Foundation Scholarships/Grants

The scholarships listed below are those maintained and offered by the SRC Foundation. Only one application is required. Students will be matched to eligibility. In many instances, there will be multiple awards.

Vivian W. Ashton Memorial Scholarships
This scholarship was established by Mrs. Ashton’s daughter, Eleanor Rose Bourke. Preference is given to a non-traditional female student age 30 or over seeking an RN degree. Scholarship is renewable for a second year if the student maintains a college GPA of 2.5 or higher.

The Danny Ball Scholarship Fund
Established by the family of Danny Ball, a 1976 graduate of Canton High School, to enable students to realize their dreams of higher education at Spoon River College. Open to any SRC district resident. This scholarship is renewable. Open to Canton High School senior with GPA of 2.5.

The L.D. and Virginia L. Barnard Scholarship
The late “Barney” and Virginia Barnard are a well-known farming family in Fulton County. They have spent their lives supporting their community and educational institutions. Students who will be pursuing a career in agriculture will be given preference for this award.

Donald Bell Memorial Scholarship
Established in 2020 by bequest through the estate of Donald E. Bell, a CPA in San Francisco who graduated from Canton Community College in its early years and passed away in 2015. This scholarship aims to honor the desire of Mr. Bell (and his wife, Patricia), to make higher education available to those with high ambitions but limited resources. While Mr. Bell only stipulated that his gift be utilized for scholarships, this scholarship can be utilized for scholarships which best fit the needs of the SRC population in a given year, after discussion with SRC administration/staff.

Dr. Fred C. and Leona Benson Scholarship
Dr. Benson was Superintendent of Canton Schools and a Spoon River College Trustee. Recipient must be a Canton High School graduate. Award is renewable for a second year.

David L. Bishop Memorial Scholarship
The SRC Community Chorus and the family of David L. Bishop established this memorial scholarship to provide financial support to students who are participating and/or seeking degrees in the arts, speech/communications, or theatre. David taught English, directed plays, and coached the Canton High School Speech Team, and, later in his career, at the Illinois River Correctional Center through SRC and ICC. In 1980, he received the first Canton Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year Award and, in 1982, the WIU Alumni Achievement Award. David was a passionate advocate of the arts, a community theatre director and actor, and a Fulton County Arts Council founder. GPA of 3.0 or above required.

The Mildred and Emory Brott Memorial Scholarship
Established in the names of education advocates Mildred and Emory Brotts to provide financial assistance to students attending SRC. Open to any SRC district resident.

The Edward J. (Boogie) Bugos Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Ed Bugos, a lifelong supporter of youth, education, and athletics, by his family and friends in 2011. Recipient must have graduated from Canton High School.

Canton Elks Lodge #626 Scholarship
Recipient must reside in Fulton County and be a second year full-time or part-time student. Preference is given to student who is associated with the Elks Lodge, either personally or through family.

Canton Rotary Club Scholarship
Established in 2015 through annual community fundraiser to better the community and assist children and young adults to better themselves through education. Preference is given to student(s) from Fulton County.

Canton Rotary Club/Ketric & Alice Klingman Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Mr. Ketric Klingman, a music teacher in the Canton School District and at Spoon River College and his wife, Alice, a pianist. Open to any SRC district resident with high school GPA of 2.5.

The Bob & Elizabeth Champlin Scholarship
Established by community leaders Bob & Elizabeth Champlin to provide academic assistance to student(s) pursuing a degree/career in agriculture, healthcare or horticulture — areas which the Champlin family has championed.​ Preference given to a Fulton County student, regardless of age or GPA.

The Elizabeth Champlin Scholarship
Established in December 2016 in memory of Elizabeth Champlin, who passed away shortly after the establishment of the Bob and Elizabeth Champlin Scholarship. Preference given to students in the ABM program, with secondary preferences to a nursing student.

The Odella B. Chapin & Schreiber Family Scholarship
Established in 2018 through a gift from the Julie A. Warn Hubbard Trust to honor the memory of Odella B. Chapin.  Primary preference is given to a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Canton, where Ms. Chapin was a dedicated member.  Secondary preferences include students intending to study agriculture or environmental sciences.

