Generosity highlights eighth annual Roundup for Scholarships

INA, Ill (Oct. 22, 2019) - The future of local law enforcement and some of their most ardent supporters gathered in Ina last night for the eighth annual Rend Lake College Criminal Justice Program’s Roundup for Scholarships event.

Every year, the fundraiser brings in donations that assist students with the costs of RLC’s criminal justice program. This year, the seven students who received those scholarships were on hand to meet with members of local law enforcement who took the opportunity to share words of wisdom and encouragement.

Seven criminal justice students were on hand at the 2019 Roundup for Scholarships event. From left, RLC President Terry Wilkerson, RLC Dean of Applied Science and Tech Gabriele Farner, Preston Launius (Sesser), Sarah Issler (Pinckneyille), Brandon Davis (Shelbyville, Ky.), Toni Frayser (Whittington), Lyndsey Stevens (Coulterville), Melannie Mann (West Frankfort), RLC Criminal Justice Associate Professor Ron Meek, and Kelsi Ham (Opdyke).

Jefferson County State’s Attorney Sean Featherstun presented the criminal justice scholarship fund with a $1,000 donation out of the State’s Attorney’s Drug Forfeiture Fund. Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Bullard matched the donation with his own $1,000 out of the Sheriff’s Office Drug Forfeiture Fund.

Pictured, from left, Jefferson County State's Attorney Sean Featherstum, RLC President Terry Wilkerson, RLC Dean of Applied Science and Tech Gabriele Farner, RLC Criminal Justice Associate Professor Ron Meek, and Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Bullard.

But, the generosity didn’t stop there. The Darrel Mays Agency Inc. also presented the program with another $1,000 to help support the next generation of local law enforcement.

Pictured, from left, RLC President Terry Wilkerson, RLC Dean of Applied Science and Tech Gabriele Farner, RLC Criminal Justice Associate Professor Ron Meek, and Heston Mays.

"The donors in this room play a huge role in the process of me getting an education," said criminal justice student Kelsi Ham. "Your generous donations allow me to pursue my education and allows me to save money for future schooling. I am so grateful and want to say thank you. Thank you for choosing to be here and investing your money and time in our futures."

"It means a lot to have you all here. Without our donors, some of us wouldn't be able to attend college," added fellow student Lyndsey Stevens. "The criminal justice program makes a huge impact of dozens of students every year. It wouldn't be possible without you."

To learn more about RLC’s Criminal Justice program, visit www.rlc.edu/criminal-justice, or contact Meek at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1239 or meekr@rlc.edu.

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