Spoon River College student Abigail Spencer has been awarded the Bonnie Stine SRCFA Scholarship for $500 for the 2023-24 academic year.
Spencer is a graduate of Canton High School, where she was recognized with the Board of Education Award and High Honors. She also made the President’s List at Spoon River College as a dual credit student, and was named Elks Senior of the Month. She was a member of Student Council (serving for one year as the secretary), Spanish Club (serving two years as secretary), Club Unify, Class Officer/reporter (one year), and the FFA.
Besides being active in clubs, Spencer also played sports—volleyball, basketball, and softball—and served as the assistant basketball coach. Her volunteer work included Special Olympics, Ladies Auxiliary Junior Member, Fulton County Humane Society, and KARE Camp Counselor, which she continues to do. In addition, she held part-time jobs while attending school, and is currently working for a local business and nannying for a family with a 6-year-old, a one-year-old, and one on the way.
Spencer is following in the nursing footsteps of her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her initial career goal was to work in labor and delivery, but after job shadowing in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit), she knew in her heart that was where she was meant to be.
When planning her education, proximity to her family was key. “Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to go to college somewhere close to home. I am a huge family person and have had no desire to ever move far away.” With other siblings also attending college, cost too was a factor.
“During my freshman year, I attended the career fair at Spoon River College and knew it was the place for me. I also was able to fast-track my college career by taking dual credit classes. I’ll be able to graduate from SRC with my associate degree and then go straight to OSF to work on my bachelor’s degree.” Her spot at OSF School of Nursing is already reserved through their early admission program.
“SRC has so much to offer including a small beautiful campus that is close to home, affordable, and has lots to offer educational-wise,” Spencer said. “Choosing SRC was an easy decision for me.”
The Bonnie Stine SRCFA Scholarship was previously known as the Spoon River College Faculty Association Scholarship. In 2013, faculty voted to rename it to recognize Stine’s role in establishing the original SRCFA Scholarship. Stine taught at the College for 31 years before retiring in 2008.