Chicken for Charity Scholarship
Established in April 2017 with the proceeds from the 10th and final Chicken for Charity event at American Grille.  SRC alumni Kim Newburn and Nick Viano wanted to see the event live on, even though the 2017 C4C was the final event.  Preference is given to a Canton area student, followed by a Fulton County student, who demonstrates financial need.

The Ray and Emily Cleer Scholarship
Established by SRC friends Ray and Emily Cleer in 2019 to help students obtain a good college education.  May be awarded to any SRC student.

The Dorothy Cox Memorial Scholarship
Established by former Farmington, Illinois Mayor Dorothy Cox to provide financial assistance for any future SRC student living within the district. Open to any SRC district resident. Student must have high school GPA of 2.5.

The Dean and Mildred Crawford Scholarship
Former Canton business owners Dean and Mildred Crawford established this scholarship for full or part-time students attending the Canton campus. Preference given to students enrolled in vocational programs. Student must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Joseph and Maxine Dalmasso Memorial Scholarship
Established in 2014 by their son, Dennis, to assist students desiring to obtain a degree in higher education. Recipient may be a current or non-traditional Canton High School graduate.

The Anna Mae Dare Memorial Scholarship
Established in 2018 after the late 2017 passing of Anna Mae Dare, who lived her life on the family farm and whose family homesteaded in the area beginning in 1863.  Awarded to students in the agriculture program, preferably to students from Fulton County.

The Cheryl Dare Memorial Scholarship
Established in 2019 to honor the memory of beloved educator and lifelong education advocate, Cheryl Dare.  Preference is given to a second-year student pursuing a career in education (preferably elementary education, a career in which Cheryl excelled).  Secondary preference is given to a second-year student from Canton.

The Harold Dare Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Harold Dare, a lifelong farmer, to benefit students in SRC’s Diesel Power Systems Technology program. Awarded by the Diesel Advisory Committee based on good-standing membership in Phi Mu Tau, financial need, GPA, and strength in interview process.

The Janice Dare Bruster Paramedicine Scholarship
Janice Dare Bruster, a retired nurse and an adamant supporter of SRC and of education, established this award in 2021 to signify her gratitude for and belief in the EMT profession.  Scholarship is offered on a rolling basis as funds and applicant pool allow, with preference given to students pursuing their Emergency Medical Technician certification through SRC.  If funds remain, this scholarship may be awarded to SRC students seeking a career in any medical field, with preference given to programs that are ineligible for financial aid.

The Carol Davis Scholarship
Established in 2015 in honor of longtime community leader Carol Davis, former SRC Vice President of Community Outreach and Executive Director of the SRC Foundation. Over 100 people gave to establish this endowment, which is open to any student, regardless of age, financial ability or GPA, who wishes to pursue a career in education and has exhibited extracurricular or community involvement.​

The Harley Davis Scholarship
The SRC Community Chorus and family and friends of Harley Davis, a Fulton County farmer and singer/songwriter, established this memorial scholarship to provide financial support to students who have participated in the music or theatre arts.

The Gale E. DeRenzy Memorial Scholarship
This memorial scholarship honors Fulton County community leader Gale DeRenzy. The scholarship is available to any Fulton County person who desires to continue his or her education. Preference is given to a non-traditional student who will be attending full or part-time and seeking a certificate, degree, or transfer to a four year institution; or to any Fulton County student who has earned a GED or high school diploma with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.

The Donald E. & Helen M. English Memorial Scholarship
Established by their children to honor the love that Mr. and Mrs. English had for SRC and its community programs. Open to any district resident. This scholarship is renewable for a 2nd year.

The Rodney & Bertha Fink CNA Scholarship
This scholarship was established by Macomb residents Rodney and Bertha Fink to assist with the up-front costs of obtaining a CNA license. Scholarship is awarded once per year to a student, demonstrating financial need, who is enrolled in the CNA program at SRC. Preference will be given to a student who is involved with the Samaritan Well program in Macomb.

Fulton County Youth Council – Virgil Ball Scholarship  The Fulton County Youth Council was established in 1958 to support homeless and other youth in need around the county. This endowment was established in 2024 to provide scholarships to SRC students from Fulton County. Preference will be given to a student who has a disability or has lost a parent before the age of 18.

