38 students named Chancellor’s Academic Scholars

August 13, 2013

38 students named Chancellor’s Academic Scholars

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Outstanding scholastic achievements and noteworthy efforts outside of the classroom are among the hallmarks of 38 incoming Southern Illinois University Carbondale students named Chancellor’s Scholars.

The Chancellor’s Academic Scholarship, the most prestigious award given at SIU, is a significant achievement for the students as it covers tuition, fees, room and board for four years.

“We are excited to welcome these accomplished students this fall,” Chancellor Rita Cheng said. “They excel in academics, provide leadership on campus and in our communities, and mentor fellow students. Like our other Chancellor’s Scholars, I am confident these students will be inspiring role models.”

More than 400 students participated in the Chancellor’s Scholarship Interview Weekend Jan. 10-11, vying for the competitive scholarships. The scholarships are awarded on the basis of ACT or SAT scores and the students’ academic credentials submitted at the time of admission along with the personal interviews. The Chancellor’s Scholars are considered effective leaders in their classrooms and in their communities.

The award is renewable for four years, contingent upon the students maintaining a 3.0 or higher GPA.

The Chancellor’s Academic Scholarship Golf Outing is set for Sept. 6 at the Hickory Ridge Public Golf Center in Carbondale. The event, which serves as a fundraiser for the prestigious scholarships, begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. and a 10 a.m. shotgun start.

Cheng, along with previous and new scholarship recipients, will attend. The registration deadline is Aug. 29. For more information, call 618/453-7424. Visit www.siusalukis.cstvauctions.com/gallery.cfm to check out the online auction happening in conjunction with the golf outing.

Winners of the 2013 scholarships, listed, by hometown, along with the biographical information they provide, are:

Illinois

Alhambra

Samantha Green, Highland High School, is the daughter of Tad and Yvonne Green. A high honor roll student, she participated in FFA and does volunteer work with retired racing greyhounds. Green plans to major in animal science (pre-veterinary).

Ava

Rachel Edgar, Trico High School, is the daughter of Doug and Nancy Edgar. She is an Illinois State Scholar, class valedictorian and Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering (WYSE) state qualifier. She placed second in the state FFA Prepared Public Speaking 2013 competition. She was active in FCCLA of America, serving as state president 2011-2012 and earning the group’s Most Outstanding in State Public Speaking award. Edgar participated in scholar bowl, LifeSavers, student council, Adolescents Learning Positive Healthy Alternatives, Crossfire Youth Ministries and was a Trico area Food for Youth volunteer. She plans to major in workforce education and development.

Bloomington

Anurag Kurumbail, Normal Community High School, is the son of Lakshmi and Sankar Kurumbail. He participated in chess, band, scholastic bowl and tennis. Kurambail plans to study philosophy and physics.

Alexandra L. Walch, University High School, is the daughter of Grant and Karen Walch. She was class valedictorian, an Illinois State School, and winner of the President’s Volunteer Service Award, the American Legion school award and the Prairie State Achievement Award for math. She was a peer mentor and tutor, Special Olympics coach and member of the math team. She participated in varsity cross-country where she was team captain, three-time state qualifier and all-state medalist in 2012. She also qualified for state twice in track and field. She plans to study therapeutic recreation and sport administration.

Carbondale

Delia Marie Amos, Carbondale Community High School, is the daughter of Dawn and Mark Amos. She is an Illinois State Scholar, National Merit Scholarship semifinalist and earned high honor roll recognition. She won a variety of awards in the John A. Logan College Annual High School Art Exhibition and High School Writing Contest and participated in National Honor Society, scholar bowl, Model United Nations, Global Initiative Organization, history club and speech team. She plans to major in cinema and photography.

Erin Anderson, Carbondale Community High School, is the daughter of Ken and Lois Anderson. She is an Illinois State Scholar and honor graduate with distinction. She is the recipient of the ICTM Excellence Award, the American history award, the Illinois Society for High School Achievement Award, a Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Program and Certificat d’Honneur in the National French Exam. She has been active in National Honor Society, Model United Nations, WYSE, math team, French club and church youth group and plays piano. Anderson plans to study history.

Carlyle

Nicole Hanke, Carlyle High School, the daughter of Tim and Chris Hanke, was salutatorian, an Illinois State Scholar and National Honor Society member and recipient of the Marine’s Scholastic Excellence Award. She placed third in physics at the regional WYSE competition and was active in science club, Spanish club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and church youth group. She was a varsity cheerleader and student council member as well. Hanke plans to major in civil engineering.

