Shampine Scholarship Recipients / Wall of Fame

In 2007, Decatur Trades & Labor Assembly created the Michael E. Shampine Scholarship in memory of their beloved president. $59,625 in scholarships and grants have been awarded to eighty five (85) students representing twenty one different unions.  

2022 Awards

  • Ethan Mann, $1,000 Scholarship, LIUNA 159
  • Taylor Prasun, $1,000 Scholarship, UA 137
  • Madison Sapp, $500 Scholarship, IBEW 146
  • Madelyn Mann, $500 Scholarship, LIUNA 159 
  • Lamarcus Williams, $500 Scholarship, IBEW 146 
  • Alexis Kent, $500 Scholarship, IBT 916 
  • Carsen Jarrett, $500 Scholarship, Carpenters 270 
  • Jennifer Grafelman, $500 Scholarship, IBT 916 
  • Reiley Doty, $500 Scholarship, IBEW 146 
  • Makenzie Franklin, $500 Scholarship, DFTA 4324 
  • Sierra Hiser, $500 Scholarship, IBEW 51
  • Natalie Frederick, $500 Scholarship, IBEW 146 

2021 Awards

  • Terrence Tally, $1,000 Scholarship, DFTA 4324
  • Lakin Boehm, $500 Scholarship, UA 137
  • Reiley Doty, $500 Scholarship, IBEW 146
  • Dawson Kostenski, $500 Scholarship, SMART 768
  • Emily Morrison, $500 Scholarship, IBEW 146
  • Owen Morrison, $500 Scholarship, IBEW 146
  • Ciera Perry, $500 Scholarship, IBEW 146
  • Tristen Peters, $500 Scholarship, UA 137
  • Taylor Prasun, $500 Scholarship, UA 137
  • Morgan Wayne, $500 Scholarship, IBEW 146
  • Bekiredamje Williams, $500 Scholarship, AFSCME 674
  • Lamarcus Williams, $500 Scholarship, USW 193G

2020 Awards

  • Chelsi Jones, $1,000 Scholarship - USW 0838
  • Taylor Prasun, $1,000 Scholarship - UA 137
  • Lauren Wyatt, $500 Scholarship - IBEW 51
  • Jayden D. Stuart, $500 Scholarship - IBEW 146
  • Keirsten Francisco, $500 Scholarship - IUPAT 288
  • Emily Morrison, $500 Scholarship - IBEW 146
  • Owen Morrison, $500 Scholarship - IBEW 146
  • Sophia Moriconi, $500 Scholarship - Carpenters 270
  • Reiley Drake, $500 Scholarship - IBEW 146
  • Jachin Wiese, $500 Scholarship - IBEW 51

2019 Awards

  • Markesha Jackson, $1,000 Scholarship - BCTGM 103G
  • Chelsi Jones, $500 Scholarship - USW 0838
  • Walter Jackson, $500 Scholarship - ATU 859
  • Reiley Drake, $500 Scholarship - IBEW 146
  • Serena Black, $500 Scholarship - SMART 768
  • Cody Zulkowski, $500 Scholarship - NALC 317
  • Sara Williams, $500 Scholarship - DFTA 4324
  • Taylor Page, $500 Scholarship - IUOE 965
  • Emily Morrison, $500 Scholarship - IBEW 146

2018 Awards

  • Jossie Ward, $1,000 Scholarship - IBEW 146
  • Matthew Warner, $500 Scholarship - IBEW 146
  • Keirsten Francisco, $500 Scholarship - Painters 288
  • Walter Jackson, $500 Scholarship - ATU 859
  • Colton Lamb, $500 Scholarship - USW 7-838
  • Bekidaremaje Williams, $500 Scholarship - AFSCME 674
  • Hannah Watts, $500 Scholarship - Laborers 159
  • Emily Morrison, $500 Scholarship - IBEW 146
  • Meadow Syrcle, $500 Scholarship - SEIU 73

