INA, Ill. (March 15, 2024) —On Leap Day, the Rend Lake College Foundation hosted its 33rd Annual Scholarship Reception at the RLC Event Center where scholarship recipients and generous donors gathered to meet - some for the very first time. Each year, hundreds of scholarships are awarded to deserving RLC students. The application for 2024-25 scholarships is open through June.
Scholarship recipient Brock Miller delivers a keynote speech at Rend Lake College's 33rd Annual Foundation Scholarship Reception. The event celebrates the transformative power of scholarships on education and the future.
The reception presented a unique occasion for scholarship recipients to engage with their donors and scholarship representatives, providing them an opportunity to express their gratitude and to communicate their educational and career goals. The event was equally valuable for donors, as it allowed them to gain insights into the impact of their contributions and observe firsthand the positive effect of their generosity on the lives of students.
To learn more about the Rend Lake College Foundation and its programs, visit www.rlc.edu/foundation, where you can obtain additional information about its initiatives and how to contribute to the advancement of higher education.
Photo Gallery
Legence Bank Sponsorship
Legence Bank presented a $5,000 check to support the Legence Bank Burt H. Rowe Memorial Scholarship, the Legence Bank Merit Scholarship, and sponsor the evening's event.
Learn more About Legence Bank by clicking here.
A.J. Wellen Memorial Scholarship
(L-R) Remington Stevens (McLeansboro), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Adam Lee Lorance Memorial Art Scholarship
Students Arynn Studer (recipient)and Ashlynn Heavrin with donor Peggy Davis
Allen Trucking, LLC Scholarship
Students Dalton Thomas, Remington Stevens and Wyatt Hamson with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Allison Bash's State Farm Agency Scholarship 
Student Zane Harmon with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Alyssa Dawn Lorance Memorial Theatre Scholarship
Students Arynn Studer and Ashlynn Heavrin (recipient) with donor Peggy Davis.
Amanda Peyton Memorial Scholarship
Student Hunter Schoenrock with Mary Ellen Aiken (RLCF Representative)
AMVETS Sad Sacks Nursing Scholarship
Student Tarazz Watkins with donors Joe Norris and Art Holloway
Andrea K. Boucher Memorial Scholarship
Student Monique Hart with donors David Boucher, Brock Colp and Brandi Colp
Ann M. Santoro Memorial Scholarship
Student Madison Morris with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Arnistine Tolbert Memorial Scholarship
Student Sidney Follis with Bonnie Tolbert, and Denver and Johannah Tolbert
Austin-Welch Scholarship
Student Chelsea Brown with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Automotive Parts and Association Scholarship
Student Asher Russell with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Bank of Illinois Scholarship
Student Becker Andrews with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Benton BPW Scholarship
Student Zane Harmon with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Benton Lions Club Scholarship
Pat Kern (RLCF Representative) with students Kaylee Mclnturff, Emma Milby and Payton Heater, and donor Dave Severin
Bert and Ruth Keelin Scholarship
Student Dani Summers with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Beth Mandrell Memorial Scholarship
Student Makenna Hamson with donors Aaron Mandrell, Kara Avis, Leah Rolando and Vernon Mandrell
Bill B. and Ruth O. Smith Memorial Scholarship
Student Macey Prosise with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Blake Trout Memorial Scholarship
Julie Trout Memorial Scholarship
Students Nickolas Brelje (Blake Trout Scholarship) and Elicia Marlow (Julie Trout Scholarship) with donors Vickie and Alexia Trout
Brad and Brian Evilsizer Memorial Scholarship
Brad Evilsizer Memorial Scholarship
Student Brenden Whitmer with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Brandon Dame Memorial Scholarship
Student Bo Brockett with donor Cindy Van Horn
Brenda Scarber Memorial Scholarship
Student Madyson Odle with Mary Ellen Aiken (RLCF Representative)
Brian C. Fleri Memorial Scholarship
Student Paige McKittrick with donors Bill and Teresa Fleri
Busby Family Scholarship
Students Olliver Lewis and Kenadee Halley with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
BWC Past President's Business & Education Scholarship
Student Ava Hampton with donors Amanda Burk and Misty Nabors
Caldwell Family Memorial Scholarship
Clifton Caldwell Memorial Scholarship
Student Brock Miller with donor Cindy Caldwell
Carlos and Bonnie Tolbert Scholarship
