SIU awards Chancellor’s Scholarship to 27 students

August 18, 2016

SIU awards Chancellor’s Scholarship to 27 students

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Exceptional efforts in the classroom and in their communities are among the qualities of this year’s Chancellor’s Scholars at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

The Chancellor’s Scholarship, SIU’s most prestigious award, is a significant achievement for the students as it covers tuition, fees, room and board for four years. Twenty-seven students were selected to receive this year’s awards. Classes for the fall semester start Monday, Aug. 22.

Nearly 400 students participated in the Chancellor’s and University Excellence Scholarship Interview Weekend, Feb. 5-6, vying for the competitive scholarships. Recipients are selected each year based on the students’ ACT or SAT scores, their academic credentials submitted at the time of admission, and personal interviews. The applicants also have a track record of leadership in their communities and participation in numerous extracurricular activities.

The award is renewable for four years, contingent upon the students maintaining a 3.0 or higher GPA. A list of current and previous winners is available at http://scholarships.siu.edu/current-scholars/scholars-list.php.

ILLINOIS

Belleville

Makayla Eason, Belleville East High School, is the daughter of Deanna and Scott Eason. An Illinois State Scholar and National Merit Scholar, Eason was involved in student council, choir, theater, and a member of the math and speech teams. She played volleyball and was a member of the school’s dance team and Running Start Club. She was also a St. Clair County Scholarship winner. Eason plans a double major in finance and accounting.

Julia Rosenstengel, Belleville West High School, is the daughter of Stephanie and Jeremy Rosenstengel. A National Honor Society high honors recipient, Rosenstengel received numerous scholarships, including St. Clair County Retired Teachers Scholarship, and several scholarships offered through the high school. She was secretary of thespian troupe #369 and received the Racial Harmony Award. She was involved in the school’s book club, theater, fall play, freshman/sophomore one acts; musicals, children’s show, Maroon Majic, Bellevillettes, treble choir and speech and acting team. Rosenstengel plans to major in English education.

Rachel Stuckel, Belleville West High School, is the daughter of Pamela and Ron Stuckel. An Illinois State Scholar, National Honor Society and Hispanic National Honor Society Award recipient, Stuckel earned an American Scholastic Press Association “First Place with Special Merit” honor. She also received a scholar-athlete award, and finished second in the SIU Carbondale Spanish Scholar Bowl. Stuckel was president of her school’s Spanish club, and editor-in-chief of “Page One,” a literary arts magazine. She participated in girl’s tennis and the school orchestra. Stuckel plans a double major in Spanish and linguistics.

Carbondale

Yasmin Ibrahim, Carbondale Community High School, is the daughter of Nebewia Mohammed and Kamal Ibrahim of Carbondale. An Illinois State Scholar and AP Scholar, she graduated with high honors. She received various awards throughout her career on the high school speech team and competed at state in two different events. A four-year member of the speech and debate teams, she was captain the last two years. Ibrahim received outstanding and gold ratings at the Illinois state and regional science fairs, and participated in the John A. Logan College business and writing competitions, finishing second in both. Ibrahim also presented at the Illinois Junior Science and Humanities Symposium and placed second, qualifying for nationals. She was involved with the school’s film, creative writing, and science clubs, Model United Nations, Key Club, history club, Future Business Leaders of America, and marching band. A pharmacy technician, Ibrahim is part of a nationally recognized youth group, Muslim Youth of North America. Ibrahim plans to major in biological sciences.

Carlinville

Elise Ratcliff, Carlinville High School, is the daughter of Amy and Eric Ratcliff. An Illinois State Scholar and National Honor Society member, Ratcliff was a National Merit Scholar finalist. She was a Rotary Youth Leadership Awards participant, and selected to represent M.J.M Electric Cooperative at Youth Day at the Illinois Capitol Building. She is a three-time state winner of the Illinois Federation of Music Composers junior composer contest, and her awards include the Principal’s Art Award, Rotary Youth Merit Award and Silver Medallion Academic Excellence Award. She was a member of the school’s dance team, scholastic bowl, band, high school musical, Model United Nations, Illini-Lincoln Envirothon team, ballet, Girl Scouts and her church choir. She plans to major in interior design.

Chicago

Tomas Daniel Cortez, De La Salle Institute, is the son of Noemi and Carlos Cortez. A National Honor Society member, Cortez was on the honor roll throughout high school. He participated in the school’s Spanish club, and received the Chicago Catholic League All-Academic Scholar-Athlete Award. Among his other honors, Cortez received the St. John the Baptist De La Salle Award, Key to the City Award, Principal Leadership Award, and Outstanding Leadership in LaSallian Youth Award. He participated in the school’s theater, newspaper and yearbook publications, student government, peer ministry, cross-country, swimming and water polo. Cortez plans to major in cinematography.

Crystal Lake

Abbie Spiwak, Crystal Lake South High School, is the daughter of Wendy and Douglas Spiwak. An Illinois State Scholar and National Honor Society member, Spiwak was also in the French National Honor Society. She was a member of the French club, and participated in rock climbing and link crew. Spiwak plans to major in human nutrition and dietetics.