2017 Awards

  • Samantha Franks, $1,000 Scholarship - SMART/UTU 768
  • Matthew Warner, $ 750 Scholarship – IBEW 146
  • Spencer Underwood, $ 750 Scholarship – IBEW 146
  • Colton Lamb, $500 Grant – USW 7-838
  • Angela Westendorf, $500 Grant - IBEW 146
  • Bekidaremaji Williams, $500 Grant - AFSCME 674
  • Jessica Best, $250 Grant – NALC 317
  • Walter Jackson, $250 Grant - ATU 859
  • Kayla Market, $250 Grant - SMART/Sheet Metal 218
  • Cody Zulkowski, $250 Grant - NALC 317
  • Bemajedareki Williams, Jr., $250 Grant - AFSCME 674
  • Mylissa Greenawalt, $200 Grant - UA 137
  • Annah Tulak, $200 Grant - BCTGM 103 G
  • Hannah Watts, $200 Grant - LIUNA 159
  • Breanna Johnson, $200 Grant - IBEW 146
  • Paula Bender, $150 Grant - ATU 859

2016 Awards

  • Matthew Warner, $1,000 Scholarship – IBEW 146
  • Spencer Underwood, $1,000 Scholarship – IBEW 146
  • Paula Bender, $1,000 Scholarship – ATU 859
  • Trevon Sylvester, $1,000 Scholarship – IBEW 51
  • Colton Lamb, $500 Grant – USW 7-838
  • Jessica Best, $500 Grant – NALC 317
  • Breana Bagley, $500 Grant – USW 7-838
  • John Garrick Myers, $250 - IBEW 51
  • Justin Taylor, $250 Grant – BCTGM 103G
  • Madalyn Mann, $250 Grant – LIUNA 159
  • Michael Beardsley, $250 Grant – IBEW 51
  • Lydia Fuchs, $250 Grant – UA 137
  • Cody Zulkowski, $250 Grant - NALC 317

2015 Awards

  • Matthew Warner, $1,000 Scholarship – IBEW 146
  • Spencer Underwood, $1,000 Scholarship – IBEW 146
  • John Garrick Myers, $1,000 Scholarship - IBEW 146
  • Dylan Knisley, $500 Grant – IBEW 51
  • James Mattingly, $500 Grant - BCTGM 103G
  • Chelsea May, $250 Grant - IBEW 146
  • Ean Watson, $250 Grant - USW 7-0838

2014 Awards

  • Matthew Warner, $1,000 Scholarship – IBEW 146
  • Spencer Underwood, $1,000 Scholarship – IBEW 146
  • Josie Swafford, $500 Scholarship – AFSCME 268
  • Jacob Smith, $500 Scholarship – IBEW 51
  • Elizabeth Dial, $500 Scholarship – LIUNA 159
  • Dylan Knisley, $250 Grant – IBEW 51
  • Lauren Nicholls, $250 Grant – IUPAT 1168

2013 Awards

  • Trevon Sylvester, $1,000 Scholarship – IBEW 51
  • Koleton Cochran, $1,000 Scholarship - NALC 317
  • Matthew Warner, $500 Scholarship – IBEW 146
  • Samantha Gray, $250 Grant - AFSCME 674
  • Tanner Murphy, $250 Grant - IUPAT 288
  • Kori Morstatter, $250 Grant - AFSCME 268
  • Joseph Neal, $250 Grant - Roofers 92

2012 Awards

  • Ethan Snively, $500 Scholarship – UTU 768
  • Matthew Warner, $500 Scholarship – IBEW 146
  • Ruth Byers, $500 Scholarship – USW 7-0838
  • Savannah Kapper, $250 Grant – USW 7-0838
  • Tori Daniels, $125 Grant – UAW 751

2011 Awards

  • Anastasia Lindsey, $500 Scholarship – USW 7-0838
  • Ashley Knierim, $500 Scholarship – IUPAT 288 & SEIU 73
  • Lindsay Tipsword, $500 Scholarship – IBEW 146
  • Shyteria Allen, $125 Scholarship – UFCW 700
  • Ciara Laubscher, $125 Scholarship – IBEW 51
  • Savannah Kapper, $125 Scholarship – USW 7-0838
  • Taylor Irons, $125 Scholarship – AFSCME 268