Student Pearson Launius with donor Bonnie Tolbert
Charles & Martha Dee Ritchey Memorial Scholarship
Student Makenna Hamson with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Christian Chapel Church Scholarship
Student Leah Anselment with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Clayton Charles Ragland Memorial Scholarship
Student Tucker Dearmond with donor Lori Ragland
Clara Crocker Brown Family Endowment
Student Gabe Gunter with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Cletis & Imogene Reed Memorial Scholarship
Student Alexis Allen with donor Trish Reed
Coach Mike McClure Memorial Scholarship
Student Ethan Hamrick with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Community First Bank Scholarship
Students La'riah Patterson and Kaitlyn Repasky with donor Jason Newell
Continental Tire America Scholarship
Students (L-R) Destin Taylor, Asher Russell, Johnathan Casada and Olivia Edmonds, and donors (STANDING, L-R) John Johnson, Nik Pearce, Dan Casady, and Eric Edmonds
Craig V. Rudofski Memorial Scholarship
Student Lily Taylor with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Crossroads Legacy Scholarship
Students Daven Ort and Kelby Woods with donor William Davis
Curtis Smith Memorial Scholarship
Student Kamree Koester with donor Linda Smith (FAR RIGHT)
Dave and Penny Severin Scholarship in Memory of Roland Schwarz
Student Joselyn Pace with donor Dave Severin
David E. Hill, M.D Memorial Scholarship
Student Emma Erwin with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
David Scott Memorial Scholarship
Student Connor Terry with Jessica Jackanicz (RLCF Representative)
Donald "Digger" Donelson Memorial Scholarship
Student James Cravens with Terry Wilkerson (RLCF Representative)
Donald E. Peacock Nursing Scholarship
Student Ashlee Hendrickson with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Dora E. Brydon Scholarship
Student Emily Elliot with donors Amanda Burk (RIGHT) and Misty Nabors (LEFT)
Doris Welch Nursing Scholarship
Student Micah Johnson with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Doug Leeck Memorial Scholarship
Student Wyatt Pilson with donors Henry "Buster" Leeck and Cindy Leeck
Douglas S. Carlson Memorial Scholarship
Student Levi Mitchell with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Dr. Allen Y. Baker Scholarship
Student Carter Tripp with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Dr. Charles and Mary Roe Scholarship
Student Livia Queen with donors Dr. Bill and Mary Roe
Dr. Charles and Mary Roe Scholarship
Student Alaina Travelstead with donors Dr. Bill and Mary Roe
Dr. Evelyn Claxton Memorial Scholarship
Students Joselyn Pace and Arynn Studer with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Dr. Gary Ray Sweeten Isaiah 61 Scholarship
Student Jaelynn Wallace with donor Matt Sweetin
Dr. Oliver D. Spitler Memorial Scholarship
Student Blair Upchurch with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Dr. Richard Doherty Scholarship
Student Rylee Arnett with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Dr. Robert and Marilyn Parks Scholarship
Student Payton Loss with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Drew Family Scholarship
Student Quinton Mullinax (FAR RIGHT) with donors (L-R) Christen Drew, Harrison Drew, Bryan Drew and Aurora Drew
DTT Vermadel M. Wood Scholarship / William M. Wood Estate
Students Trevor Bailey, Davis Beale, DeVonna Boyd, Jadyn Cole, Sydney Downen, Jovi Horton, Caleb Kuschel, Alexia McGuire, Jacob Piasecki, Heather Pruett, Hayden Ralls, Ryleigh Richelman, Seyah Schernekau, and Remington Stevens with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Emil Perpich Family Memorial Scholarship
Student Blake Manser with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Everett "Boogie" & Dolores Ames Scholarship
Student Cannon McKee with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
First Cellular of Southern Illinois
Student Nikia Leonard with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Franklin County Medical Society Scholarship
Student Addyson Minton with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Gene N. & Dortha Bailey Scholarship
Student Andrew Diekemper with Jessica Jackanicz (RLCF Representative)
George Cybulski Memorial Scholarship
Student Harley Dunning with Jessica Jackanicz (RLCF Representative)
George / Anna Orshak & Paul / Bernice Petty Memorial Scholarship
Student Dakota Miller with donor Mrs. Phyllis Petty
Georgia Ohlhausen England Nursing Scholarship
Student Syndey Follis with Jessica Jackanicz (RLCF Representative)
Hamilton County Telephone Foundation
Students Breanna Blades, Mallorie Millenbine, Marshall Schuster and Jordan Stanley with donor ???
