Taylor Purdy of Mackinaw has been awarded the Bonnie Stine SRCFA Scholarship for $500 for the 2022-2023 academic year at Spoon River College.
Purdy is a 2021 graduate of Illini Bluffs High School where she played softball and volleyball. She was a member of the Student Council and the National Honor Society, and served as vice president of the Spanish Club. At SRC Purdy is a member of the volleyball team and was the recipient of a performing skill grant through the SRC Foundation. She is also a member of TRIO and Phi Theta Kappa.
Purdy is in her second year at Spoon River College, and while she hasn’t made any final decisions about where she will transfer to after receiving her associate degree or her career plans, being a veterinary technician is high on her list. She said that her indecision is one of the things that made SRC a great choice. “I’m constantly changing my mind about what is the best fit for me. Starting here is giving me time to figure that out.”
Purdy also appreciates the strong connection between students and faculty that she has experienced at SRC, particularly with Education faculty member Beth VanTine.
“Mrs. VanTine has been there for me when others haven’t, and I feel like I wouldn’t have the courage to be as confident as I am without her. She is proof that there are genuinely nice people in the world.”
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 and was known for her generosity to students.