2010 Awards

  • Timothy Kater, $500 Scholarship – USW 7-0838
  • Latasha Patton, $150 Scholarship – DFTA 4324

2009 Awards

  • Logan Redman, $500 Scholarship – SEIU 73
  • Zachary Collins, $150 Scholarship – DFTA 4324

2008 Awards

  • Sarah Scherer, $500 Scholarship – ATU 859
  • Shelby Huffman, $150 Scholarship – NALC 317

Summary of recipients:

Ethan Mann, $1,000, is a graduate of Bement High School and is attending Illinois State University studying History.  His father, Jacob Mann, is a member of Laborers Local 159.

Taylor Prasun, $1,000 recipient in 2022, is a graduate of St. Teresa High School and attends Bradley University studying Nursing.  Her father, Joshua Prasun is a member of the United Association Plumbers & Pipefitters (UA) Local 137.  Taylor also received the top scholarship of $1000 in 2020 and $500 in 2021.

Madison Sapp, $500, will graduate Meridian High School.  She is pursuing a degree in Psychology and plans to attend a university in the Fall of 2022.  Her parents, Josh and Mary Sapp, are both members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 146.

Madelyn Mann, $500 recipient in 2022, is a graduate of Macarthur High School and is attending the University of Kent as a PhD student.  She plans to pursue a career in English and American History.  Her father, Jacob Mann, is a member of Laborers Local 159.  She also received a grant of $250 in 2016.

Lamarcus Williams, $500 award in 2022, is enrolled at the Midstate Electrical Training Center (METC) as an apprentice and plans to become a Journeyman Wireman.  He is a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 146.  He also received a $500 award in 2021 as a member of United Steel Workers Local 193G.

Alexis Kent, $500 grant in 2022, will graduate Taylorville High School and plans to attend the University of Illinois pursuing a degree in Speech and Hearing Science.  Her father, Barry Kent, is a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Local 916.

 Carsen Jarrett, $500 grant in 2022, is a graduate of Pawnee High School and is attending the University of Illinois pursuing a degree in Biology.  He father, Jeff Jarrett, is a member of the International Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 270.

 Jennifer Grafelman, $500, is a graduate of Farmington High School and is attending Walden University pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.  She is employed at the Illinois Department of Transportation and is a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Local 916.

 Reiley Doty, $500 grant recipient in 2022, is a graduate Mt. Zion High School attending Judson University.  She currently works at NASA Johnson Space Center in Texas.  Her father, Jason Drake, is a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 146.  Reiley also received awards of $500 in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Makenzie Franklin, $500 award in 2022, will be a graduate of Warrensburg-Latham High School and plans to attend Maryville University.  Her mother, Teri Franklin, is a member of the Decatur Federation of Teaching Assistants, Local 4324.

 Sierra Hiser, $500 award in 2022, will be a graduate of Mt. Zion High School and plans to attend Blackburn College.  Her mother, Debbie Hiser, is a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 51.  Her father, Jerrime Hiser, is a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Local 916.

Natalie Frederick, $50 award in 2022, is a graduate of Shelbyville High School attending Lake Land College.  Her father, Nathan Frederick, is a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 146.

Terrence Tally, $1,000 recipient in 2021, will graduate Eisenhower High School and plans to attend the University of Illinois in Computer Science.  His mother, Roberta Tally, is a member of the Decatur Federation of Teaching Assistances (DFTA) Local 4324.

Lakin Boehm, $500 recipient in 2021, is a graduate of PORTA High School attending Lincoln Land Community College in Nursing.  Her father, John Boehm, is a member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 137.

Dawson Kostenski, $500 recipient in 2021, will graduate Mt. Zion High School and plants to Parkland College to obtain a degree in Aviation.  His father, Dave Kostenski, is a member of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers Local 768.

Emily Morrison, $500 recipient in 2021, is a graduate of Taylorville High School attending Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.  Her father, Ben Morrison, is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 146.  Emily was also awarded $500 scholarships in 2019 and 2020.