Howard L. Payne Nursing Scholarship
Students Samantha Williford, Caitlyn Williford and with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Howard L. Payne Scholarship
Student Zada Wilkey with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Howard L. Payne Vocational Scholarship
Students Nickolas Brelije, Timothy Cansler, Nathaniel Groff, Hayden Hoffmann, Drucilla McCormick, Jordan Otto, La’Riaha Patterson and Jacob Sandy with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Howard L. Payne Vocational Scholarship
Student Drucilla McCormick with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Illinois Manufacturer's Association Education Foundation (IMAEF) Scholarship
Student Kyle Hails with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
International Police Association, Region 57 Scholarship
Student Gabriel Casteel with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Scholarship
Student Zada Wilkey with donor Madison Moser
Jim and Carole Mounier Golf Scholarship
Students Ellie Deen and Kenzie Anderson with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Joe P. Boyle & Lois Ferne Boyle & his ancestors who lived in Belle Rive
Students Wyatt Pilson and Hallie Sledge with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
John C. Riley IV Scholarship
Student Wyatt Pilson with donors Joe and Betty Riley and Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
John D. Whittington / Ada D. Whittington Scholarship
Student Olivia Reyling with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Jornd Family Scholarship
Student Eddie House with donor Mark Jornd
Joshua Hurst Memorial Scholarship
Student La’Riaha Patterson with Jessica Jackanicz (RLCF Representative)
JRS Scholarship
Student Makayla Storment with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Keith Bauman Memorial Scholarship
Student Bo Brockett with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Kelley Family Scholarship
Student Madison Shepard
Kingsmen Auto Club Scholarship
Student Beau Cooper with Jessica Jackanicz (RLCF Representative)
Kitty Irvin Tanglewood Apartments Scholarship
Student Becker Andrews with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Leeck Family Scholarship
Students Richard Bassinger, Brock Holloway and Cooper Hemby with donors Henry "Buster" Leeck (FAR LEFT) and Cindy Leeck
Legence Bank Burt H. Rowe Jr. Memorial
Legence Bank Merit Memorial
Students Brockton Miller (Rowe Memorial) and Madison Shephard (Merit) with ????
Mark S. Kern Memorial Endowment
Student Lily Taylor with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Marvin Wilkerson Memorial Scholarship
Student Maddie Karcher with donors Kim and Terry Wilkerson
Mary H. and George O. Slankard Scholarship
Students Asher Bates, Bo Brockett, Sawyer Coffey, Gabe Gunter, Tyler Hammond, Carson Hoffard, Josey Holder, Rylin Huie, Patrice Laur, Lucas McCubbins, Cannon Mckee, Blake Menser, Dakota Miller, Levi Mitchell, Braden Pruett, Derek Sample, Maggie Stacey and Jayden Willmore with donors Bryan & Jill Mahary, and Thomas E. Mallory.