Tyler Wheelan, Carlyle High School, is the son of Jeff and Sheryl Wheelan. He was valedictorian of his class and an Illinois State Scholar. He participated in student council, band, science club and Spanish club. He plans to study biological sciences and Spanish.

Chatham

Zoey Koester, Glenwood High School, is the daughter of Jeff and Coleen Koester. She is a National Merit Commended Scholar, Illinois State Scholar, Glenwood High School Scholar, Spanish Student of the Year and winner of the JP Morgan Award. She is a member of the National Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars, National Foreign Language Society, cross-cultures club, key club, speech team/National Forensic League and a variety of music organizations. She also participated in high school musicals and church mission trips. Koester plans to study interior design.

Kelsie Lee, Glenwood High School, is the daughter of David and Michelle Lee. She is an Illinois State Scholar, National Merit Commended Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction and National Spanish Honors Society member. She participated in marching band and scholastic bowl. She plans to study linguistics.

Colfax

Miller Eaton, Ridgeview High School, is the son of Philip and Andrea Eaton. Eaten was valedictorian and winner of the high school math, science and English awards as well as the John Philip Sousa Award. He placed fifth in physics and chemistry at the state Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering competition and won the Elks Club Most Valuable Student Scholarship. He was team captain for scholastic bowl and a member of the golf team. He plans to major in physics.

Danville

Stephanie Venis, Oakwood High School, is the daughter of Tom and Sheryl Venis. She is an Illinois State Scholar, student of the month, D.A.R.E. role model and placed first in math at the WYSE regionals. She was also president of her student council and National Honor Society, a class officer and active in international club. She plans to major in mechanical engineering.

Decatur

Gage Barrows, Mt. Zion High School, is the son of Cory and Lisa Barrows. He won the United States Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award, the President’s Award for Educational Excellence, the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award for his school and is an Illinois State Scholar. He participated in varsity football and track, student council and National Honor Society. Barrows plans to study political science/pre-law.

Alan Jacob Ludlow, Mount Zion High School, is the son of Kimberly Ludlow and Richard Ludlow. He is an Illinois State Scholar, served on the principal’s advisory council, graduated Summa Cum Laude and participated in the Apollo Conference Freshman Leadership Camp. Ludlow was captain of the wrestling team and also played tennis and football. He plans to major in accounting.

Dorchester

Michael Yvonne Halpin, Gillespie High School, is the daughter of Jim and Sher Halpin. She was valedictorian, junior class co-president, Silver Medallion Academic Excellence Award winner, Presidential Award for Service to Community recipient, Illinois State Scholar and served as historian and vice president for the Tri-M Music Honor Society. She also received the Award of Excellence and state superior for her equine vet science exhibit, was a member of the senior homecoming and prom court and active in other school and church organizations. She plans to study animal science, food and nutrition.

Elkville

Kyle Whittington, Elverado High School, is the son of Greg and Jill Whittington. He is an Illinois State Scholar, earned recognition on the high honor roll and won the Illinois Principal’s Association Award. He participated in football, basketball, student council, Beta club, WYSE, team quest and youth and government. He intends to major in physiology.

Flora

Lizabeth Engelmeier, Flora High School, is the daughter of Rodd and Jodi Engelmeier. An Illinois State Scholar, she is also a National Honor Society member, was president of her drama club, won third place at the WYSE regional competition in 2012, and took top honors in the VFW Voice of Democracy competition at the post level. She served on student council and was active in scholastic bowl, musical theater, drama club and band, earning a spot in the Little Illini Conference All-Conference Band as a junior. Engelmeier plan to major in English/creative writing.

Granite City

Kristin Rachele Schellhardt, Granite City High School, is the daughter of Matthew and Michelle Schellhardt. She was Rotary Club student of the month, an Illinois State Scholar and National Honor Society member and won band honors. She also participated in book club and was a Saturday Scholar. She plans to study chemistry.

