• HILLSBORO EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION 
    SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM AND AWARDS

    2024
     
    The Hillsboro Educational Foundation, through the generous donations from Alumni and friends distributed approximately $45,000 in scholarships last year. Current scholarships handled by the Foundation are listed below. Please scroll down to get a description on the amount of the scholarship and other important information including some deadline dates.
     
    Below is a list of scholarships available at this time:

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    SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS

    The Hillsboro Educational Foundation will accept scholarships directed to perpetuate any of the scholarships listed.  Alumni or friends wishing to make a scholarship donation in the name of a specific individual may submit the donation:

    Attention:  Earl Meier

    Hillsboro Educational Foundation, Inc.

    1311 Vandalia Road

    Hillsboro, IL 62049

    Please indicate whether the donation is being made to the general scholarship fund or to a specific scholarship listed. Every dollar donated to the Scholarship Fund is used for scholarships.

    Alumni or friends of the Foundation wishing to establish a scholarship are invited to contact a member of the Foundation through the Hillsboro School District at 217-532-2942. 

     

    2024

     

    FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP LIST

     

    ANITA T. AND JOHN F. RUNDQUIST SCHOLARSHIP 

     

    This $1000.00 Teacher Education Scholarship award is presented annually to a deserving Hillsboro High School senior through the Foundation by the Rundquist family to honor their parents, Anita T. and John F. Rundquist.  These individuals are life-long community residents in the Butler area with a strong commitment to education and agriculture.  Mr. Rundquist served many years on the Hillsboro District Board of Education.

     

    The recipient of this award must be enrolled or accepted as a student at an accredited post-secondary school with the intent of studying agriculture or foods and nutrition (academic, applied or technology degree). 

     

    BAI/LYNN KEEPPER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

     

    This $1000 scholarhip will be awarded annually to one Hillsboro High School student.  The scholarship may be used for tuition, fees, and books.  Applicants may be entering any field of study but should have an interest in promoting the arts. 

     

    BANK OF HILLSBORO BUSINESS SCHOLARSHIP

     

    This $500.00 scholarship is awarded annually through the Foundation by the Bank of Hillsboro. The scholarship is awarded to an applicant from the graduating class who will be working towards a career in a business or accounting profession.

     

    BETTY AND IDA BAUMAN NURSING SCHOLARSHIP

     

    This annual scholarship has been established as a tribute to Betty and Ida Bauman for deserving Hillsboro High School students who wish to enter into the field on nursing.  Betty Bauman was very active in community affairs, especially with activities of the Hillsboro Hospital Auxiliary.

    These annual scholarships for tuition and fees will be awarded to individuals planning to embark upon a career of nursing. Four or more scholarships will be available during 2019. This scholarship may be used for two, three, or four-year programs. 
    The scholarship is renewable upon written application to the counselor's office at Hillsboro High School. Students wishing to renew the application for subsequent years must contact the Hillsboro High School counselor’s office for the application no later than March 13, 2019.  

     

    BLEDSAW FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

     

     This $1000 Bledsaw Family Scholarship was established by Ms. Bledsaw.  It may be used for tuition, fees, and books at an accredited college, university, or trade school.

     

     BONNIE IRELAND MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

     

    The Bonnie Ireland Memorial Scholarship is presented annually to a deserving graduating senior who is pursuing a degree at an accredited four-year university.

     

     CAMDEN'S CREW ACADEMIC SCHOLARHIP

     

    ThIs $1000 scholarship for tuition and fees is awarded to a Hillsboro High School graduate by Camden's Crew.  Camden is the son of Jason and Gina Burke and both are graduates of HHS.  Camden was diagnosed with Cri Du Chat Syndrome or 5p minus Syndrome at ten months of age.  His syndrome limits him both physically and cognitively and he receives therapy nearly daily to help him progress. To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must be entering the fields of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or special education. 

     

     CONRAD AND BETTY DAWSON FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

     

    ThIs $1000 scholarship has been established by Phillip Dawson in honor of his parents Conrad and Betty Dawson Bonnie Ireland Memorial Scholarship is presented annually to a deserving graduating senior who is pursuing a degree at an accredited four-year university.

     

    DALE STRETCH VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AWARD

      

    This $500.00 scholarship has been established by friends of the Dale Stretch Family and will be awarded to a deserving student who wishes to pursue a vocational career. Mr. Dale Stretch served as director of Vocational Education for many years in the Hillsboro School District and was a strong proponent of vocational education. 

