Photo Note; not all scholarship recipients are pictured.

From left to right: Alexis Ator, Sabrina Aebel, Alexandria Neitzel, Chadym Rennecker, Tyler Leenerts, Erin McChristy, William Jansen, Abby Chamberlain, Wyatt McClintock, Maiya Reese, Jake Piper, Maxwell Bonnett, Abe Welbourne, Brooklyn Little, Adam Musgrave, and Isabella Brown.

Local Students Receive Scholarships Totaling More Than $211,000 from the Community Foundation

The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri has awarded more than $211,450 in scholarships and recognition awards to 32 area students pursuing higher education and one local educator providing excellence in the classroom.

The scholarships, most of which are from permanently endowed funds, will support recipients as they attend accredited post-secondary institutions during the 2026-2027 academic year. Each scholarship is guided by the unique legacy or interests of the donor who established it.

“Each of these scholarships tells a story, but the common thread is an investment into the future,” said Catherine Meckes, CEO of the Community Foundation. “Whether the scholarship fund was established to honor a loved one, encourage local young people, or celebrate a milestone, each award carries forth that story. Our donors believe in education, and they believe in the young people of our communities. We’re proud to help their legacies live on through these awards.”

This year’s scholarships and their respective recipients include:

• Abby Chamberlain, a graduate of Pittsfield High School , received the Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship. Chamberlain attends John Wood Community College to study Ag Business Management with a certificate in Crop Science & Technology.
• Abe Welbourne, a graduate of Pittsfield High School, received the Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship. Welbourne attends Iowa State University to study Agriculture Studies and Agronomy.
• Adam Musgrave, a graduate of Pittsfield High School, received the Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship. Musgrave attends University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to study Agribusiness: Markets & Management
• Addison Clampitt, a graduate of Central High School, received the Rich & Pam Futhey Scholarship. Clampitt will attend Quincy University to study Forensic Psychology - Criminal Justice.
• Alexandria Neitzel, a graduate of Pleasant Hill (IL) High School, received the Virginia Kaye Leinweber Leeds Scholarship. Neitzel will attend Valparaiso University to study Nursing. Alexis Ator, a graduate of Pittsfield High School, received the Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship. Ator attends Michigan State University to pursue dual degrees in Environmental Economics & Management and Political Science Pre-Law with a minor in Sociology.
• Avril Collier, a graduate of Hannibal High School, received the Clifford H. Ahrens Scholarship. Collier will attend Culver-Stockton College to study Political Science.
• Braxton Forshey, a graduate of Pittsfield High School received the Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship. Forshey attends Illinois State University to study Agricultural Education.
• Brooklyn Little, a graduate of Quincy Senior High School, received the Quincy High School Class of 1957. Little will attend University of Missouri - Columbia to study Health Science with an emphasis in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences.
• Chadym Rennecker, a graduate of Western High School, received the Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship. Rennecker will attend Iowa State University to study Agriculture Education and Elementary Education.
• Damien Orr, a graduate of Western High School, received the Marvin J and Thomas Leo Likes Math Scholarship. Orr will attend Illinois State University to study Secondary Education in Mathematics.
• Elizabeth Foote, a graduate of Central High School, received the Rich & Pam Futhey Scholarship. Foote will attend University of Missouri to study Health Sciences.
• Erin McChristy, a graduate of Palmyra High School, received the Alton A. Vannice FFA Leadership Scholarship. McChristy will attend University of Missouri to study Agribusiness Management and Plant Science.
• Ian Burbridge, a graduate of Western High School, received the Tom and Judy Zenge Fund. Burbridge will attend Ozarks Technical Community College to study Electrical Distribution.
• Isabella Brown, a graduate of Quincy Senior High School, received the Becky Swisher Crowe Memorial Scholarship and the F. Lee & Joan Kammerlohr Family Scholarship. Brown will attend Culver-Stockton College to study Elementary Education.
• Jake Piper, a graduate of Bowling Green High School, received the Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship. Piper will attend University of Missouri - Columbia to study Fish and Wildlife Management and Agronomy.
• Lane Lipcaman, a graduate of Griggsville-Perry High School, received the Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship. Lipcaman attends Iowa State University to study Agronomy/Seed Science and Ag Business.
• Lucas Bergman, a graduate of Hannibal High School, received the Dr. Larry Nichols D.O. Medical Education Scholarship. Bergman will attend Blessing Rieman to study Nursing.
• Maiya Reese, a graduate of Palmyra High School, received the Teresa Lynn Thompson Memorial Scholarship. Reese will attend University of Missouri to study Pre-physical therapy (exercise science) with a minor in Journalism.
• Maxwell Bonnett, a graduate of Pittsfield High School, received the Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship. Bonnett will attend John Wood Community College to study Animal Science.
• Michaela Schnitzer, a graduate of Highland High School, received the Ben C. & Etta M. Plank Memorial Scholarship. Schnitzer will attend Culver Stockton College to study Ag Business and Marketing.
• Nadia Ruby, a graduate of Hannibal High School, received the Hannibal High School Class of 1955 Scholarship. Ruby will attend the University of Missouri-Kansas City to study Biology.
• Rydor Rodhouse, a graduate of Pleasant Hill (IL) High School, received the Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship. Rodhouse will attend Culver Stockton College to study Agribusiness and Education.
• Ryleigh Nieders, a graduate of Quincy Senior High School, received the Kenneth & Eleanor Lohr Memorial Scholarship. Nieders will attend Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville to study Pharmacy.
• Sabrina Aebel, a graduate of Barry High School, received the Dorothy J. Motley Memorial Scholarship. Aebel will attend Washington University in St. Louis to study Biology (Pre-Dental) and minor in Accounting.
• Tyler Leenerts, a graduate of Griggsville-Perry High School, received the Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship, the Eldred & Evelyn Whitmore Scholarship and the Robert L. Adams Memorial Education Scholarship. Leenerts will attend Illinois Central College to study in the Caterpillar - Think Big Program.
• William Jansen, a graduate of Canton High School, received the Ben C. & Etta M. Plank Memorial Scholarship. Jansen will enter a technical program to study Electrical Technology.
• Wyatt Lipcaman, a graduate of Griggsville-Perry High School, received the Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship. Lipcaman attends Iowa State University to study Agronomy.
• Wyatt McClintock, a graduate of Pittsfield High School and John Wood Community College, received both the Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship and the George & Sharen Borrowman Agriculture Scholarship. McClintock will attend Iowa State University, where he plans to study Animal Science and Feed Technology