Owen Morrison, $500 recipient in 2021, is a graduate Taylorville High School and will enroll at Florida Gulf Coast University in Marine Science.  His father, Ben Morrison, is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 146.  Owen was also awarded a $500 scholarship in 2020.

Ciera Perry, $500 recipient in 2021, will graduate from Okaw Valley High School to attend Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville to study Nursing.  Her father, Nicholas Perry, is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 146.

Tristen Peters, $500 recipient in 2021, is a graduate of Cerro Gordo High School attending Richland Community College.  Her father, Matthew Peters, is a member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 137.

Morgan Wayne, $500 recipient in 2021, will graduate from Lutheran School Association to attend Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville to become a Pharmacist.  Her mom, Michelle Wayne, is a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 146.

Bekiredamje Williams, $500 recipient in 2021, will graduate Maroa Forsyth High School and plans to get a degree in Biology.  Her father, Bemajedareki Williams, is a member of the American Federation of State, County and Municiple Employees (AFSCME) Local 674.

Chelsi Jones, $1,000 recipient in 2020, is a graduate of MacArthur High School and is attending Millikin University.  Her mother, Paulette Jones, is a member of United Steel Workers (USW) Local 7-838.  Chelsi was also awarded $500 in 2019.

Keirsten Francisco, $500 recipient in 2020, is a graduate of Meridian High School and is attending Richland Community College.  Her father, Bill Francisco, is a member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) Local 288.

Sophia Moriconi, $500 recipient in 2020, will graduate Chatham Glenwood High School and will attend Lincoln Land Community College.  Her father, Shane Moriconi, is a member of Carpenters Local 270.

Jayden Stuart, $500 recipient in 2020, will graduate Warrensburg Latham High School and will attend Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.  His father, William Marc Stuart, is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 146.

Jachin Wiese, $500 recipient in 2020, will graduate Sangamon Valley High School and plans to attend the University of Illinois in Springfield.  His mother, Rhonda Wiese, is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 51.

Lauren Wyatt, $500 recipient in 2020, will graduate Mt. Zion High School and plans to attend Millikin University.  Her mother, Lucinda Wyatt, is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 51.

Markesha Jackson, $1,000 recipient in 2019, is a student at Eisenhower High School and plans to attend Knox College.  Her father, Mark Jackson, is a member of the Bakery Confectionary Tobacco Grain Millers (BCTGM) Local 103G.

Serena Black, $500 recipient in 2019, is a graduate of Warrensburg-Latham High School and is attending Millikin University.  Her father, Robert Black, Jr., is a member of Sheet Metal Rail Air and Transportation (SMART), Local 768.

Walter Jackson, $500 recipient in 2019, is a graduate of Eisenhower High School and is attending Millikin University.  His father, Byron Jackson, is a member of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 859.

Taylor Page, $500 recipient in 2019, will graduate Sangamon Valley High School and plans to attend Millikin University.  Her father, Troy Page, is a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 965.

Sara Williams, $500 recipient in 2019, will graduate Argenta Oreana High School and plans to enroll at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.  Her mother, Catherine Simmons, is a member of the Decatur Federation of Teaching Assistants (DFTA) Local 4324.

Cody Zulkowski, $500 recipient in 2019, is a graduate of MacArthur High School and attends MacMurray College.  His mother, Anita Hollis, is a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 317.

Jossie Ward, receving a $1,000 scholarship in 2018, is a senior at Argenta Oreana High School.  Jossie is the daughter of Dave and Angie Ward.  Her father was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 146.

Matthew Warner, receiving a $500 scholarship in 2018, is a 2012 graduate of Shelbyville High School and attended Eastern Illinois University majoring in Athletic Training. He is currently attending Indiana State University and teaches classes there.  Matthew was awarded $500 scholarships in 2012, 2013 and 2018.  He was awarded $1,000 scholarship in 2014, 2015 and 2016.  And was awarded $750 in 2017. He is the son of John and Julie Warner. His father is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 146.

