maryville University
- Kati Smith, University of Illinois-Springfield, Macon-Piatt Special Education District
- Andrew Taylor, Millikin University, Economic Development Corporation of Decatur & Macon County
- Tamika Thomas, Indiana Wesleyan University, Richland Community College
- LaMarcus Williams, Midstate Electrical Training Center, Bodine Electric of Decatur
Questions about the Adult Scholarship Program should be directed to Andrea Gerhard at agerhard@heartofillinois.org or 217.429.3000.
