Pictured are, FROM LEFT, Wilkerson, Mellott and Ragland. Click on the image for a larger version.
INA, Ill. (April 26, 2024) — Woodlawn High School senior Tayva Mellott was announced as the winner of Rend Lake College's Full Ride. Mellott was joined at the live drawing April 9 by RLC President Terry Wilkerson and Executive Vice President/President Designee Lori Ragland.
The Full Ride covers all tuition, fees and supply costs for two years at Rend Lake. Mellott, of Mt. Vernon, is planning to major in business at RLC and continue her education to pursue a career in accounting. She is also the recipient of a scholarship from the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, as well as an RLC Presidential Scholarship, designated for the top students in graduating classes at in-district high schools like Woodlawn. The Presidential Scholarship waives all tuition while at RLC. However, since The Full Ride covers more, another Woodlawn senior will benefit from Mellott's good fortune.
The other four finalists in the contest this year were Kyle Kujawa (Benton), Theresa Tison (Eldorado), Shi-Anne Lappin (Mt. Vernon), and Shaniyah Williams (Murphysboro). Although Lappin didn't win the random drawing, Wilkerson awarded her a certificate for three credit hours — a value of $330 — for attending the live event on April 9. Lappin is studying EMT-Paramedic at RLC.
Previous winners in The Full Ride include Macy Bizaillion of Waltonville (2023), Jaighda Swan of West Frankfort (2022), and Miranda Simmons of McLeansboro (2021).
Registration is going on now for summer (rlc.edu/summer) and fall (rlc.edu/fall) classes at RLC. Scholarships are also available to those who apply for scholarships through the RLC Foundation. As always, the first step is to apply to the college at rlc.edu/apply and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at studentaid.gov. To browse RLC degree and certificate programs, visit rlc.edu/programs.