INA, Ill. (September 29, 2026) — The Rend Lake College Foundation has welcomed another meaningful addition to its High 5 Scholarship Endowment campaign with the establishment of the Frankie Allan Minor Legacy of Protection Endowment Memorial Scholarship. Created to honor the life and memory of nine-month-old Frankie Allan Minor, the scholarship creates a lasting impact by supporting students who are answering the call to protect, serve, advocate for and care for others.
Though Frankie’s life was tragically cut short at just nine months old, his impact on his family and community will endure for a lifetime.
“There is no way to measure a child's life simply by the amount of time he was here,” Frankie’s father, Ray Minor, shared. “Frankie was deeply loved, and losing him changed the course of my life and the lives of those who loved him. His story has remained a part of who we are, and through this scholarship, his name and the impact of his life will continue.”
Following his passing, Ray made the decision to pivot his career path to study criminal justice and pursue a career in law enforcement. Driven by a desire to protect others, stand alongside families during their worst moments and prevent future tragedies, he devoted his career to public safety. Later in life, he also founded Extreme Exigency, an organization focused on education, firearm safety and family preparedness.
By establishing this endowed memorial scholarship at Rend Lake College, the Minor family extends Frankie’s legacy directly to the next generation of public servants, healthcare workers, first responders and advocates.
“I hope recipients understand that they are entering a career where they truly can make a difference,” his father said. “They may never have known him, but by receiving this scholarship, they become a small part of his continuing story. My hope is that they will take that responsibility into their careers and become the kind of professionals who act with courage, compassion, integrity, and a genuine desire to protect, serve, and care for others."
For the Minor family, the scholarship stands as a powerful testament to hope, purpose, and faith, turning a profound tragedy into an enduring gift of opportunity for local students. Reflecting on Romans 8:28, the family finds comfort in knowing that Frankie's story will continue to inspire positive change for generations to come.
Romans 8:28 states, 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.'
The Minor family poses for a group portrait to celebrate the establishment of the Frankie Allan Minor Legacy of Protection Endowment Memorial Scholarship.
“This scholarship is one of the ways we continue to keep Frankie with us by sharing his story and allowing his life to continue making a difference,” his father shared. “His life mattered. His memory matters. And through the Frankie Allan Minor Legacy of Protection Endowment Memorial Scholarship, his life can continue inspiring others to protect, serve, care for, and make a difference for generations to come.”
“Frankie’s life was far too short, but the love he inspired and the purpose his memory has created will reach far beyond the time he was here. The Minor family has taken unimaginable loss and transformed it into a lasting gift of hope, opportunity and service for others," said Amy Newell, Director of the RLC Foundation. "Through this scholarship, Frankie’s name will live on in the lives of students who choose to protect, serve and care for others — and that is a beautiful and lasting legacy. RLC Foundation is so deeply honored to help carry that legacy forward.”
About the High 5 Campaign
Through the High 5 Campaign, donors established or strengthened endowed scholarships while the Rend Lake College Foundation amplified their generosity with matching funds, creating long-term impact that lasts for generations. RLCF offered 25 matching opportunities from a total match pool of $125,000. With all matches utilized, the campaign generated up to $375,000 in lasting scholarships.
