Students, Donors celebrate RLCF 33rd Annual Scholarship Reception

INA, Ill. (Dec. 3, 2024) —The Rend Lake College Foundation hosted its 33rd Annual Scholarship Reception this year 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. Next year's dinner is set for Feb. 27.  The application for 2025-26 scholarships will open Jan. 1.

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 (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Adam Lee Lorance Memorial Art Scholarship

(L-R) Ashlynn Heavrin, Peggy Davis, Arynn Studer (recipient)

Allen Trucking, LLC Scholarship 

(L-R) Recipients Dalton Thomas, Remington Stevens and Wyatt Hamson, Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Allison Bash's State Farm Agency Scholarship 

(L-R) Zane Harmon (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Alyssa Dawn Lorance Memorial Theatre Scholarship

(L-R) Ashlynn Heavrin (recipient), Peggy Davis, Arynn Studer

Amanda Peyton Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) Mary Ellen Aiken (RLCF Representative), Hunter Schoenrock (recipient)

AMVETS Sad Sacks Nursing Scholarship

(L-R) Art Holloway, Tarazz Watkins (recipient), Joe Norris

Andrea K. Boucher Memorial Scholarship 

(L-R) Brock Colp, Brandi Colp, Monique Hart (recipient), David Boucher

Ann M. Santoro Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) Madison Morris (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Arnistine Tolbert Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) Bonnie Tolbert, Sidney Follis (recipient), Denver and Johannah Tolbert  

Austin-Welch Scholarship

(L-R) Chelsea Brown (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Automotive Parts and Association Scholarship

(L-R) Asher Russell (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Bank of Illinois Scholarship

(L-R) Becker Andrews (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Benton BPW Scholarship

(L-R) Zane Harmon (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Benton Lions Club Scholarship

(L-R) Pat Kern (RLCF Representative), recipients Kaylee Mclnturff, Emma Milby and Payton Heater, and State Rep. Dave Severin 

Bert and Ruth Keelin Scholarship

(L-R) Dani Summers, Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Beth Mandrell Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) Aaron Mandrell, Vernon Mandrell, Makenna Hamson (recipient), Kara Avis, Leah Rolando 

Bill B. and Ruth O. Smith Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) Macey Prosise (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Blake Trout Memorial Scholarship

Julie Trout Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) Vickie Trout, recipients Nickolas Brelje (Blake Trout Scholarship), Elicia Marlow (Julie Trout Scholarship), Alexia Trout

Brad and Brian Evilsizer Memorial Scholarship

Brad Evilsizer Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) Brenden Whitmer (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Brandon Dame Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) Bo Brockett (recipient), Cindy Van Horn 
 

Brenda Scarber Memorial Scholarship

(L-r) Mary Ellen Aiken (RLCF Representative), Madyson Odle (recipient) 

Brian C. Fleri Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) Bill Fleri, Paige McKittrick (recipient), Teresa Fleri  
 

Busby Family Scholarship

(L-R) Olliver Lewis (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative), Kenadee Halley (recipient)

BWC Past President's Business & Education Scholarship

(L-R) Amanda Burk, Ava Hampton (recipient), Misty Nabors 

Caldwell Family Memorial Scholarship

Clifton Caldwell Memorial Scholarship  

(L-R) Brockton Miller (recipient), Cindy Caldwell

Carlos and Bonnie Tolbert Scholarship

(L-R) Bonnie Tolbert, Pearson Launius (recipient) 

Charles & Martha Dee Ritchey Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) Makenna Hamson (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Christian Chapel Church Scholarship

(L-R) Leah Anselment (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Clayton Charles Ragland Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) Lori Ragland, Tucker Dearmond (recipient) 

Clara Crocker Brown Family Endowment

(L-R) Gabe Gunter (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Cletis & Imogene Reed Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) Trish Reed, Alexis Allen (recipient) 

Coach Mike McClure Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) Ethan Hamrick (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Community First Bank Scholarship

(L-R) Kaitlyn Repasky (recipient), Jason Newell, La'riah Patterson (recipient) 

Continental Tire America Scholarship

(SEATED, L-R) recipients Destin Taylor, Asher Russell, Johnathan Casada, Olivia Edmonds

(STANDING, L-R) John Johnson, Nik Pearce, Dan Casady, Eric Edmonds

Craig V. Rudofski Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) Lily Taylor (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Crossroads Legacy Scholarship

(L-R) William Davis, Kelby Woods (recipient), Daven Ort (recipient) 

Curtis Smith Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) Kamree Koester (recipient), Linda Smith

Dave and Penny Severin Scholarship in Memory of Roland Schwarz

(L-R) State Rep. Dave Severin, Joselyn Pace (recipient) 