Renewals:

• Aubrey Trowbridge, a student at Illinois State University majoring in Elementary Education, received the F. Lee & Joan Kammerlohr Family Scholarship and will continue her studies.
• Emmalee Drebes, a student at Truman State University majoring in Nursing, renewed the Alton A. Vannice FFA Leadership Scholarship Fund award and will continue her studies.
• Flint Kirk, a student at Ozarks Technical Community College majoring in Electrical Distribution Systems, received the Robert L. Adams Memorial Education Scholarship and will continue pursuing his educational goals.
• Grace Fessenden, a student at the University of Central Missouri majoring in Horticulture, renewed the Alton A. Vannice FFA Leadership Scholarship and will continue pursuing her educational goals.
• Lydia Fisher, a student at Central College majoring in Music Education–Vocal, received a renewal award from the F. Lee & Joan Kammerlohr Family Scholarship Fund and will continue her studies.
• Lynton Bock, a student at the University of Missouri–Columbia majoring in Agriculture Education and Agriculture Business, renewed the Alton A. Vannice FFA Leadership Scholarship and will continue pursuing his educational goals.
• Taylor Richie, a student at Missouri State University majoring in Music Education, received a renewal award from the F. Lee & Joan Kammerlohr Family Scholarship Fund and will continue her studies.

Alton A. Vannice FFA Leadership Fund – Palmyra High School

In 2012, Alton Vannice’s wife, Joyce, and their family, decided to honor Alton's legacy of agricultural leadership by establishing the Alton A. Vannice FFA Leadership Fund. The family endowed a scholarship for the further education of Palmyra FFA students who show outstanding leadership qualities and seek to enter agricultural careers. Alton Vannice was a 10th generation farmer who learned the skills of leadership through his experiences in the Palmyra FFA Chapter. Alton's beliefs in his community and in agriculture were expressed as he served on numerous committees and boards throughout his farming career. He gladly served in these capacities and others because he believed in the values expressed in the FFA creed: leadership, respect, the ability to work efficiently and think clearly, and in the promise of better days through better ways.