Lukas R. Goforth Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2022 to honor the memory of Lukas R. Goforth, a 2021 Canton High School graduate and member of the SRC baseball team at the time of his tragic passing in May 2022. Lukas, who lived to fish and hunt, is remembered as the ultimate teammate and competitor, a leader on and off the field, a great student-athlete, and someone who loved his community. This scholarship seeks to support future students who displayed similar characteristics, and preference is given to students who were active in athletics at CHS or to any SRC baseball player who needs additional assistance, within the guidelines of NJCAA regulations.

Tom Greenwell Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established by the SRC Community Chorus and the family of the late Tom Greenwell. It is awarded annually to a student who participates in the performing arts.

Harold and Millicent Groves Memorial Scholarship
Established as a start-up endowment in 2018 and completed in 2021 by Nadine Groves of Astoria to honor the memory of her parents. Preference is given to students who attended Astoria or VIT High Schools and intend to pursue a degree or career in business or education.  3.0 GPA minimum.

Shauna Helle Memorial Scholarship
Given by the Red Dog CF Committee in memory of Shauna Helle, a Cuba High School student who had cystic fibrosis. This scholarship will be awarded to Cuba High School graduates majoring in, but not limited to, medical-related fields.

Roger Howerter Memorial Scholarship
In order to honor the memory of Roger Howerter, a man who valued all of life, appreciated the arts and encouraged education for all, the SRC Community Chorus completed this scholarship in 2015 to honor Roger, a founding member of the Chorus. Preference is given to any SRC student who has been involved in the performing arts.

The Kost Family Scholarship
After a long career at SRC, Robbin and Jodie Kost established this scholarship in 2023 to honor Jodie’s mother, Betty; to give back to SRC; and to help students access an SRC education. Any ag student from Fulton County who qualifies may be considered. Secondary preference is given to any Fulton County student.

SRC Foundation Scholarships (General Endowed)
Includes the Canton Elks/Lila Wilcoxen Memorial Scholarship; the Tom Knowles Memorial Endowment Scholarship; the Neil K. Rand Memorial Scholarship; Susanna Wood Trust; the Jack Yancick-Cilco Endowment Scholarship; the Dr. J. K. Welch Scholarship; the Carl N., Stella, and Francis Hill Memorial Scholarship; the Clara F. Donaldson Trust Scholarship; the Barbara Pires Memorial Fund; the George E. and Verda Mae Poland Scholarship; Shay Jockisch Scholarship; Mildred Locke Trust; the Adam Tuttle Memorial Fund; and the Rose Marinich Scholarship.

Carl F. Jackson Endowment Scholarship
Established in 1996 by Mr. Jackson, a retired SRC faculty accounting instructor of 24 years, to help students continue their full time SRC educations. Open to any SRC district resident. This scholarship is renewable.

The Edward R. Kaiser Scholarship
Established for Mr. Kaiser, a former SRC Diesel Technology instructor, by his family to assist diesel students at the college. Restricted to Diesel students. This scholarship is selected by the SRC Diesel Advisory Committee annually.

Robert George and Jennifer Bond Kauzlarich Scholarship
Established in 2017 by Jennifer Kauzlarich in memory of her husband, Bob, a 1965 Canton Community College graduate, and in celebration of their lifelong commitments to education.  Preference is given to a Canton High School student.

Kiwanis Club of Canton Scholarship
Preference is given to a Canton High School graduate who was a member in good standing in the CHS Key Club.

Cody Krulac Memorial Endowment
Established in 2017 and supported by the Red Dog CF, Inc. Committee in memory of Cody Krulac, a former Canton High School valedictorian who loved farming and Red Dog events.  Preference is given to a Canton High School graduate majoring in farm-related fields, or technology.

Berniece Sprecher Kruschinsky
Established by Mrs. Kruschinsky to provide financial assistance through an annual scholarship. Preference is given to person with disability.

Carl Kruschinsky Scholarship
Established by his wife, Berniece, to assist students who demonstrate financial need. Open to any SRC district resident.

