News Summary
The Madison County Regional Office of Education celebrated the inaugural recipients of the Alma Irene Aitch Scholarship, recognizing ten high-achieving seniors from local high schools. Each student received a $1,000 scholarship, awarded based on their academic accomplishments and future educational aspirations. Named after a dedicated educator, this initiative aims to inspire students and promote excellence in education across Madison County.
Madison, Illinois – Ten Students Receive Inaugural Alma Irene Aitch Scholarship
The Madison County Regional Office of Education recently held a ceremony honoring the first recipients of the Alma Irene Aitch Scholarship, a new initiative aimed at recognizing high-achieving high school seniors from across Madison County. The event celebrated ten students who demonstrated excellence in academics, extracurricular activities, and future educational plans.
Scholarship Awards and Selection Process
Each of the ten students awarded the Alma Irene Aitch Scholarship received a monetary prize of $1,000. These winners were chosen from a pool of over fifty applicants, with selection predicated on their scholarship applications that detailed their high school accomplishments and college or trade school aspirations. The scholarship aims to reward students who exemplify dedication, leadership, and personal achievement throughout their high school careers.
Purpose and Named After
The scholarship is named in honor of Alma Irene Aitch, a former teacher at Lincoln School in Edwardsville. She is remembered for her impactful role in her students’ lives and her dedication to education. The program was established as a tribute to her legacy, seeking to inspire future generations of students to pursue academic excellence and personal growth.
Organization and Future Plans
The initiative was made possible through collaboration among several local leaders, including Manny Jackson, Dr. Ed Hightower, and Dr. Robert W. Werden. It is designed to be an ongoing program, with future scholarship opportunities continuing to be available to high school seniors throughout Madison County who plan to attend a university, college, or trade school. The program emphasizes ongoing access for students with a strong motivation to succeed in higher education.
List of 2025 Scholarship Recipients
- Elise Berry – Roxana High School
- LilyRose Cockrum – Granite City High School
- Wren Crawford – Alton High School
- Jordan Ealey – East Alton-Wood River High School
- Jayna Halley – Civic Memorial High School
- Savanah Heinle – Triad High School
- Kameron Hildebrand-Johnson – Edwardsville High School
- Addyson Moore – Edwardsville High School
- Emily Phillips – Alton High School
- Tyra Wells – Alton Marquette High School
It is noted that Jayna Halley and Addyson Moore were not present during the ceremony. Despite their absence, their achievements remain recognized in the official award list.
Criteria and Future Eligibility
The Alma Irene Aitch Scholarship will continue to uphold its existing eligibility standards, which include maintaining high academic performance and demonstrating strong personal and extracurricular development. The program emphasizes recognizing students’ overall drive, accomplishments, and potential, fostering a culture of excellence among high school seniors in Madison County.
Background Context
The Madison County Regional Office of Education’s new scholarship program reflects a sustained commitment to encouraging educational achievement and supporting the next generation of learners. Named after a dedicated educator known for her positive influence, the initiative aims to celebrate students’ efforts and motivate them toward further success in college or trade school pursuits in the coming years.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The Telegraph: Madison County Students Scholarships
- Wikipedia: Scholarships
- Riverbender: Scholarship Applications for Low-Income Students
- Google Search: Scholarships for Students
- Advantage News: Madison County Offering Scholarships
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Scholarship
- Greene Publishing: Miss Madison County Pageant
- Google News: Madison County Scholarships
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