David E. Hill, M.D Memorial Scholarship 

(L-R) Emma Erwin, Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

David Scott Memorial Scholarship 

(L-R) Connor Terry (recipient), Jessica Jackanicz (RLCF Representative)

Donald "Digger" Donelson Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) James Cravens (recipient), RLC President Terry Wilkerson

Donald E. Peacock Nursing Scholarship

(L-R) Ashlee Hendrickson (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Dora E. Brydon Scholarship

(L-R) Misty Nabors, Emily Elliot (recipient), Amanda Burk

Doris Welch Nursing Scholarship

(L-R) Micah Johnson (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Doug Leeck Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) Henry "Buster" Leeck, Wyatt Pilson (recipient), Cindy Leeck

Douglas S. Carlson Memorial Scholarship 

(L-R) Levi Mitchell (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Dr. Allen Y. Baker Scholarship

(L-R) Carter Tripp (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Dr. Charles and Mary Roe Scholarship

(L-R) Mary Roe, Livia Queen (recipient), Dr. Bill Roe  

Dr. Charles and Mary Roe Scholarship

(L-R) Mary Roe, Alaina Travelstead (recipient), Dr. Bill Roe 

Dr. Evelyn Claxton Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) Joselyn Pace (recipient), Arynn Studer (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative) 

Dr. Gary Ray Sweeten Isaiah 61 Scholarship

(L-R) Jaelynn Wallace (recipient), Matt Sweetin 

Dr. Oliver D. Spitler Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) Blair Upchurch (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Dr. Richard Doherty Scholarship

(L-R) Rylee Arnett (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Dr. Robert and Marilyn Parks Scholarship

(L-R) Payton Loss, Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Drew Family Scholarship

(L-R) Christen Drew, Harrison Drew, Bryan Drew, Aurora Drew, Quinton Mullinax (recipient) 

DTT Vermadel M. Wood Scholarship / William M. Wood Estate

(L-R) Alexia McGuire, Jovi Horton, Caleb Kuschel, Davis Beale, Heather Pruett, Hayden Ralls, Jadyn Cole, Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

(L-R) Jacob Piasecki, Trevor Bailey, DeVonna Boyd, Sydney Downen, Seyah Schernekau, Ryleigh Richelman,
Remington Stevens, Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Emil Perpich Family Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) Blake Manser (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Everett "Boogie" & Dolores Ames Scholarship

(L-R) Cannon McKee (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

First Cellular of Southern Illinois

(L-R) Nikia Leonard (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Franklin County Medical Society Scholarship

(L-R) Addyson Minton (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Gene N. & Dortha Bailey Scholarship

(L-R) Andrew Diekemper (recipient), Jessica Jackanicz (RLCF Representative)

George Cybulski Memorial Scholarship 

(L-R) Harley Dunning (recipient), Jessica Jackanicz (RLCF Representative)

George / Anna Orshak & Paul / Bernice Petty Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) Dakota Miller (recipient), Phyllis Petty 

Georgia Ohlhausen England Nursing Scholarship 

(L-R) Syndey Follis (recipient), Jessica Jackanicz (RLCF Representative)

Hamilton County Telephone Foundation

(L-R) Mindi Kolts, recipients Breanna Blades, Jordan Stanley, Marshall Schuster, Mallorie Millenbine 

Howard L. Payne Nursing Scholarship

(L-R) recipients Samantha Williford, Caitlyn Williford, Pat Kern (RLCF Representative) 

Howard L. Payne Scholarship

(L-R) Zada Wilkey (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Howard L. Payne Vocational Scholarship

(L-R) Timothy Cansler, Jordan Otto, Nathaniel Groff, Nickolas Brelje, Jacob Sandy, Hayden Hoffmann, Pat Kern (RLCF Representative). 

Howard L. Payne Vocational Scholarship

(L-R) Drucilla McCormick (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Howard L. Payne Vocational Scholarship

(L-R) Jessica Jackanicz (RLCF Representative), La’Riaha Patterson (recipient) 

Illinois Manufacturer's Association Education Foundation (IMAEF) Scholarship

(L-R) Kyle Hails (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

International Police Association, Region 57 Scholarship

(L-R) Gabriel Casteel (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Scholarship

(L-R) Madison Moser, Zada Wilkey (recipient)

Jim and Carole Mounier Golf Scholarship

(L-R) recipients Ellie Deen and Kenzie Anderson, Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Joe P. Boyle & Lois Ferne Boyle & his ancestors who lived in Belle Rive

(L-R) recipients Wyatt Pilson and Hallie Sledge, Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