The Long Family Scholarship
Ken Long, an alumnus of SRC, established this scholarship in 2022 to provide assistance to SRC students and to honor his family’s connection to SRC over multiple generations. Preference is given to students of Fulton County.

Gail A. Mathis Memorial Scholarship
Established by the SRC Community Chorus in December of 2016 in memory of Gail Mathis, a member of the SRC Community Chorus and friend of SRC.

The McPheeters Family Scholarship
The McPheeters Family Scholarship was established in 2023 by Mr. Lynn McPheeters, the first student to enroll at and graduate from Spoon River College (then known as Canton Community College), and who served as Vice President and CFO of Caterpillar before his retirement in 2005. This scholarship seeks to assist students who are seeking Career and Technical Education credentials in programs which are ineligible for federal financial aid. In addition to the new funding Lynn has provided, this scholarship includes funds from the former Francis G. & Dorothea B. McPheeters Scholarship, which was originally established in 2002 to honor Lynn’s parents.

MidAmerica National Bank Scholarship
Established by one of Fulton County’s oldest banks, a long time SRC partner and supporter in the community, to provide several SRC students with scholarships each year. Open to any SRC district resident with a High School GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Gustav A. & Elizabeth P. Miller Scholarship
Established by longtime residents and business owners Gustav and Betty Miller. This is one of the SRC Foundation’s largest personal endowments. Open to any SRC district resident with a High School GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Russell & Esther Morris Scholarship Trust
As part of her last will and testament, Esther (Knowles) Morris established this trust in 2018 to benefit Canton and Pekin High School graduates who enroll in nursing school or enroll to become teachers. The assets of the Trust were transferred to the SRC Foundation in 2023 by Diana Howard, Esther’s niece, in 2023, with the intention of honoring the memory and wishes of Esther, a Canton native and an SRC Nursing School alumna as a non-traditional student. If no Canton or Pekin High School graduates enrolling in nursing school or pursuing a career in education apply, other students pursuing careers in these fields may be considered.

The Vicki Murphy Memorial Scholarship
Established in part by the SRC Community Chorus and by gifts from Vicki’s family.

Molly Kay O’Brien Scholarship
Established by Brad and Michelle O’Brien in memory of their infant daughter to encourage students to pursue higher education.  As of 2017, four awards are given each year to graduating high school seniors — two from Canton High School, and two from any SRC district high school.

Avis A. Oliver Memorial Scholarship
Established in 2009 by her two daughters as a tribute to their mother and her love of learning. Preference given to art or education major with a GPA of 3.0. This scholarship is renewable. Selection made by Advisory Committee.

Thomas R. Pettit Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Roland Pettit, a former agriculture instructor at SRC, established this scholarship to honor the memory of his son, Tom, who passed away from cancer in 2019, and to reflect his mother and father’s commitment to agriculture education. First preference is to a Canton High School student studying agriculture. However, if no CHS student pursuing agriculture qualifies, other applicants pursuing agriculture may be considered.

The Phi Mu Tau Scholarship
Open to Diesel Technology students.

J. Marshall Quick and Helen Quick Scholarship
Established in recognition of J. Marshall Quick, a lifelong farmer in Fulton County and the founder of the Fulton County Pork Producers. His wife, Helen, taught at Cuba High School for many years. Open to any SRC district resident with a High School GPA of 2.5 or higher and involved in curricular/extra-curricular activities.

The Stan Ransom Scholarship
Established in 2015 by Stan Ransom, a retired teacher who taught for 33 years at Canton High School and a graduate of Canton Community College. Preference is given to any student who participates in music, theater, or performing arts. Open to any SRC District resident with a high school GPA of 3.0 or above.

The Marianne and Robert Reading Scholarship
To pay forward Bob’s positive experience at Canton Community College and honor those, including instructor Daisy Coty, who helped him overcome his own disability and put him on a path to success, the Readings established this award in 2019 to financially assist students with documented disabilities.

Red Dog Cystic Fibrosis Scholarship
Restricted to a second year Spoon River College student who is a resident of Fulton County, Illinois. Preference will be given to those pursuing a degree or certificate in health care or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) related programs. Consideration may also be given to those who have been diagnosed with CF or have immediate family members with CF.