Mathew Bodine Memorial Scholarship
Student Tierra Ellis with donors Katlynn Bodine, Jason Dudley, Jordan Bodine and Jessica Camron
Maurice Kirsch Memorial Endowment
Students Marshall Schuster and Wyatt Hamson with Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)
Merritt and Ileeta Walker Philp Memorial Scholarship
Student Bridget Kash with Jessica Jackanicz (RLCF Representative)
Michael Dean Memorial Scholarship
(L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Casslyn Pedigo (Sesser)
Mr. A Scholarship
(Front L-R) Presley Allsopp (Whittington), Jade Bozovich (Benton), Elizabeth Brace (Christopher)
(Back L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Kiley Cox (Benton), Jaxon Darnell (Christopher), Andrea Douglas (Mulkeytown), Olivia Drew (Benton)
(Front L-R) Kaelynn Dunford (Benton), Elleyana Fitzpatrick (Sesser), Bethany Flowers (Christopher)
(Back L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Selina Franklin (Benton), Audrey Gulley (Sesser), Jaslyn Gunter (Sesser), Caleb Helfrich (Buckner)
(Front L-R) Ashlee Hendrickson (Mulkeytown), Lucas Holman (Benton), Addyson Kellum (Zeigler)
(Back L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Logan Kirkpatrick (Benton), Stephen Lake (Benton), Bryne Lassy (Benton), Shaylynn Serles (Thompsonville)
(Front L-R) Jill Meadows (Mulkeytown), Levi Mitchell (Sesser), Lainey Morris (Zeigler)
(Back L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Imogen Perry (Buckner), Mason Goins (Mulkeytown), Faith Sanders (Christopher), Alyssa Sawyer (Benton)
(Front L-R) Mackenzie Sullivan (Thompsonville), Colin Sveda (Mulkeytown), Emily Carnahan (Benton)
(Back L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Samantha Vanhorn (Whittington), Grace Webb (Ewing), Samantha Williford (Benton), Noah Wilson (Royalton), Kylie Wyant (Benton)
(Front L-R) Alexis Chaffin (Benton), Addison Clayton (Benton), Macie Cockrum (Benton)
Mt. Vernon Kiwanis Club Scholarship
(L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Rylee Arnett (Mt. Vernon)
Murphy-Wall State Bank & Trust Co. STRIVE Award
(L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Duke Riggins (Pinckneyville)
NAPA John's John H. Wininger Scholarship
(L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Conner Mays (Mt. Vernon)
Nina Peacock Art Scholarship
(L-R) Nina Peacock (Representative), Carrie Smith (Representative), Emily Jukes (Belle Rive), Lacy Evrard (Representative)
Norma Harrell RN Scholarship
(L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Lauren Bush (Zeigler)
North Carolina Coal Institute Scholarship
(L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Danielle Lynn (McLeansboro)
Polk Lodge No. 137 - McLeansboro Scholarship
(L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Remington Stevens (McLeansboro), Aaron Hart (McLeansboro)
Rachel R. Nielsen Engineering Scholarship
(L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Danielle Lynn (McLeansboro)
Rend Lake Dental Scholarship
(L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Micah Reynolds (Waltonville)
Ribella Palada Family Scholarship
(L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Destiny Boswell (Mulkeytown)
Rita Greer Busby Memorial Scholarship
(L-R) Trenae Brockhouse (Representative), Lillian Feltmeyer (Tamaroa)
RLC ADN Scholarship
(L-R) Pat Kern (RLCF Representative), Ireland Hart (Bluford), Olivia Legrand (Woodlawn), Jill Meadows (Mulkeytown), Kaylee Stewart (McLeansboro), Shaffire Clark (Mt. Vernon)
RLC Advanced Technology Scholarship
(L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Arika Wheeler (Woodlawn)
RLC Caring & Sharing Scholarship
(L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Aubrey Spears (Pinckneyville)
(L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Madelyn Wright (Pinckneyville)
RLC Criminal Justice Scholarship
(L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Jayden Cole (Mt. Vernon), Macie Hoppers (Benton), Chloe Braden (McLeansboro)
RLC Culinary Arts Scholarship
(L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Ashlynn Heavrin (Waltonville)
RLC Students for Students Art Scholarship