John C. Riley IV Scholarship

(L-R) Joe Riley, Wyatt Pilson (recipient), Betty Riley, Pat Kern (RLCF Representative, FAR RIGHT)

John D. Whittington / Ada D. Whittington Scholarship

(L-R) Olivia Reyling (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Jornd Family Scholarship

(L-R) Eddie House (recipient), Mark Jornd

Joshua Hurst Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) Jessica Jackanicz (RLCF Representative), La’Riaha Patterson (recipient) 

JRS Scholarship

(L-R) Makayla Storment (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Keith Bauman Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) Bo Brockett (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Kelley Family Scholarship

(L-R) Bob Kelley, Madison Shepard (recipient), Kendi Kelley

Kingsmen Auto Club Scholarship 

(L-R) Beau Cooper (recipient), Jessica Jackanicz (RLCF Representative)

Kitty Irvin Tanglewood Apartments Scholarship 

(L-R) Becker Andrews (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Leeck Family Scholarship 

(L-R) Henry "Buster" Leeck, Richard Bassinger (recipient), Brock Holloway (recipient), Cooper Hemby (recipient), Cindy Leeck

Legence Bank Burt H. Rowe Jr. Memorial

Legence Bank Merit Memorial

(L-R) Laura Small, Jessica Grinnell, Brockton Miller (Rowe Memorial), Tricia Overturf, Madison Shephard (Merit), Dustin Wilson, Sydney Tucker

Mark S. Kern Memorial Endowment

(L-R) Lily Taylor (recipient), Pat Kern

Marvin Wilkerson Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) Kim Wilkerson, Maddie Karcher (recipient), Terry Wilkerson 
 

Mary H. and George O. Slankard Scholarship  

(L-R) Jill Mahary, recipients Bo Brockett, Blake Menser, Cannon Mckee, Derek Sample, Lucas McCubbins, Sawyer Coffey, Rylin Huie, Bryan Mahary (donor), Gabe Gunter   

(L-R) recipients Levi Mitchell, Carson Hoffard, Braden Pruett, Tyler Hammond, Josey Holder, Jayden Willmore, Maggie Stacey, Dakota Miller, Asher Bates, and Thomas E. Mallory (donor). 

Mathew Bodine Memorial Scholarship 

(L-R) Marty Bodine, Jordan Bodine, Tierra Ellis (recipient), Jessica Camron, Katlynn Bodine 

Maurice Kirsch Memorial Endowment

(L-R) recipients Marshall Schuster and Wyatt Hamson, and Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Merritt and Ileeta Walker Philp Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) Jessica Jackanicz (RLCF Representative), Bridget Kash (recipient) 

Michael Dean Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) Ellyana Fitzpatrick (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Mr. A Scholarship

(L-R) recipients Jennifer Simpkins, Hunter Hancock, Kaylee Mcinturff, Beckett Wilder, Madison Morris, Andrea Douglas, Laney McCommons, Braden Clem, and Jessica Jackanicz (RLCF Representative)
Not Pictured: Connor Terry, Addison Clayton, Ava Hollis, Gage Mullins, Cera Wilson, Jayden Bybee, Selina Franklin, Payton Heater, Ashlynn Heavrin, Kamree Koester, Grace Webb, Kylea Wilkerson 

Mt. Vernon Kiwanis Club Scholarship

(L-R) JodiAnn Payne (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

NAPA John's John H. Wininger Scholarship

(L-R) Liam McPeak (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Nina Peacock Art Scholarship

(L-R) Daniel Evrard, Elaina Wilson (recipient), Lacy Evrard

Norma Harrell RN Scholarship

(L-R) Haley Stroud (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Pat Kern Scholarship 

(L-R) Treya Fassett (recipient), Pat Kern

Peoples National Bank Scholarship

(L-R) Hunt Bonan, recipients Brenna Csinki, Emma Thompson, Morgan Moschino 

Polk Lodge No. 137 - McLeansboro Scholarship

(L-R) recipients Wyatt Hamson and Ellie Deen, Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)"

Randall and Cretia Dauby Scholarship 

(L-R) Randy Dauby, Joshua Rhoades (recipient)

Rend Lake Dental Scholarship

(L-R) Jessica Jackanicz (RLCF Representative), Bridget Kash (recipient) 

RLC Caring & Sharing Scholarship

(L-R) Alaina Travelstead (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

RLC Criminal Justice Scholarship

(L-R) recipients Jacob Sandy, Gabriel Casteel, Jadyn Cole, Pearson Launius, Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