Keirsten Francisco, receiving a $500 scholarship in 2018, is a senior at Meridian High School.  She is the daughter of Bill and Shannon Francisco.  Her father is a member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), Local 288.

Walter Jackson, receiving a $500 scholarship in 2018, is a graduate of Eisenhower High School.  He is attending Millikin University to obtain a degree in Music Education.  Walter is the son of Byron Jackson who is a member of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 859.  Walter was also awarded a $250 grant in 2017.

Colton Lamb, receiving a $500 scholarship in 2018, is a graduate Taylorville High School.  He is attending Southeast Missouri State University to obtain a degree in Cyber Security.  He is the son of Stephen Lamb, Jr. who is a member of United Steel Workers (USW) Local 7-838.  He was awarded a $500 grant in 2016 and 2017.

Bekidaremaji Williams, receiving a $500 scholarship in 2018, is a graduate of Maroa Forsyth High School and is attending Millikin University.  She is the daughter of Bemajedareki Williams, Sr., who is a member of the American Federation of State City and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 674.  She was awarded a $500 grant in 2017.

Hannah Watts, receiving a $500 scholarship in 2018, is a graduate of Mt. Zion High School.  She is attending Millikin University to obtain a career in Biology for Pre-Dental.  She is the daughter of David Watts who is a member of Laborers (LIUNA) Local 159.  She was awarded a $200 grant in 2017.

Emily Morrison, receiving a $500 scholarship in 2018, will graduate of Taylorville High School and plans to attend Southern Illinois University.  Emily is the daughter of Ben Harrison, who is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 146.

Meadow Syrcle, receiving a $500 scholarship in 2018, will graduate St. Teresa High School and plans to attend Richland Community College.  Meadow is the daughter of Stephanie Syrcle, who is a member of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 73. 

Samantha Franks, receiving a $1,000 scholarship in 2017, is a graduate of Warrensburg-Lathan High School and is attending Millikin University majoring in Accounting and Information Systems.  Samantha is the daughter of Jeremiah Franks who is a member of Sheet Metal Air Rail Transportation (SMART/UTU) Local 768.

Spencer Underwood, receiving a $750 scholarship in 2017, is a 2014 graduate from Maroa Forsyth High School and is attending Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville majoring in Business Administration and Finance. He is the son of Jim and April Underwood. His father is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 146.  Spencer was awarded $1,000 scholarships in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Angela Westendorf is attending St. Mary of the Woods College to obtain a Masters Degree in Healthcare Administration.  She is the wife of Jeff Westendorf who is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 146.  She was awarded a $500 grant in 2017.

Paula Bender is a graduate of Cerro Gordo High School.  She is attending Richland Community College and plant to obtain a degree in Children’s Psychology.  She is the daughter of LaVone Bolyard who is a member of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 859.  She was awarded a $1,000 scholarship in 2016 and $150 grant in 2017.

Jessica Best is a graduate Mt. Zion High School.  She is attending Millikin University in Biology.  She is the daughter of Laura Sturgeon who is a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 317.  She was awarded a $500 grant in 2016 and a $250 grant in 2017.

Cody Zulkowski is a graduate of Macarthur High School and plans to pursue a career in Psychology.  He is the son of Anita Zulkowski who is a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 317.  He was awarded $250 grants in 2016 and 2017.

Kayla Market is a graduate of Northview High School and is attending the University of Alabama in Business.  She is the daughter of Roger Market who is a member of Sheet Metal Workers (SMART) Local 218.  She was awarded a $250 grant in 2017.

Bemajedareki B. Williams, Jr. is a graduation of Maroa Forsyth High School.  He is attending Millikin University.  Bemajedareki is the sone of Bemajedareki Williams, Sr. who is a member of the American Federation of State Municipal and City Employees (AFSCME) Local 674.

Mylissa Greenawalt is a graudate of Mt. Zion High School.  She is attending Eastern Illinois University to pursue a degree in Early Special Education.  Mylissa is the daughter of Mark Greenawalt who is a member of the United Association (UA) Local 137.  She was awarded a $200 grant in 2017.

