SIUC awards 19 Presidential Scholarships

August 08, 2005

SIUC awards 19 Presidential Scholarships

by Tom Woolf

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Nineteen of Illinois' most talented high school graduates will start their collegiate careers later this month at Southern Illinois University Carbondale as Presidential Scholars.

SIU President James E. Walker announced the creation of the Presidential Scholars Program in September 2001 as part of his Shared Vision for SIU. The scholarships are awarded to 19 students who plan to attend SIUC.

The scholarships, worth more than $12,400 for each of the next four years, are the most comprehensive available at the University and cover tuition, fees, room and board.

Minimum eligibility requirements for the Presidential Scholarship are an ACT composite score of 29, a 3.75 grade-point average on a 4.0 (perfect) scale, leadership qualities and Illinois residency.

The 19 recipients, listed alphabetically by hometown, are:

Anna

• Benjamin U. Johnson, Anna-Jonesboro Community High School, the son of Kim and Jerry Johnson of Anna. Valedictorian of his graduating class, he was an Illinois State Scholar, Outstanding Senior and Rotary Club Student of the month. Extracurricular activities included Spanish club, Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering team, Scholar Bowl, Beta Club and math team. He plans to major in finance at SIUC.

Arcola

• Sarah Wells, Arcola High School, the daughter of Barney and Marcia Wells of Arcola. A National Merit Commended Student, she was president of the local National Honor Society chapter, treasurer of the student council and a member of Spanish and drama clubs, AFS, band and the basketball and softball teams. She plans to major in biological sciences at SIUC.

Carterville

• Jacob Heath, Herrin High School, the son of Robert and Patricia Heath. A National Honor Society and Honor Roll member, he was an Eagle Scout, the winner of a U.S. Achievement Academy National History and Government Award and is listed in Who's Who Among American High School Students. Extracurricular activities included Scholar Bowl, math team, Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering team, Spanish club and Spanish scholar bowl. He plans to major in pre-pharmacy at SIUC.

• Meredith Ellen Simpson, Carterville High School, the daughter of Robert and Janell Simpson. An Illinois State Scholar, she was the winner of a National Science Foundation scholarship. Extracurricular activities included band, BETA Club and the National Honor Society. She plans to major in mathematics at SIUC.

Colfax

• Ashley Grimes, Ridgeview High School, the daughter of Daniel and Karen Grimes. A National Honor Society member, she was the winner of DAR and President's Education Awards, various departmental awards and was an Illinois State Scholar. Extracurricular activities included volleyball, serving as class president, band, Spanish club, Adopt-A-Family volunteer and Students Against Drunk Driving. She plans to major in journalism at SIUC.

Dowell

• Bryan Norbut, a home-schooled student, the son of Michael and Judy Norbut. He plans to major in English at SIUC.

Galesburg

• Katherine Peterson, Galesburg High School, the daughter of James Peterson and Diane Phillips of Galesburg. Extracurricular activities included serving as copy editor at the high school newspaper and violin. She plans to major in biology at SIUC.

Johnston City

• Drew C. Imhoff, Johnston City High School, the son of Karen and David Imhoff. He was a first-place finisher in the ICTM State Math Contest and took second place in the Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering state competition. He plans to major in engineering at SIUC.

Murphysboro

• Jess Spradling, Murphysboro High School, the son of John and Linda Spradling. An Illinois State Scholar, he was valedictorian of his graduating class, a National Merit Scholar and winner of a Regions Bank scholarship, a President's Award and American Legion award. Extracurricular activities included football, track and field, Key Club and National Honor Society. He plans to major in physical education with a specialization in athletic training at SIUC.

New Baden

• Michael R. James, Wesclin High School, the son of Keith and Darlene James. An Illinois State Scholar and National Honor Society member, his extracurricular activities included Lifesavers and pep band. He plans to major in computer science at SIUC.

Oak Lawn

• Jerry Chickerillo, Richards High School, the son of Gerald and Jan Chickerillo. An Illinois State Scholar and member of the National Honor Society, he was the captain of the varsity soccer

team in 2004 and a four-year winner of an excellence in academics award. Extracurricular activities included four years of varsity soccer, wrestling, volleyball, mathletes and Model U.N. He plans to major in civil engineering at SIUC.

Pittsburg

• Amanda Rabideau, Johnston City High School, the daughter of Ruth Ann and Tom Rabideau. An Illinois State Scholar and National Honor Society member, she was a member of the band, math team, Scholar Bowl Team, Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering team and Student Council. She served two years as class secretary and participated in musicals. She plans to major in physiology at SIUC.

Pittsfield

• Nathan Fry, Pittsfield High School, the son of Jack and Hallie Fry. A National Honor Society member, he had perfect attendance in high school and made the high honor roll. Extracurricular activities included concert band, jazz band, Scholastic Bowl and math team. He plans to major in music business at SIUC.

Quincy

• Seth Blickhan, Quincy Notre Dame High School, the son of Neal and Jill Blickhan. A member of the National Honor Society and an Illinois State Scholar, he was president of the Key Club and a member of the recycling club. He plans to major in biology at SIUC.

Red Bud

• Casey Lynn Daniels, Red Bud High School, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ron Daniels Jr. The recipient of a $2,000 College of Engineering scholarship in 2004, she was a member of the Superintendent's Honor Roll and the National Forensic League. Extracurricular activities included math team, Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering, band, chorus, Future Business Leaders of America and National Honor Society. She plans to major in civil engineering at SIUC.

• Scott Meyer, Red Bud High School, the son of Jerry and Carol Meyer. An Illinois State Scholar, he was the valedictorian of his graduating class, captain of the golf team, member of the National Honor Roll and Red Bud High School Ping Pong Tournament Champion. Extracurricular activities included Future Business Leaders of America, math team and Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering. He plans to major in mechanical engineering at SIUC.

Salem

• Ryan Ham, Salem Community High School, the son of Rick and Cara Ham. He was a member of the marching band, jazz band, Scholar Bowl team and math team. He plans to major in music education at SIUC.

Taylorville

• Scott Resetar, Taylorville High School, the son of Tom Resetar of Taylorville and Patricia Helton of Springfield. An Illinois State Scholar, he was a three-time academic all-conference selection in football and won third place for engineering graphics in a Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering competition. Extracurricular activities included four years on the football team, three years on the track team, two years participating in the Big Brothers-Big Sisters program and two years participating in the Building Up Character mentoring program. He plans to major in pre-med at SIUC.

West Frankfort

• Christopher S. Williams, Frankfort Community High School, the son of Scott and Kathy Williams. An Illinois State Scholar, he was a National Honor Roll member, ranked in the top 10 in his class and participated in honors band. Extracurricular activities included serving as band president, Key Club, science club, foreign language club secretary, jazz band and Lifesavers. He plans to major in engineering at SIUC.