(L-R) Sean May (recipient), RLC President Terry Wilkerson

RLC Culinary Arts Scholarship

(L-R) Logan Vestal (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

RLC Foundation Scholarship - David Pirsein

(L-R) Casey Hawkins (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

RLC Foundation Scholarship - Steven Beal

(L-R) Alexia McGuire (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

RLC Theatre Scholarship

(L-R) recipients Beckett Wilder, Payton Heater, Emma Milby, and Taylor Wilburn

RLCF Black Diamond Harley-Davidson Scholarship

(L-R) Karen Cabaness; recipients Nikia Leonard, Rylee Breeze, Kelby Wood, Carter Tripp, Dani Summers, Jamera Hubbard, Caidance O’Daniell, Wyatt Hamson, Kaitlyn Repasky, Gabe Gunter, Alexis Zemla, and Rodney Cabaness (donor)

Robert and Rose Rice Scholarship

(L-R) Selina Franklin (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Rodney R. Rubenacker Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) Sean May (recipient), RLC President Terry Wilkerson

Rounds Family Scholarship

(L-R) Derek Sample (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Rountree Family Scholarship

(L-R) Laney McCommons (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Rubenacker Family Scholarship

(L-R) Kim Wilkerson, Maddie Karcher (recipient), Terry Wilkerson 

Shirley and Jerry Jenkins Memorial Nursing Scholarship

(L-R) Sydney Peterson (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

State Bank of Whittington Scholarship

(L-R) Rhonda Gilbreath, Jennifer Simpkins (recipient), Robin Storey

Stella M. Baker Scholarship

(L-R) Alexia Warden (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

The Armed Barbers Scholarship 

(L-R) Ray Minor, Zane Harmon (recipient), Stacey Minor

The Frosty Mug Scholarship 

(L-R) recipients Shymeer Harris, Madison Shepard; and Matt Sweeten (donor)

THF Keep on Learning Scholarship (Art Holloway)

(L-R) Art Holloway, Kyle Hails (recipient)

Thomas J. and Leota L. Sweeten Christian Memorial

(L-R) Madison Reyling (recipient), Matt Sweeten 

Timothy Keith Chamness Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) Jim Chamness, recipients Briley Davis and Lauren Bush

Tony Wielt State Farm Insurance Scholarship

(L-R) Macey Prosise (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Trader Kistner Family Farm Scholarship

(L-R) Lucille Trader, Angie Kistner, Madalyn Sneed (recipient), Anna Kistner

Tri-County Electric Cooperative Inc.

(L-R) Brooklyn Knight (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

US Bank Scholarship

(L-R) Isaac Lewis (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Venita Brinkley Memorial Scholarship

(L-R) Camron Browning (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Victor and Betty Rapp Scholarship

(L-R) Marshall Schuster (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Warner Family Scholarship

(L-R) Brenden Whitmer (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Willard & Brandon Dame Scholarship

(L-R) Sawyer Coffey (recipient), friend of Dame family
Not Pictured: Patrice Laur

William Crawford Memorial Endowment Scholarship

(L-R) Chase Heinemeyer (recipient), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Women United Scholarship

(L-R) Tarazz Watkins (Mt. Vernon), Pat Kern (RLCF Representative)

Zeigler United Methodist Scholarship

(L-R) Jerilyn Turner, Lauren Bush (recipient)

The following scholarships were awarded, but a photo was not able to be taken at this year's dinner. 

AGE Scholarship — Sophie Trader

Andrea Bradley Memorial Scholarship — Quinton Mullinax

Coach Jim Waugh Memorial Scholarship — Alaina Maurer

Coach Wayne Arnold Scholarship — Maisie Sitton

Dallas Carl and Anna Mae Bargesser Nursing Scholarship — Hayden Vaughn

Dr. Leslie Johnson/Ed Kownacki Scholarship — Allie McKinney

Ellen Ashton New Opportunities for Women Scholarship — Schuy Okraj

Karen L. Bertschi Memorial Scholarship — Madeline Douglass

Mt. Vernon Gun & Sportsman Club Scholarship — Luke Smith

Mt. Vernon Unitarian Universalist Scholarship — Isaac Markus

Murphy-Wall State Bank and Trust Co. STRIVE Award — Olivia Degenhardt

Rita Greer Busby Memorial Scholarship — Adyson Johnson

RLC ADN Scholarship — Chelsea Brown, Christina Cross, Jadyn Griffin, Josilyn Wheat

RLC Advanced Technology Scholarship — Hannah Melvin

RLC Students for Students Art Scholarship — Samantha Burk, Jamie Dewitt

Sandy Jordan Scholarship — Ashley Henry

Stan and Jean Koziara Scholarship — Madalyn Sneed

Tommy Mundell Memorial Scholarship — Zachiah Massey

Wayne Fitzgerrell Memorial Scholarship — Ava Hollis