Hardin

Kailyn Baalman, Calhoun High School, is the daughter of Matthew and Michelle Baalman. She was on the Western Illinois Valley All-Academic Team, an Illinois State Scholar, Rotary Scholar Athlete and won the James A. Ringhausen Athlete with Highest GPA Award. She won the Jacksonville Rotary Scholar Athlete Silver Medallion Award as well as basketball most valuable player and other basketball and volleyball awards. She was a class officer and participated in tutoring, volunteer work, band, cheerleading, WYSE and Gifted Olympiad. She plans to study physiology.

Hoyleton

Annamarie Beckmeyer, Centralia High School, is the daughter of Mark and Debbie Beckmeyer. She is an Illinois State Scholar, National Merit scholarship commended student, WYSE team medalist, prom queen, Mayfete junior attendant and Eagle Award winner. She served on student council, the district student council executive board, is church organist and was active in band, National Honor Society, FBLA, computer, yearbook and Spanish clubs and is a food pantry volunteer. She plans to major in physiology.

Humboldt

Austin Sherman, Mattoon High School, is the son of Tom and Diane Sherman. He was active in FFA, where he served as treasurer and placed in state, section or district competitions for agronomy, extemporaneous public speaking, forestry and parliamentary procedure. He held leadership positions in 4-H, participated in cross-country, band, scholastic bowl, National Honor Society, and his church youth group and was the founder and president of the Mattoon High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He plans to study crops, soils and environmental management.

Kankakee

Taniah Paden, Kankakee High School, is the daughter of Lachelle Paden and Marcus Cain. She was president of her National Honor Society, a certified peer mediator, salutatorian and an Illinois State Scholar. She won the Academic Excellence Award and the Academic Achievement Award and was a two-time athletic award winner. She participated in varsity tennis, winning most valuable player honors, tutored and was a volunteer at Miller Rehab. She plans to study pre-medicine.

LaMoille

Meredith Stamberger, LaMoille High School, is the daughter of Timothy and Susan Stamberger. The winner of the HOBY Leadership for Service Award, the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award and the 4-H Youth Leadership Award, she won a gold award and best in the zoology category at the Illinois State Science Fair. She was a member of the second place Illinois Life Smarts team and participated in cross-country and track and field, earning the Calvin Dewey Teammate Award and the Rodney Lindenmeyer Award. She was on the Little Ten Conference All-Academic Team, was student council president, four-year class president and yearbook editor. She plans to major in production horticulture.

Macomb

Trebor Mann, Macomb High School, is the son of Robert and Shelli Mann. He won the IESA Scholar Attitude Award, graduated in the top five percent of his class and participated in National Honor Society, football, basketball, baseball, student council and school plays. He’s a member of the Illinois Army National Guard, the Macomb Youth Leadership Organization and umpires baseball and softball. Mann plans to study physical training.

Marion

Christopher Stanley, Johnston City High School, is the son of Chris and Sandy Stanley. He is an Illinois State Scholar and two-time all-sectional scholar bowl member. He earned first place in math and fifth in physics at the state WYSE competition and also achieved multiple top finishes with math team. Active in National Honor Society as well, he plans to major in math education.

New Douglas

Cynthia Sirko, Staunton High School, is the daughter of Alan and Lilli Sirko. She was valedictorian, Most Studious Girl 2013, an Illinois State Scholar and won the President’s Education Award and the Silver Medallion Award. She was vice president of her school FFA chapter, vice president of the student council, two-year Bi-State Band member and active in National Honor Society, youth council and soccer. She plans to major in animal science/pre-veterinary.

Oswego

Carissa Marie Ray, Oswego High School, is the daughter of Carlos and Debbie Ray. She is an Illinois State Scholar, graduating in the top 10 percent of her class and earning honor roll status throughout high school. She performed 200 hours of community service, was a Big Brother/Big Sister mentor, a Y.A.R.N. tutor, and participated in horticulture club, floral design team, National Technical Honor Society and National English Honor Society. She plans to study journalism/marketing and advertising.

Palestine

Matthew Schmidlin, Palestine High School, is the son of John and Marcia Schmidlin. He was a Wendy’s Heisman Award state finalist, Illinois State Scholar, three-time class president, and placed fourth in the state Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy contest in 2012. He was captain of the baseball, basketball and football teams and earned numerous school and Little Illinois Conference honors for his athleticism and GPA. He also volunteered at the Palestine Grade School and is active in church. Schmidlin plans to major in mechanical engineering.