Becky Swisher Crowe Memorial Scholarship Fund - Quincy (IL) Senior High School

The Becky Swisher Crowe Memorial Scholarship Fund provides a scholarship at an accredited two-year or four-year institution for a Quincy High School senior intending to pursue a degree in education. Becky Swisher Crowe taught at Quincy Junior High School and Quincy Senior High School. She was killed March 9, 1979 in an automobile accident on her way to work. Her colleagues immediately set up a scholarship in her name. “Becky loved kids and teaching,” said her best friend Karen Bottorff. “Whenever she was around, it was a happier place.” In 2006, the scholarship was transferred to the Community Foundation to ensure Becky’s name and legacy endured.

Ben C. & Etta M. Plank Memorial Fund - Canton High School and Highland High School
Dorothy Plank established the Ben C. and Etta M. Plank Memorial Fund, in honor of her parents, through her trust. The scholarship is for students graduating from Canton High School or Highland High School (Lewis County, Missouri) to help fund college tuition. The endowed fund will continue to provide support for students continuing their education for years to come.

Dorothy Plank was a modest person who did not draw attention to herself. She thought long and hard about what she wanted to do to benefit others. A longtime friend and her attorney both agreed that while living she would not have wanted people to know her estate plans. They also agree that what Miss Plank did serves as an example for others to consider when planning for charitable causes.

Clifford H. Ahrens Scholarship – Hannibal (MO) High School

The Clifford H. Ahrens scholarship was established in memory of the late Honorable Clifford H. Ahrens, who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, serving the citizens of Missouri as a well-respected attorney and judge. The scholarship will annually provide support to a Hannibal High School graduate who intends to study law.

Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship – Pike and Calhoun County (IL) High Schools

With a goal to support future farmers and share their dedication to community, Delford and Portia Richter gifted a 234-acre farm to the Community Foundation in December of 2024 to establish an endowed scholarship fund.

This scholarship will annually provide support to graduates of high schools in Pike and Calhoun Counties, Illinois, who will study agriculture and related areas at an accredited postsecondary educational or nonprofit technical institution located in Illinois, Missouri, or Iowa.

Dorothy Motley Memorial Scholarship Fund – Barry (IL) High School

The Dorothy J. Motley Memorial Scholarship Fund was established as part of Mrs. Motley’s will to assist a Barry High School student attending college. “Mrs. Motley was very quaint and lived quietly,” said Debbie Harshman, owner of The Paper in Barry. “She made (people) feel so special. That quality is priceless...making others feel special.” The scholarship for a graduate of the former Barry, now Western High School, helps with expenses for attending an accredited post-secondary institution.

Dr. Larry Nichols D.O. Medical Education Scholarship – Hannibal (MO) High School

This Fund was established in memory of Dr. Larry Nichols, D.O., to inspire students in Hannibal to pursue careers in the medical field. The Dr. Larry Nichols D.O. Medical Education Scholarship Fund will provide an annual award to a graduate of Hannibal High School, with a preference for those who are pursuing a career in a medical field and attending community college.

Eldred & Evelyn Whitmore Scholarship – Griggsville-Perry (IL) High School

The scholarship was established by Annelle Kirk and her husband, Don Kirk, to honor Annelle's parents, Eldred and Evelyn Whitmore — a couple whose 71-year marriage was defined by hard work, faith, and family. Together, they built a life farming near Perry, Illinois, raising crops, livestock, and a family rooted in strong values.

The Eldred and Evelyn Whitmore Scholarship Fund provides one or more scholarships to a graduating senior from Griggsville-Perry High School, with preference given to students pursuing careers in agriculture, teaching, or technical trades, to be applied toward tuition, room and board, fees, books, and related educational expenses.

Hannibal High School Class of 1955 Scholarship Fund - Hannibal (MO) High School

The Hannibal High School Class of 1955 Scholarship Fund provides a scholarship to a Hannibal High School graduate who will be attending an accredited post-secondary institution for tuition, room and board, fees and/or books, and related expenses.

At its 50th reunion, two members of the Hannibal High School Class of 1955 challenged others to establish a scholarship to give back to the community and school that were so important to them during their formative years. Forty-six members made founding gifts to establish this scholarship fund in 2005.

Kenneth & Eleanor Lohr Memorial Scholarship – Quincy (IL) Senior High School

For a Quincy Senior High School graduate, supporting those who are stepping into the world of pharmacy, where science and compassion meet at the counter every day.