The Sherman Reed Memorial Scholarship
Established by Mr. Reed in 2004 in his last will and testament. The foundation awarded the first Sherman Reed scholarship in 2007. Open to any SRC district resident with a High School GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Mr. & Mrs. Glen Rogers Endowment Scholarship
Mr. & Mrs. Rogers established a very generous scholarship for SRC students at the suggestion of Mrs. Rogers’ sister, who once attended SRC. Open to any SRC district resident. This scholarship is renewable. Preference will be given to Farmington or Spoon River Valley graduates with a High School GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Verna Sandall Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established in March 2023 to honor the memory of Verna Sandall, an SRC alumna and longtime employee of Graham Hospital, by providing scholarships to SRC students in need. Preference is given to a veteran who is going into a non-nursing medical field. Secondary preferences are given to students going into non-nursing medical fields or to veterans who are going into other programs.

Marge Saville Memorial Scholarship
Established by the SRC Community Chorus, family and friends, and Brooks Carver and Mike Walters, authors of a series of books for the Spoon River Reads program, to honor community advocate Marge Saville. Open to anyone.

The Junior K. and Melba Schleich Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Junior K. and Melba Schleich, a Fulton County farmer and elementary educator, respectively, to provide financial assistance to local SRC students entering the field of agriculture with intent to transfer to a four-year program. Preference is given to a graduate of Spoon River Valley H.S., and secondary preference is given to education majors from Fulton County.

Robert Smolich Memorial Scholarship
Established by Robert “Bob” Smolich, a retired vice president of Spoon River College and community icon, by his last will and testament. Open to any SRC district resident with a High School GPA of 2.5 or higher.

SRC Foundation Board/SRC Board of Trustees Scholarship
This scholarship was established by members of the SRC Foundation Board and the SRC Board of Trustees. Preference will be given to a second year SRC Phi Theta Kappa member or a student who has been involved in SRC Student Activities. College GPA of 3.0 or higher.

SRC Alumni Scholarship
Established in part by the SRC Alumni Association, championed by the late Dennis Dalmasso, a recipient of the Alumni Achievement and Distinguished Alumni Awards.  Award is open to any student of SRC who qualifies for a Foundation scholarship.

Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development GED Scholarship
Established by the SRPED board in 2010 to help pay for testing fees for GED students in need of financial assistance.  Selection made as needed by the SRC Adult Ed Department.

The B.H. and Jim A. Taylor Scholarship Trust
This Trust is now invested by the SRC Foundation. Student must be a Canton High School graduate.

W.I. Taylor Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Taylor was an original founder of Canton Community College, which became Spoon River College. Preference is given to a part-time student who attends the Canton Campus and is seeking an associate degree.

Bradley K. Watson Scholarship
Established by the Watson family in honor of Bradley K. Watson. Awarding preference is given to a non-traditional student seeking a career in Career & Technical or Agriculture fields.

The Jackson L. and Bette A. Williams Scholarship
Established in 2019 by Mrs. Elizabeth VanTieghem as one of many philanthropic efforts of the foundation she founded with her late husband, Jackson, this scholarship seeks to assist students who are seeking a career in agriculture or teaching.

The Louise Wood Scholarship
Established by Havana resident Louise Wood to assist students who demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to Ipava or Havana graduates. Open to any SRC district resident with a High School GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Susanna Wood Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship, established by family members, honors the importance of education in the life of Susanna Wood. Preference is given to a VIT high school graduate.

Gene and Evelyn Wrestler Scholarship
Established by Evelyn Wrestler in 2016 to offer support to graduates of either Canton or Havana High Schools.

The Dee Zaborac Memorial Scholarship
Established in 2015 by the Zaborac family, in memory of community advocate Dee Zaborac, to enhance the education of a local SRC student. Preference is given to an employee of the Canton YWCA, but consideration is given to any SRC student if no YWCA employee applies.

Edward and Shirley Zaborac Memorial Scholarship
Edward and Shirley Zaborac’s son, Greg, an SRC alumnus, established this award in 2017 to honor the memory of his parents.  This award is open to any SRC student that demonstrates financial need.