     

    DONNA SPRINGER MEMORIAL

     

    This $1000 Scholarship has been established by Mrs. Springer's husband, Dennis Springer, in her memory.  The scholarship can be used for tuition, fees, and books and is awarded annually to a deserving HHS graduate. 

     

    DUSTY CAMERON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

     

    This scholarship is awarded annually through the Foundation by friends of the Cameron Family. Dusty, a fifth-grade student at Beckemeyer School, passed away in 2003 after a lengthy illness.

    EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS

     

    Scholarships ranging from $500-$1000 are presented annually to graduates of Hillsboro High School by the Educational Foundation.  Funding for these scholarships is made possible by donations from alumni that are designed toward scholarships.  Included in the 2015 Scholarship program will be the following scholarships:  Mary Ann Bernardini Pretnar Memorial Scholarship; Robert Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship; Krupabai Mekala Memorial Scholarship, as well as a number of scholarships provided by donations by alumni.  All scholarships listed above will use the Educational Foundation Scholarship application.

     

    EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION OF HILLSBORO

     

    Scholarships ranging from $500.00 to $1,000.00 are presented annually to graduates of Hillsboro High School by the Hillsboro Educational Foundation.  Funding for these scholarships is made possible by donations and memorials from alumni and friends of Hillsboro High School.  A completed application will include cover sheet, all answers on application form, a brief narrative, and two letters of recommendation.  Please submit to the HHS Counseling Office. 

     

    EDWARDS A. GOYAK SCHOLARSHIP

     

    This $1000.00 scholarship was established by the late Elizabeth Goyak in honor of her late husband Edward. Mr. Goyak grew up in Taylor Springs. He graduated from Hillsboro High School. Mr. Goyak had an intense interest in government and public administration. This scholarship is designed to be awarded to an individual who wishes to study civics, government, of public affairs. Mrs. Goyak enjoys hearing from the recipient of the scholarship and is very interested in higher education for young people. Individuals interested in applying for this award should contact the Hillsboro High School counseling staff.

     

    ELLEN MCGURTY NURSING SCHOLARSHIP

     

    This annual scholarship for $500.00 is awarded to individuals planning to embark upon a nursing or medical profession. This award honors Mrs. Ellen McGurty, a long-time nurse at Hillsboro Hospital. The goal of this scholarship is to enable a graduate to enter into a shortage occupation.

     

    ERIK PAUL WESTERMAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

     

    This scholarship is awarded annually in memory of Erik Paul Westerman, a 1998 Hillsboro High School graduate, to a deserving student who exhibits an interest in computer graphics/art and or high-end automotive technician-technical education for a career in the high-performance automotive industry. 

     

    H.E. "WOODY" AND CATHERINE WOODRUFF FAMILY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

     

    This scholarship has been established as a tribute to H.E. "Woody" and Catherine Woodruff for deserving Hillsboro High School graduates who wish to enter the fields of language (English or foreign) education or agriculture (with a priority given to forestry). One $1,000.00 scholarship will be awarded to a deserving HHS graduate annually, depending on resources available.  The recipient must attend a four-year college or university.  The scholarship will be announced at the HHS Honor's Night by a member of the Hillsboro Educational Foundation.  

     

    HAROLD AND MARILYN SITTON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

     

    This $1000.00 scholarship for tuition and fees is awarded annually to a Hillsboro High School graduate pursuing a degree in education or health care. Harold and Marilyn Sitton were active, dedicated members of the Hillsboro community. Harold, a 1946 Hillsboro High School graduate, decided to stay in his hometown and commit himself to civic leadership. In addition to Harold and Marilyn raising four Hillsboro High School and university graduates (two became teachers), Harold served in many community leadership roles including Mayor during the planning of Glenn Shoals Lake, volunteer contracting officer during the construction of the Lake, and President of the Hillsboro Area Hospital Board during the planning and construction of the new  hospital.