Marvin J and Thomas Leo Likes Math Scholarship – Barry (IL) High School

This scholarship honors the memories of Marvin J Likes and Thomas Leo Likes. The Marvin J Likes and Thomas Leo Likes Math Scholarship reflects the two men’s standards. “Both were an inspiration and encouragement for young people to better themselves,” said Ralph Garner, who was a long-time employee of Likes Land Surveyors, Inc., Barry, Illinois. Scholarship applications are handled by Western High School in Barry, Illinois. The scholarship is directed to the recipient’s college or university the first semester of his or her sophomore year and is administered through the Community Foundation.

Quincy High School Class of 1957 Scholarship Fund - Quincy (IL) Senior High School

The scholarship was initiated with a gift from Dr. John E. Sallstrom to commemorate the 50th Reunion of the QHS Class of 1957. “The scholarship fund should help the recipients continue their chosen career paths and motivate them to strive for excellence in their lives,” says Dr. Sallstrom. “If it encourages other individuals and classes to do something similar in the future, the whole community will be enriched.” The Quincy High School Class of 1957 Scholarship Fund provides one or more scholarships to a Quincy High School graduate who will be attending an accredited, four-year post-secondary institution for tuition, room and board, fees, and/or books, and related expenses.

Rich & Pam Futhey Scholarship

Awarded to graduates of Central High School attending an accredited, nonprofit post-secondary institution who are ready to build, fix, and power the world around them. Priority is given first to those pursuing diesel mechanics, auto mechanics, HVAC, or electrical trades, followed by those entering the fields of medicine or law enforcement.

Robert L. Adams Memorial Education Scholarship Fund – Griggsville-Perry High School (IL)

The Robert L. Adams Memorial Education Scholarship Fund was established in memory of dedicated educator Robert Adams. The fund seeks to support graduates of Griggsville-Perry High School who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution to pursue a career in education or a technical trade.

Teresa Lynn Thompson Memorial Scholarship Fund – Palmyra (MO) High School

The Teresa Lynn Thompson Memorial Scholarship Fund was established with memorials and donations made following Teresa’s death in May 2004. The scholarship assists a Palmyra R-1 High School student attending a post-secondary school. Teresa’s roots were in Palmyra. She had many family and friends there. She spent her life’s work in radio. Her ability to work and deal with people earned her great respect, according to her employer and friend, Bud Janes, former owner of Bick Broadcasting.

Tom and Judy Zenge Fund - Canton (MO) R-V High School

The student scholarship recipient recommends the selection of the Key Teacher award recipient. The primary consideration is for the teacher who has been most influential in helping the student to achieve academic success. Mrs. Oliver is a 7th-12th grade teacher and counselor at Canton R-V High School. With the award, Mrs. Oliver plans to purchase a new television that will be used to expand career and educational opportunities for students. The television will serve as an informational hub, displaying scholarship opportunities, college and career resources, important deadlines, and announcements that support student success.

The Zenges established their fund in 2006 with the Community Foundation to provide annual scholarships and teacher recognition awards at Canton R-V High School. The scholarship provided by the Tom and Judy Zenge Fund encourages the best and brightest young men and women to enter technical careers, whether engineering, research, teaching, manufacturing or other related fields. The teacher award recognizes a teacher who continues to make learning a lifelong passion.

Virginia Kay Leinweber Leeds Scholarship – Pleasant Hill High School

The family of Virginia ‘Ginger’ Leeds established the fund as a tribute to the health care professionals who took care of Ginger when hospitalized. Although Ginger was confined to a wheelchair at age 33, she kept her enthusiasm for life and sense of humor. She returned to college at age 43, where she completed her bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees.

The Virginia Kaye Leinweber Leeds Scholarship Fund provides a scholarship to Pleasant Hill High School graduates interested in pursuing the field of nursing. “Mom loved young people and wanted to see everyone have the opportunity to go to college,” says her daughter, Leah Erke. “I chose the field of nursing as a way to honor all of the nurses who cared for her.”

For a comprehensive list of scholarships and detailed application information, please visit the Community Foundation's official website at www.mycommunityfoundation.org/scholarships.

The Community Foundation is committed to supporting the educational aspirations of students in our region. We encourage all eligible students to apply and take advantage of these opportunities to further their education and contribute positively to their communities.