The Millie & Tom Zaborac Education Scholarship
This scholarship was established by the Zaborac Family in honor and memory of long-time Fulton County educators Millie & Tom Zaborac. The scholarship will be awarded to any student pursuing a career in education. Recipient must maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher.

Craig M. Zilly Memorial Scholarship
Craig M. Zilly of Canton, IL was a radio personality, insurance representative, and a participant in theatre with the Fulton County Playhouse and the SRC Community Chorus. He believed that education fostered success in life and that quality teachers were the key. Funded in part by the SRC Community Chorus and Craig’s family and friends, the Craig M. Zilly Memorial Scholarship funds anyone seeking a degree in the field of education, with preference given to students with a background in the performing arts.

Note: Named endowed scholarships are created upon investment of $10,000 or more. The scholarships become self-perpetuating through interest creation and continue to provide financial assistance for future generations. To learn more about named endowed scholarship opportunities, call the Foundation at (309) 649-6395 or email the Foundation.

Many organizations and businesses ask the Foundation to administer the scholarships they offer to SRC students each year. Students interested in these scholarships should use the standard application form. Some of these scholarships require an additional application (marked with an asterisk). Please consult your advisor about these scholarships.

Bar-Mac Farms Scholarship 

This $500 scholarship is open to students studying agriculture from Canton High School, diesel from Canton High School, or agriculture from Fulton County.

*Compeer Financial Scholarship
The Compeer Financial Scholarship Program provides two $1250 scholarships to deserving students enrolled in ag or ag-related programs. Preference is given to second-year or non-traditional students, students who demonstrate financial need, and students who promote diversity in agriculture.

Canton Area Chamber of Commerce
Awarded to an adult education student continuing their education through a SRC certificate, degree, or transfer program.

Canton P.E.O. Chapter LY Scholarship
Administered by the Canton P.E.O. Chapter LY of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, an international women’s group dedicated to community service and the furthering of education for female students.  Awarded after semester begins to a female student who is a resident of Fulton County for 12 months out of the year and who demonstrates financial need.  Student must have applied for SRC Foundation Scholarships for the academic year in which the scholarship is awarded.

Canton Works Club Scholarship
Preference given to those who have proof of family relationship to a former International Harvester employee. This scholarship is renewable if SRC GPA is 2.5 or higher.  In order to be considered for this award, please include one of the following (in order to prove relationship to a former IH employee):

• Pay stub or W2 from Canton International Harvester
• Pension stub/communication (or bank statement that shows direct deposit of IH pension with sensitive information redacted)
• Obituary of family member that lists International Harvester as a former employer
• Other methods of documentation may be accepted

The Educators’ Scholarship
Established by a couple who lives in Macomb, but wishes to remain anoymous, preference for this award is given to students who are graduates of VIT or Farmington High Schools.

Edward Jones – Rusty Melhouse Scholarship
The Edward Jones-Rusty Melhouse academic and community scholarship is to provide support for a student studying business and/or agriculture within the Spoon River College district. Emphasis shall be given to students looking to transfer on to a four year institution and completing an undergraduate degree. Of equal importance to the major is that this support shall be given to a deserving recipient who has been involved in the community through public service and volunteerism and looks to carry on in the spirit of paying it forward.

Fellheimer Trust (Awarded in the Fall, Spring and Summer)
Student must attend SRC Macomb Campus and live in SRC District 12 months of the year. Preference will be given to non-traditional students who must be 25 years of age or older or have a dependent child. New applications required each semester. Student must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Student may receive a maximum of 4 awards while enrolled at SRC. Awards are made for Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Macomb, IL “Operation Generosity” Scholarship
The First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Macomb has a long-standing history of supporting community initiatives and established “Operation Generosity” upon receiving a significant gift. After allowing church members to support causes near to them, FCC wishes to use $15,000 of remaining funds to establish a scholarship program, especially for students seeking certificates in career/tech programs. Particular preference is given to programs that do not qualify for federal aid and to non-traditional students; however, exceptions may be made as funds allow. Students must reside in McDonough County. Scholarships are for a maximum of $2,500 and are available until funds are exhausted.