Annah Tulak is a graduate of MacArthur High School and will attend Richland Community College.  She is pursuing a Business degree.  Annah is the daughter of Travis Hood who is a member of the Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco, Grain Millers (BCTGM) Local 103G.  She was awarded a $200 grant in 2017.

Breanna Johnson is a grdauate of Argenta Oreana High School and is attending Millikin University.  She is studying Business.  Breanna is the daughter of Randy Johnson who is a member of IBEW Local 146.  She was awarded a $200 grant in 2017.

Trevon Sylvester, a 2012 graduate of Eisenhower High School and is attending Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in the field of Political Science. He is the son of Jeff and Sarah Sylvester Drake. His mother is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 51. He was awarded a $1,000 scholarship in 2013 and 2016.  Trevon graduated with a degree in Political Science in 2016 and is currently clerking at the Illinois State Capitol.

Breana Bagley, receiving a $500 grant in 2016, is a graduate of Mt. Zion High School.  She is attending Millikin University in Communications and English.  She is the daughter of Brad Bagley who is a member of United Steel Workers (USW) Local 7-838.

John Garrick Myers, receiving a $250 grant in 2016 and a $1,000 scholarship in 2015, is a graduate of Sangamon Valley High School and is attending Illinois College in Construction Management.  He is the son of John Myers who is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 146.

Justin Taylor, receiving a $250 grant in 2016, will graduate of Lutheran School Association (LSA) and is attending Millikin University in Music.  He is the son of Mark Taylor who is a member of the Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco, Grain Millers Local 103G.

Michael J. Beardsley, receiving a $250 grant in 2016, is a graduate of Shelbyville High Scholl and is attending the University of Illinois at Springfield in the Pre-medical field.  He is the son of Michael L. Beardsley who is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 51.

Lydia Fuchs, receiving a $250 grant in 2016, is a graduate of Waverly High School and plans to attend Western Illinois University.  She is the daughter of Andrew Fuchs who is a member of United Association (UA) Local 137.

Dylan Knisley, receiving a $500 grant in 2015 and a $250 grant in 2014, is a graduate Monticello High School and is preparing for a career in Wildlife Biology Management. He is currently attending Millikin University and is on their wrestling team.  He is the son of Karlene and Eric Knisley. Dylan’s mother is a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 51.

James Mattingly, receiving a $500 grant in 2015, is a graduate of St. Teresa High School and plans to attend Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville in Business.  He is the son of James Mattingly who is a member of the Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Grain Millers (BCTGM) Local 103G.

Chelsea May, receiving a $250 grant in 2015, is a graduate of St. Teresa High School and attending Eastern Illinois University stuying Kinesiology.  She is the daughter of John R. May who is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).

Ean Watson, receiving a $250 grant in 2015, is a graduate of Mt. Zion High School.  He is the son of United Steel Worker (USW) Local 838 member Arlin Watson.

Josie Swafford, receiving a $500 grant in 2014, is a graduate of Argenta-Oreana High School and plans to attend Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville majoring in English and Philosophy. Josie is the daughter of Thomas Swafford, a member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 268.

Jacob Smith, receiving a $500 grant in 2014, is a graduate of Delavan High School and plans to attend Northern Illinois University to prepare for a career in Speech Language Pathology. He is the son of Varden Smith, a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 51.

Elizabeth Dial, receiving a $500 grant in 2014, will graduate MacArthur High School and plans to attend Richland Community College. Elizabeth is the daughter of Matt and Erika Dial. Her father is a member of Laborers Local 159.

Lauren Nicholls, receiving a $250 grant in 2014, is a graduate of MacArthur High School and is completing her Associates Degree at Richland Community College. She plans a career in Business. She is the step-daughter of Bryan Feller who is a glazier with the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) Local 1168.

Koleton Cochran is a 2013 granduate of Mt. Zion High School and plans to attend Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in Cinematography / Media. He is the son of Jim and Donna Cochran. His step-mother is a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 317. He was awarded a $1,000 scholarship in 2013.