Danville

Riley Wagner, Bismarck-Henning High School, is the son of Rhonda and Tom Wagner. An Illinois State Scholar and National Honor Society president, Wagner was the school’s valedictorian. He participated in scholar bowl all four years, including as captain as a senior. He was a state qualifier in computer science in Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering (WYSE), and received the Sons of the American Revolution Good Citizens Award. He was a four-year athlete in cross-country and track, serving as captain in both sports as a senior; and a four-year band member, serving as brass section leader. He was co-founder of his school’s writing lab, and elected to the Supreme Court at the 2015 Illinois Boys’ State. Wagner plans to major in computer/electrical engineering.

Downers Grove

Bridget Moroney, Downers Grove South High School, is the daughter of Eileen and Patrick Moroney. Moroney was an Illinois State Scholar and National Honor Society selection. A Spanish National Honor Society selection, she earned 4.0 GPA and above on the school’s honor roll throughout high school. Moroney was an Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) Senior District Band participant throughout high school and an ILMEA All-State Honors Band participant in 2015-2016. She received the Michael David Samel “Spirit of Music” Award and Scholarship for Musical Excellence. She participated in marching band, jazz band, wind ensemble, and pit orchestra. Moroney plans to major in communications design.

LaGrange Park

Christopher Phillips, Lyons Township High School, is the son of Cathy and Dave Phillips. An Illinois State Scholar, he was on the honor roll each of his eight semesters in high school, and earned a West Suburban Conference Academic Achievement Award. Phillips is an Eagle Scout, and was a member of the high school’s 2016 Illinois High School Association state championship swimming team. Phillips is considering majoring in education or psychology.

Lombard

Donteika Lovett, Glenbard East High School, is the daughter of Debra Lovett of Lombard and Derrick Lovett of Trussville, Ala. An Illinois State Scholar and National Honor Society member, Lovett also received a President’s Award for Educational Excellence. She was also a member of the math, English and Spanish honor societies, and earned a highest honors GPA. She was involved in the school’s ecology club, Biobuilders, Rambassadors and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) clubs. Lovett plans to major in microbiology.

Manteno

Ellyse Walker, Manteno Senior High School, is the daughter of Cathy Walker. A National Honor Society member, Walker was on the school’s high honor roll, a Show Choir Outstanding Performer, and was named a Student of the Month. She participated in Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering (WYSE) and “Mathletes,” the school’s prom committee, and the Illinois All-State Show Choir. She also participated in the Manteno Magic Show Choir, the Acting Out Theater Company, and “Imagine No Malaria” fundraiser. Walker plans to major in physiology with a minor in chemistry (pre-medicine).

Marion

Aaron Farthing, Marion High School, is the son of Kim and David Farthing. A National Honor Society selection, Farthing was a member of the Spanish and math honor societies, and student council class president and executive board vice president. He played baseball, where he was a second-team all-conference selection, and he was a member of the school’s golf team. Farthing plans to major in physiology.

Colton M. Newlin, Marion High School, is the son of Sherrean and Todd Newlin. A National Honor Society vice president, Newlin was also a member of the Spanish and math honor societies. He was a member of the high school’s student council, varsity scholar bowl, Spanish club, PBIS Student Advisory Team, Big Cats Mentor and Illuminations, the high school’s literary magazine. He participated in Model United Nations, earned a Rotary Club Top Ten Award, and was Lions Club runner-up for Business Student of the Year. His honors also include first place in the “Job Interview” category at the Illinois Future Business Leaders of America state leadership conference. Newlin plans to major in biomedical sciences/pre-dentistry.

Milan

Sidney Roling, Sherrard Senior High School, is the daughter of Jenny and Dean Roling. An Illinois State Scholar and National Honor Society member, she was the school’s salutatorian. Roling was on the school’s academic honor roll; she was academic letter recipient, and received the Illinois 4-H Club Key Award and Illinois State FFA Degree. She was a national delegate to the 4-H congress, Rotary Student of the Month, and regional Horsebowl champion. Roling participated in the high school’s all-school senate, FFA program, pep and concert bands, and the Orion-Sherrard soccer team. She was also involved with the Mercer County 4-H Federation, Country Kids 4-H Club, and the Mercer County Horsebowl/Hippology/Judging Team. Roling plans to major in agribusiness economics.

Montrose

Kendra Flood, Cumberland High School, is the daughter of April and Randy Flood. An Illinois State Scholar, National Honor Society member and class valedictorian, Flood was involved in the school’s math team, French club, archery club and Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering (WYSE). She received the Sons of the American Revolution Service Award, the Illinois FFA State Degree and was the organization’s state proficiency winner. Involved in the Cumberland and Illinois FFA organizations, Flood also participated in the 4-H Club programs in both Jasper and Cumberland counties. She was the Cumberland County 4-H Club Member of the Year, and involved with her church youth group. Flood plans to major in agricultural education.