First State Bank of Illinois
Student must be a Macomb High School Senior with GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Clayton Fornoff Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of SRC student Clayton Fornoff; awarded to a Havana High School graduate.

SRC Foundation Student Board of Trustee Scholarship
Provided to the student selected to represent the SRC student body.

Francis Roy Herink & Margaret C. Otto Herink Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to Canton High School Senior.

High School Welding Scholarship
Available to high school students enrolled in the welding program.

Mildred Hunter Scholarship
Preference is given to a Rushville student who is pursuing education in Career or Technical Education.

Katherine Jaeger Scholarship
Applicant must have GPA of 3.0 or higher. This scholarship is renewable if SRC GPA is 2.5 or higher.

Dr. Gary King Memorial Scholarship
Established in 2017 through gifts given in memory of longtime SRC instructor Dr. Gary King.  Preference is given to a student who demonstrates financial need.  Secondary preference is given to a student seeking a degree in a science field.

John and Ruth Loebach Scholarship
Awarded to a second year student who is pursuing higher education in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and who will transfer to a four-year institution.

Ashley McCloud Service and Academic Excellence Scholarship
Established in memory of SRC graduate Ashley McCloud-Francies, who tragically passed away in 2016 while completing her Bachelor’s degree.  In order to be eligible, students must have completed and passed 12 hours of college-level (not developmental) courses at SRC prior to the SP18 semester, must be enrolled at the Macomb Campus, must maintain a cumulative SRC GPA of 3.0, and must demonstrate a significant commitment to extracurricular and community involvement, which was important to Ashley.  Funded through fundraising efforts of SRC Phi Theta Kappa and members of the SRC Family.

MGH Scholarship
Established to provide financial assistance to a student pursuing a career and technical or academic education attending the SRC Rushville Center. Preference is given to a graduate of Rushville-Industry High School.

Robert E. Ritschel Leadership Scholarship
Established by former SRC President Dr. Robert E. Ritschel. Awarded to any student residing within the SRC District.

Linda Shawver Memorial Agriculture and Nursing Scholarships
Established in 2017 by Providence Church in Lewistown for students in fields of nursing or agriculture.

*Spoon River Garden Club Scholarship
Funded by the club’s annual plant sale and bi-annual Garden Walk, this scholarship aids Fulton County students who are majoring in agriculture (or planning a career in horticulture). In situations where a tie-breaker is needed, a student’s financial need may be considered.

Grant & Irene Stauffer Memorial Scholarship
SRC alumni and advocates Jon and Kathy Snider established this scholarship in 2023 to honor Jon’s grandparents, and to ensure that students who have significant financial need don’t have to choose to not attend college due to financial barriers. Because of Jon’s own connection to Oak Lawn Apartments, students who live or have lived in low-income/HUD/Section 8 housing will be given extra consideration. Awarding committee will begin with students who have lived at Oak Lawn Apartments, then outward to public housing in Fulton County, then outward to public housing in the SRC District. If no qualified students meet this preference, scholarships can be awarded to students who otherwise demonstrate significant financial need. These scholarships are intended to be larger amounts, so only a couple of scholarships per year will be awarded.

Swalec Incentive Scholarships
Established in 2017 by Wee-Ma-Tuk residents Margaret and Dr. John Swalec, a former president of Waubonsee Community College, as a commitment to community college education.  Scholarships are available to high school students who are academically talented (NHS members who choose to attend SRC), students transitioning from GED/Adult Education to college, and current SRC students who are at risk of being forced to end or suspend their education due to financial situation.

Brian Telander Memorial Scholarship
Established in 2017 through gifts made in memory of the late Brian Telander, a former instructor in the Diesel program.  This scholarship is awarded by the Diesel Advisory Committee, but the ideal candidate would be a second-year diesel student carrying a 3.0 GPA and is applicable to tuition, books, or fees, but not tools.

Brad & Jill Thompson Scholarship
Established beginning in 2023 by Marlene Thompson to honor her and her late husband Ronald’s two children, this scholarship seeks to assist students who are pursuing career-based certifications in programs which are not financial aid-eligible. Two scholarships per year are awarded.