Samantha Gray is a graduate of St. Teresa High School and is enrolled at Eastern Illinois University in the Biology Sciences field. She is the daughter of Barbara Jackson, a member of the American Federation of State, City and Municipal Employees Local 674. She was awarded a $250 Grant in 2013.

Joseph Neal is a graduate of Nation Ford High School in Fort Mill, South Carolina. He is enrolled at York Technical College in the field of Nursing. He is the son of Mike Neal, a member of Roofers Local 92. Joseph was awarded a $250 grant in 2013.

Kori Morstatter is a graduate of Douglas MacArthur High School and will enroll at Richland Community College in the field of Nursing. She is the daughter of Jerd Morstatter, a member of the American Federation of State, City and Municipal Employees Local 268. She was awarded a $250 grant in 2013.

Tanner Murphy is an apprentice and member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Local 288. He was awarded a $250 grant in 2013.

Ethan Snively is enrolled at Eastern Illinois University seeking a degree in Forestry. He is a 2009 graduate of Meridian High School. Ethan is the son of Roger Snively. His father is a member of United Transportation Union Local 768. He was awarded a $500 Scholarship in 2012.

Ruth Byers is a 2012 graduate of Mt. Zion High School and will attend Richland Community College to prepare for a degree in Engineering. She is the daughter of Jeff Byers. Her father is a member of United Steel Workers Local 7-0838. She was awarded a $500 Scholarship in 2012.

Savannah Kapper, daughter of Daniel Kapper, USW 7-0838 member was awarded a $125 grant in 2011 and a $250 grant in 2012.

Tori Daniels, daughter of Todd Daniels, UAW 751 member was awarded $125 grant in 2012.

Lindsay Tipsword is a 2011 graduate of Lutheran School Association (LSA) and plans to attend Illinois College in Jacksonville. Lindsay is the daughter of Patricia Robinson and Wayne Tipsword. Her father is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 146. She was awarded a $500 Scholarship in 2011.

Anastasia Lindsey is a 2010 graduate of St. Teresa High School and plans to attend Millikin University. Her mother, Amanda Lindsey, is a member of the United Steelworkers Local 7-0838. She was awarded a $500 Scholarship in 2011.

Ashley Knierim is a 2010 graduate of Macarthur High School and will attend Millikin University. She is the daughter of Robert and Joni Knierim. Her father is a member of International Union of Painters & Allied Trades Local 288 and Service Employees International Union Local 73. She was awarded a $500 Scholarship in 2011.

Shyteria Allen, daughter of Corletha Perry, UFCW Local 700 member was awarded a $125 Scholarship in 2011.

Ciara Laubscher, daughter of Terry Laubscher, IBEW Local 51 member was awarded a $125 Scholarship in 2011.

Taylor Irons, daughter of Michael J. Irons, AFSCME Local 268 member was awarded a $125 Scholarship in 2011.

Timothy Kater is a 2010 graduate of Mt. Zion High School and plans to attend Bradley University. He is the son of James and JoAnne Kater and his father is a member of United Steelworkers Local 7-0838. He was awarded a $500 Scholarship in 2010.

Latasha Patton is a member of the Decatur Federation of Teaching Assistants Local 4324 and is continuing her education. She was awarded a $150 Scholarship in 2010.

Logan Redman is a 2009 graduate of Clinton High School and attended Richland Community College. He is the son of Terry and Camille Redman of Wapella. His mother is a member of the Service Employees International Union Local 73. He was awarded a $500 Scholarship in 2009.

Zachary Collins was awarded $150 Scholarship in 2009. His mother is a member of Decatur Federation of Teaching Assistants Local 4324. He plans to attend Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.

Sarah Scherer is a 2007 graduate of MacArthur High School attending Northern Illinois University. She is the daughter of Doug and Vicki Scherer. Her father is a member of ATU Local 859. She was our very first recipient and was awarded a $500 Scholarship in 2008.

Shelby Huffman was awarded $150 Scholarship in 2008. She is a 2008 graduate of Clinton High School. Her parents are Cathy and Randy Huffman. Her mother is a member of National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 317.