(L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Emily Jukes (Belle Rive), Carter Crisel (Thompsonville)
RLC Theatre Scholarship
(L-R) Seyah Schernekau (Mt. Vernon), Daven Ort (Mt. Vernon), Olivia Drew (Benton), Korben Cox (Benton), Tracey Webb (Representative)
RLCF Black Diamond Harley-Davidson Scholarship
(L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Taylor Catron (Wayne City), Alyssa Sawyer (Benton), Jacob Sandy (Bluford), Sadie Mellott (Mt. Vernon), Rylin Huie (Benton), Ashley Shaffer (Christopher)
Robert and Rose Rice Scholarship
(L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Damian Roberson (Buckner)
Rodney R. Rubenacker Memorial Scholarship
(L-R) Pat Kern (RLCF Representative), Kaylee Stewart (McLeansboro)
Rounds Family Scholarship
(L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Maggie Stacey (Sesser)
Rountree Family Scholarship
(L-R) Pat Kern (RLCF Representative), Lucas Holman (Benton)
Rubenacker Family Scholarship
(L-R) Pat Kern (RLCF Representative), Erica Desch (McLeansboro)
Shirley and Jerry Jenkins Memorial Nursing Scholarship
(L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Lauren Little (Mt. Vernon)
Stan and Jean Koziara Scholarship
(L-R) Pat Kern (RLCF Representative), Samantha Baumgarte (Scheller)
Stella M. Baker Scholarship
(L-R) Pat Kern (RLCF Representative), Ashlee Hirsch (Coulterville)
The Frosty Mug Scholarship
(L-R) Matt Sweeten (Representative), Madison Shepard (Mt. Vernon)
The Manor at Mason Woods Scholarship
(L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Megan Restoff (Tamaroa)
THF Keep on Learning Scholarship (Art Holloway)
(L-R) Pat Kern (RLCF Representative), Jade Parmelee (Mt. Vernon), Art Holloway (Representative)
Thomas J. and Leota L. Sweeten Christian Memorial
(L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Treya Fassett (Waltonville)
Timothy Keith Chamness Memorial Scholarship
(L-R) Pat Kern (RLCF Representative), Rylin Huie (Benton), Lainey Morris (Zeigler), Jim Chamness (Representative), Joshua Sullivan (Thompsonville)
Tony Wielt State Farm Insurance Scholarship
(L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Selina Franklin (Benton)
Trader Kistner Family Farm Scholarship
(L-R) Lucille Trader (Representative), Colt Henson (Wayne City), Angie Kistner (Representative)
Tri-County Electric Cooperative Inc.
(L-R) Tony Wielt (RLCF Representative), Jadyn Griffin (Woodlawn)
US Bank Scholarship
(L-R) Pat Kern (RLCF Representative), Brock Holloway (Mt. Vernon)
Victor and Betty Rapp Scholarship
(L-R) Pat Kern (RLCF Representative), Dacey Webb (Wayne City)
Wayne Fitzgerrell Memorial Scholarship
(L-R) Pat Kern (RLCF Representative), Destiny Boswell (Mulkeytown)
Willard & Brandon Dame Scholarship
(L-R) Pat Kern (RLCF Representative), Dayle Ruffino (Sesser)
William Crawford Memorial Endowment Scholarship
(L-R) Pat Kern (RLCF Representative), Olivia Asbury (Tamaroa), Megan Restoff (Tamaroa), Madelyn Wright (Pinckneyville)
Women United Scholarship
(L-R) Tarazz Watkins (Mt. Vernon), Natalie Wellen (Representative)
Zeigler United Methodist Scholarship
(L-R) Pat Kern (RLCF Representative), Addison Kellum (Zeigler), Jerilyn Turner (Representative)
Not Pictured:
Clara Crocker Brown Family Endowment
Recipients — Garrett Gunter (Scheller), Halle Minier (Benton), Katie Phillips (Scheller)
David E. Hill, M.D. Memorial Scholarship
Recipient — Hannah Turner (Thompsonville)
Frankie Allan Minor Memorial Scholarship
Recipient — Jadyn Cole (Mt. Vernon)
International Police Association, Region 57 Scholarship
Recipient — Zavion Duncan (Dix)
Mt. Vernon Unitarian Universalist Scholarship
Recipient — Lillian Morgan (Mt. Vernon)
Randall & Cretia Dauby Scholarship
Recipient — Josilyn Wheat (Wayne City)
RLC Foundation Scholarship (David Pirsein)
Recipient — Tamara Castleberry (Pinckneyville)
RLC Helping Hand Scholarship
Recipient — Nathan Schmidt (Mt. Vernon)
Sandy Jordan Scholarship
Recipient — Makenna Heinrich (Bluford)
Thomas B. Harrell Memorial Scholarship
Recipient — Peyton Sieveking (Benton)
Venita Brinkley Memorial Scholarship
Recipient — Cole Mosby (McLeansboro)