Thomas O. Trainer Memorial Scholarship
This annual scholarship was established by friends of the late Thomas Trainer to provide financial assistance to a student attending Spoon River College with an interest in conservation/parks and recreation studies.

*West Central FS Agriculture Scholarships
Generally offered the fall semester, this scholarship opportunity is open to any student taking agriculture classes at SRC.  In addition to normal scholarship procedures, students must submit a resume and agree to an interview process.  Funded through generous annual giving from West Central FS and GROWMARK.

SRC offers academic performing grants each year for full-time first year students based on academic achievement. These awards cover tuition and fees for 36 semester hours in consecutive semesters during the academic year. The student may choose three semesters in a summer, fall, spring OR a fall, spring, summer order. These grants are renewable if a student maintains a cumulative GPA of 3.3 and full-time status throughout the academic year.

SRC also offers academic performing grants for second year students maintaining a 3.3 cumulative GPA and full-time status (both in the first year at SRC and in the second year). Several academic performing grants are available to part-time students. These awards are for one semester and students must reapply each semester. Students must have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and be enrolled part-time (less than 12 hours) at SRC.

For more information on Academic Performing Grants, please contact Missy Wilkinson by email or at (309) 649-6329.

Performing skill grants are awarded each year to students showing special ability or talent in the areas of Art, Drama, Athletics, Speech and Debate. Students receiving these grants may use the awarded funds for tuition or books. Activity sponsors in each area have specific requirements and criteria that must be met.

Students interested in performing skill grants must complete all the necessary eligibility requirements for SRC/SRC Foundation Scholarships as outlined on the application form AND contact the individual sponsor regarding additional eligibility requirements.

• For Art:  contact Jamie Kotewa or by phone at (309) 649-6237
• For Athletics:  contact John Bassett or by phone at (309) 649-6303
• For Drama:  contact Douglas Okey or by phone at (309) 649-6308
• For Speech and Debate:  contact Andrew Kirk or by phone at (309) 649-6263
• Additional performance or special scholarships based on skill, leadership, or talent in Commercial Driver Training, All-USA Academic Team, the SRC Student Member of the Board of Trustees, and others are awarded annually.

The SRC Foundation offers several nursing scholarships to accepted nursing students throughout the year. For information on the following and all nursing scholarship opportunities,  contact Sarah Bowton or call (309) 649-6227.

The Illinois Health Improvement Association Scholarship

The Altrusa International of Macomb Scholarship

The Rosie Brown Scholarship

The Marilyn Casey Scholarship

Linda Cameron Love Memorial Nursing Scholarship
Established in 2017 in memory of Linda Love, R.N., to honor her passion for nursing.  Linda was born and raised in Cuba and practiced nursing in Chicago, Colorado, Bloomington, and ultimately Canton.  A student working toward his or her R.N., in the second semester or later.  Awarded by the Nursing Scholarship Selection Committee.

The Severinsen Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Dr. K. Norman Severinsen by Rosalie M. Severinsen to provide financial assistance to a 2nd year nursing student; preference is given to a non-smoker.

The Sherrie Wood Scholarship
Established by former SRC Vice President Dr. Bev Bowen in memory of her daughter-in-law. Preference given to those entering the field of nursing.

The SRC Foundation offers dual credit scholarships to assist eligible area high school students who want to begin earning college credit while still in high school. Scholarship awards are applied to a student’s account at SRC. If the account has been paid in full, the student will receive a refund check in the amount of the award. Preference will be given to those families with less than $65,000 gross annual income and a household totaling four or more people, but all may apply for consideration. Awards are subject to the availability of funds, and not all who apply will necessarily receive awards.

Awards are made after each semester begins. Application forms are available at the Foundation Scholarships webpage. Print off the forms, complete, and mail prior to the deadline to the SRC Foundation at the address listed on the form.  The entire application must be filled out; any field left blank will subject the application to disqualification.

These scholarships are limited to students attending SRC district high schools offering dual credit courses through Spoon River College. For more information,  call the Foundation at (309) 649-6395 or email the Foundation.​

2024-2025 Scholarship Recipients

2023-2024 Scholarship Recipients

2022-2023 Scholarship Recipients

2021-2022 Scholarship Recipients