     

    HAROLD D. AND  MARILYN SITTON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

     

    This $1000.00 scholarship for tuition and fees is awarded annually to a Hillsboro High School graduate pursuing a degree in education or health care. Harold and Marilyn Sitton were active, dedicated members of the Hillsboro community. Harold, a 1946 Hillsboro High School graduate, decided to stay in his hometown and commit himself to civic leadership. In addition to Harold and Marilyn raising four Hillsboro High School and university graduates (two became teachers), Harold served in many community leadership roles, including Mayor during the planning of Glenn Shoals Lake, volunteer contracting officer during the construction of the Lake, and President of the Hillsboro Area Hospital Board during the planning and construction of the new  hospital.

     

    HAROLD S. SITTON MEMORIAL VOCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP

    Harold S. Sitton was a native of Hillsboro and spent his entire life in the community until his retirement in Arkansas. Born in 1908 and educated in Hillsboro schools through 8th grade, Harold was a lifelong student. He made a living off his vocational skills of carpentry and mechanics by renovating homes, repairing machines, and farming.  He was also self-taught in electronics, one of his hobbies. At age 67, he almost single-handedly built his retirement home in Gamaliel, Arkansas. This $1000.00 scholarship will be awarded to a HHS graduate pursuing a vocational career. Priority will be given to students entering a Building Trades Program.

     

    HILLSBORO SERTOMA SCHOLARSHIP (SERVICE TO MANKIND)

     

    Sertoma stands for “Service to Mankind”.  The organization is international in scope with the purpose “to meet the needs of communities through volunteer service”.  The vision of Sertoma is “to create communities of change under common leadership and with a common voice that will serve many in need”

     

    This scholarship is being offered to encourage and reward our young people, to volunteer their time and talent to serve others.  Applicants will be judged on Quality of Service and Stewardship in serving others.  Applicants must demonstrate and document service achievements.

     

    JAMES AND CECILIA HAYES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

     

    This memorial is for two $1000 scholarships to be used for college tuition and fees.  Nicole Hayes is continuing this scholarship in memory of her parents.    Applicants must have a C average or above.  Each applicant should submit a brief essay detailing future plans with the application.  In addition, two letters of recommendation are needed.  Please turn in all applications with documentation to the counseling office. 

     

    JAN YOUNG MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

     

    A $500.00 will be presented by Mrs. Pat Young through the Educational Foundation. This scholarship is funded by members of the Jan Young Family.  Mr. Jan Young served the Hillsboro District for many years as a counselor. 

     

    JERRY AND SHARON PAROLA ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP

     

    A $1,000.00 scholarship for tuition and fees will be awarded to a HHS graduate by Jerry and Sharon Parola.  Preference will be given to applicants who are pursuing a degree in engineering or the sciences. 

     

    JOAN AND BERNARD RAPPE' MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

     

    This $500.00 scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving Hillsboro High School graduate who will be entering the field of Education in honor of Joan and Bernard Rappe’.  Joan Rappe’ served the Hillsboro School District as a choral instructor and director at Hillsboro High School and Hillsboro Jr. High School.  Mr. Bernard Rappe’ was active in community civic affairs, serving as Mayor and a member of the Hillsboro City Council for many years.   Mr. Rappe’ served on the District steering committee to build the new Beckemeyer and Coffeen Elementary Schools.  

    Both Joan and Bernard received Service to Mankind awards from the Hillsboro Sertoma Club for their civic activities and for their service to the community.

     

    THE JUSTISON FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

     

    This $500 scholarship will be awarded to at least one senior at HHS annually by The Justison Foundation.  The Justison family is best known locally for Justison Farms, a fourth-generation family row crop operation headquartered two miles north of Butler.  The Justison Foundation is aimed to provide educational advancement, charitable giving, and promote community development through economic prosperity, cultural vitality, sustainability, and healthy lifestyles.   This scholarship is given in homage to the entrepreneurial spirit and civic commitment of the past and present members of the Justiston Family, its ancillary branches including the Loveless Family of Carlinville, the Behrens Family of Gillespie, and the Haddad-Lewis Family of Staunton. 

     

     

    KENNETH "GENE" WHITE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

     

    This $1000 scholarship is awarded to a graduating Hillsboro High School senior in his memory.  It may be used for tuition and fees for accredited trade schools, two-year degree programs or four year degree programs. 

     

    KIEFER BROTHERS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

     

    The Kiefer Brothers Memorial Scholarships are awarded to Hillsboro High School seniors during the 2017-2018 school year.  Charles R. Kiefer and Jerad J. Kiefer, sons of Paul and Julie Kiefer passed away during their elementary school years from complications of bone marrow transplants.  Two $750 scholarships will be awarded in the memory of Jerad and Charlie.  Please contact the Counselor's office at Hillsboro High School for more information.