Rockford

Gabrielle Nelson, Jefferson High School, is the daughter of David and Susan Nelson. She was secretary for National Honor Society, an IHSA and Illinois State Scholar, Academic All-Star, two-time NIC-10 Scholar, two-time recipient of the Diane Peterson Character Counts award. Nelson was captain of the varsity volleyball team, breaking the school record for most solo blocks in a season. She was also student council treasurer, plays classical guitar and participated in basketball, soccer, cheerleading and musicals. She plans to major in communication disorders and sciences.

Sesser

Cody Lingle, Sesser-Valier High School, is the son of John and Sherry Lingle. He was valedictorian, Illinois State Scholar and National Honor Society member. He participated in WYSE, band and jazz band, basketball, Illinois YMCA Youth and Government and math team. He also played football, earning all-conference honors. He intends to major in information systems technologies.

Vandalia

Amanda Jourdan, Vandalia Community High School, is the daughter of Cliff and Heather Jourdan and Angel and Lance Durham. She was valedictorian, Illinois State Scholar, National Honor Society president, two-time class vice president, class secretary and winner of the Vandalia Community Schools Foundation Scholarship. She was active in band and jazz band, serving as section leader and earning spots twice in the Bi-State Honor Band and four times in the Kaskaskia College Honor Band and Lincoln Trail Honor Band. She participated in science club, math club, the school play, creative writing club, church youth group and scholar bowl, where she served as varsity captain. She plans to study English.

California

San Marcos

Saxon Metzger, Carlsbad Seaside Academy, is the son of John and Kristina Metzger. He is a member of National Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa Member and has already earned an associate degree from Palomar College where he was the 2012 Debater of the Year. He also participated in student government and speech and debate. He plans to study economics.

Indiana

Plainfield

Kori Kirkpatrick, Hoosier Academies High School, is the daughter of Kirby and Paul Kirkpatrick. She is a two-year winner of the Presidential Award for Volunteerism and served three years in student government. She also volunteers at a therapeutic horse farm and is employed at a restaurant. Kirkpatrick graduated from high school at the age of 16 and plans to major in zoology at SIU.

Mississippi

Horn Lake

Emily Waldon, Lewisburg High School, is the daughter of Bryan and Ginger Waldon. She was chosen for her class Hall of Fame, was nominated as senior Homecoming maid, received the Silver Key for art at the Scholastic Art Fair and second place in the Desoto Art Show. She graduated with honors, was Mu Alpha Theta president and governor, Spanish club president, Student Council executive vice president and participated in soccer, art and sign language clubs, Beta Club, National Honor Society and the explorers and art clubs. She plans to study civil engineering and Spanish.

Missouri

St. Louis

William Tipton, Maplewood Richmond Heights High School, is the son of Virgil and Mary Beth Tipton. He won outstanding academic achievement honors in biology and pre-calculus, the all-conference team award for English II, the Dean’s Distinguished Science Achievement Award in St. Charles County, along with numerous other academic awards for English, architectural design, science and other subjects. He was a lifeguard, a volunteer and active in track, chess, mechanics and woodworking. He plans to major in mechanical engineering.

Tennessee

Brentwood

Ryan Sabo, Ravenwood High School, is the son of Brent and Angela Sabo. He won the All-American Scholar Award, the National Leadership and Service Award, the AP Scholar Award, academic athletic recognition, and graduated in the top 10 percent of his class. He was varsity baseball captain, a student ambassador and participated with Mu Alpha Theta, service learning, Habitat for Humanity and other volunteer and leadership organizations. He plans to study finance and participate in baseball at SIU.

Clarksville

Allison Campbell, Clarksville High School, is the daughter of Mark and Christy Campbell. She won the Danforth (I Dare You) Award from her school faculty, attended the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Humanities 2012 and was on the wining team for algebra II and pre-calculus at the Austin Peay State University High School Mathematics Competitions two years. She was editor of her school yearbook, president of her National Honor Society, co-editor of the Literary Magazine, Mu Alpha Theta chapter founder and president, vice president of National Forensics League and speech club and a student council member. She plans to major in computer engineering.

Wisconsin

Plymouth

George Nimmer, Sheboygan Area Lutheran High School, is the son of Eric and Ramona Nimmer. He was on high honor roll and won the Ronald Regan Presidential Foundation Student Leader Award. He participated in cross-country, track and field, trapshooting, drama, basketball and pep band as well. Nimmer plans to study aviation flight/aviation management.