Morton Grove

Jackson Scalero, Christian Heritage Academy, is the son of Sheri and Frank Scalero. An Illinois State Scholar and National Honor Society member, Scalero received several awards, including the school’s Soli Deo Award, Heritage Scholar Award, and the President’s Award for Educational Excellence. Scalero is a two-time recipient of the Association of Christian Schools International Distinguished High School Student Award in Athletics. His activities included volleyball, choir, theater productions, and a theater/improvisation troupe. Scalero plans to major in civil engineering.

Roscoe

Bella Weymer, Hononegah Community High School in Rockton, is the daughter of Jean and Patrick Weymer. An Illinois State Scholar, AP Scholar, and National Honor Society member, Weymer was on the school’s honor roll and named outstanding scholar-athlete. She was on the varsity swim team all four years, and a member of the math team, Worldwide Youth in Science (WYSE), Key Club, GAIA environmental club, Grace on Campus, and the gifted/talented education program. She participated in her church and served on mission trips. Weymer plans to major in physiology.

Tiskilwa

Mallory Wheeler, Princeton High School, is the daughter of Nicole and Robert Wheeler. An Illinois State Scholar and National Honor Society member, Wheeler also earned IHSA Scholastic Achievement recognition, an American Legion Award, and Anne Gridley Templeton Award. She was selected a “Student of the Month,” and received a “100-plus Service Hour Award.” Wheeler also participated in numerous activities, including band, choir, madrigals, poms, soccer, tennis and the Star Spangled Singers. She was also involved in her church’s youth group and mission trips. Wheeler plans to major in dental hygiene.

Villa Grove

Emma Johns, Villa Grove High School, is the daughter of Susan and Brad Johns. An Illinois State Scholar, National Honor Society member and class valedictorian, Johns was on the IHSA All-State Academic Team and a Wendy’s High School Heisman recipient, and an all-conference and all-area honorable mention athlete in volleyball. She was a three-time Illinois Drill Team Association (IDTA) hip-hop state champion and received an IDTA Scholar Athlete Award. Johns participated in student council, science club, scholastic bowl, the physics team, envirothon team and book club. She was also in Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering (WYSE), and involved with volleyball, softball, IHSA and IDTA competitive dance. Among her several awards, Johns earned a Daughters of the American Revolution award and was an IGS Nationalist Governor selection. She was a News-Gazette Top Scholar Athlete and WCIA-TV Excellence in Education selection. Johns plans to major in physiology.

Westmont

Luis Prado, Westmont High School, is the son of Lori and Frank Prado. An AP Scholar, Prado received the United States Achievement Academy USAA National World Language Award, graduated in the top 10 students of his class, and received all-school departmental awards for English and science. He was selected the high school’s “Senior of the Month,” and earned an Interstate Eight All-Academic Award. Prado also received a Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, and was in the school’s jazz band, pit band, pep band and environmental club. He was a scholar bowl member, played football and was drum major for the school’s marching band. He was also a student ambassador. Prado plans to major in physiology.

INDIANA

Brownsburg

Maura Baker, Brownsburg High School, is the daughter of Christine and Douglas Baker. An AP Scholar recipient, Baker received the Top 10 percent award as a senior and was in the top 25 of her class as a junior. She was co-chair of the compassion committee within her school’s National Honor Society, and participated in color guard and marching band. Baker was also a member of Youth Leadership of Hendricks County. Baker plans to major in international studies and political science.

Newburgh

Jake Ellsworth, Castle High School, is the son of Laura and Joe Ellsworth. A National Honor Society member, Ellsworth was also a member of the Japanese National Honor Society. He received “Best Supporting Actor” and “Best Cameo” honors at the Indiana Thespian Conference in 2015 and 2016, respectively. He was an all-state honors choir selection, a member of the Japanese and drama clubs, participated in theater productions, ultimate Frisbee, intramural basketball, musicians’ coalition and martial arts. Ellsworth plans to major in both musical theater and communication studies.

KANSAS

Leawood

Andrew Davis, Blue Valley Southwest High School, is the son of Linda and Rob Davis. A National Honor Society member and honor roll student, Davis was involved with the Center for Advanced Professional Studies and the Boy Scouts of America Order of the Arrow & Tribe of Mic-O-Say. He was also a peer tutor. He plans to major in computer/electrical engineering.

MISSOURI

St. Louis

Ryan Davis, Westminster Christian Academy, is the son of Kristen and Patrick Davis. A member of the National Honor Society and Duke Talent Initiative Program, he has been involved with the school newspaper since 2014, the movie club for four years, including this past year as president. He participated in the University of Missouri-St. Louis Bridge Program and finished 10th in the Missouri State Chess Tournament in 2011. Davis plans to major in mass communication and media arts.

Deion Smith, McCluer North High School, is the son of Monice Owens. He was in the top 10 percent of his graduating class. Smith plans to major in cinema and photography.