     

    KRUPABAI .D. MEKALA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

     

    This scholarship is awarded to a deserving Hillsboro High School graduate in memory of Dkupabai Mekala. Mrs. Mekala is the mother of Hillsboro resident John Mekala. Mr. Mekala owns and operates Rehab Edge in Hillsboro. This scholarship will be awarded to a student who meets the criteria listed on this website for the Educational Foundation Scholarships.  This award may be used for trade schools, two-year degree programs or a four-year degree program.  Interested students must use the Educational Foundation Scholarship form and application.

     

    LAMOINE REEVES MEMORIAL TEACHER EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP

     

    The LaMoine Reeves Teacher Education Scholarship has been established by the family of Mr. Reeves.  Mr. Reeves was a graduate of Hillsboro High School and devoted thirty-one years of service to the Hillsboro School District as first a teacher, and then a beloved principal, at Coffeen Elementary School.  One scholarship will be awarded annually in the amount of %500.00, depending on resources available.  This scholarship will be announced at the Hillsboro High School Honor's Night by a member of the Reeves family.  

     

    LAVINA WHITLOCK BERTRAM MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

     

    Lavina Whitlock Bertram grew up in Hillsboro and graduated from Hillsboro High School.  Mrs. Bertram’s father was Montgomery County Sheriff (H. Dwight Whitlock) and her sister, Curtis Lee Bertram Neely owned and operated the Dutch Mill for many years.  This scholarship is being provided through a generous donation by Mr. Kenneth Bertram.  It is designed for a FEMALE student who plans to attend a four-year accredited post-secondary Illinois College or University.  Preference will be given to a Female student studying in one of the following professional areas:  Nursing, Business related profession, Music, or another professional field.  The applicant is requested to request an application from the Counselor’s office and to complete the application as required.   This is a one year, $1000.00 scholarship and is not renewable.

     

    LEANNE R. HARPOLE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

     

    This $500.00 Teacher Education Scholarship award is presented annually to a deserving Hillsboro High School senior.  Betty and Bill Harpole have generously established this scholarship to honor their late daughter, Leanne R. Harpole, who graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a degree in Psychology. The recipient of this award must be enrolled or accepted as a full-time student at an accredited college pursuing a major in teacher education.  Interested students must use the Educational Foundation Scholarship form and application.

     

    LEONA AND LOUIS HUBER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

     

    The Leona and Louis Huber Memorial Scholarship has been established by their children to the honor the memory of Leona and Louis.  Louis Huber was a long time State Farm Insurance Agent in Hillsboro.  He is very active in church and community activities.  He and his wife, Leona, raised their family on the family farm east of Hillsboro.  

     

    MARY ANN BERNARDINI PRETNAR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

     

    This award is presented to a deserving Hillsboro High School graduate by the Alan Pretnar family through the Hillsboro Education Foundation in honor of his mother, Mrs. Mary Ann Pretnar.  Mrs. Pretnar, a 1937 graduate of Hillsboro High School, ran a business and a farm for most of her life.  The scholarship will be awarded to a student who meets the criteria listed on this website for the Educational Foundation Scholarships.  This award may be used for trade schools, two-year degree programs or a four-year degree program.  Interested students must use the Educational Foundation Scholarship form and application.

     

    MEL & JACQUELINE HESELOV SCHOLARSHIP

     

    A $1000.00 scholarship is given each year to honor Mel and Jacqueline Heselov of Hillsboro, Illinois. The scholarship was set up by a generous donation by the children of Mel and Jacqueline Heselov. Mr. Heselov owned and operated Heselov’s Style Shop for many years on the Main Street in Hillsboro. For information on this scholarship, please contact the counselors at Hillsboro High School. The scholarship must be used at the University of Illinois or any Illinois School. 

     

    MERCEDES V. LESSMAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

     

    The Mercedes V. Lessman Memorial $500 Scholarship has been established by her children to honor the memory of Mercedes Lessman.   Mrs. Lessman lived in the Hillsboro area her entire life and was a housewife, seamstress at the local dress factory and a well- known artist.  Her paintings have been displayed in various venues where she won many awards.  Mrs. Lessman was a member of local art clubs and once served as the Grand Marshall of the annual Old Settlers parade in Hillsboro.  Mrs. Lessman lived on a farm southwest of Hillsboro.  She was very active in community activities.    This scholarship is available to any graduating senior of Hillsboro High School.

     

    MIRANDA SINGLER SCHOLARSHIP

     

    This $1000 scholarship is awarded annually in memory of Miranda Singler, a 2006 graduate of Hillsboro High School.  It is given in celebration of her vibrant and adventurous spirit, kind nature, and her significant creative and artisitc talents and achievements.  Preference will be given to a student with interest in the arts. 

     

    NELLIE MACKEY TEACHER EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP

     

    This $1000.00 award is presented annually to a deserving Hillsboro High School graduate through the generosity of the family of Nellie Mackey.  Mrs. Mackey taught in Irving Grade School and then at Beckemeyer Elementary School for 21 years.  This scholarship has been established in her memory.  Scholarship is due in the counseling office by February 12, 2021. 

     

    PAMELA KNOSTMAN HAISTY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

    This scholarship has been established as a tribute to Pamela Knostman Haisty. Mrs. Haisty was raised in Hillsboro and was a proud 1960 graduate of Hillsboro High School. She went on to earn a degree in psychology at Washington University in St. Louis.  Her family, service to others and her community, a deep faith, and education were top priorities throughout her life. This $1000.00 scholarship will be awarded to a deserving HHS graduate. It may be used for tuition and fees at an accredited four year college or university, a two year school or certificate program, or a trade school. Applicants may be entering any field of study, however preference will be given to students working toward a degree in social work or psychology.

     

    RICK AND SHELBY DENICKE SCHOLARSHIP

     

    This $1,500.00 scholarship for tuition and fees will be awarded to a Hillsboro High School graduate by Rik and Shelby (Rives) Denicke. Mrs. Denicke is a 1999 graduate of Hillsboro School and now resides in the St. Louis area with her husband Rik and two sons.  The Denicke's have acquired five college degrees between the two of them and are therefore aware of the cost of attaining higher education and the burden of school loans.  They recognize that they would not have obtained their success without the support of others, include the Hillsboro community.  The scholarship may be used for tuition and fees for accredited trade schools, two year degree programs or a four year program.  

     

    ROBERT E. SHANKLAND MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

     

    This award will be presented by Rob and DeAnn Shankland in the memory of Rob's father.  Mr. Shankland taught English at HHS for 25 years.  In addition he was a proud World War II veteran, and a skilled musician.  He was committed to the idea that all students from every background deserved the opportunity to realize their inherent potential and was devoted to giving students the chance.  Preference will be given to applicants entering the fields of education, music, liberal arts, the sciences, or piloting. This award or awards will range from $500-$1000, and can be used for tuition, books, fees, or travel expenses. 

     

    ROBERT ZIMMERMAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

     

    This award is presented to a deserving Hillsboro High School graduate by the many friends and family members through the Hillsboro Education Foundation in honor of Mr. Robert Zimmerman.  Mr. Zimmerman was a successful representative of State Farm in the Hillsboro Area.  Mr. Zimmerman was highly respected and active in community activities and affairs.  He provided assistance to many individuals and causes in the community.  This scholarship will be awarded to a student who meets the criteria listed on this website for the Educational Foundation Scholarships.  This award may be used for trade schools, two-year degree programs or a four-year degree program.  Interested students must use the Educational Foundation Scholarship form and application.

     

    ROSE MORMINO TEACHER EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP

     

    The Rose Mormino Scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior from Hillsboro High School intending to go into the field of education. Miss Mormino taught grade two at Burbank School in Hillsboro for many years. She finished her career as a second-grade teacher at the new Beckemeyer School in Hillsboro. This scholarship is awarded in the amount of up to $10,000 payable over 4 years to a graduate intending to go into teaching. The scholarship was established by family and friends in 2002. Additional scholarships of $1000.00 are available to applicants.

     

     

    WILLIAM CHARLES SCHLUCKEBIER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

     

    This scholarship in the amount of $500.00 is awarded annually through the Foundation by members of the William C. Schluckebier families.  Mr. Schluckebier served the School District for many years as a Board member from the Donnellson area.

     

     
Last Modified on April 21, 2024