Local students receive $457,500 in scholarships
The Quad Cities Community Foundation today announced the recipients of nearly half a million dollars in new scholarship awards. With scholarships ranging from $500 to $11,000 going to 49 students, including nine receiving more than one award, the funding—and the opportunities it can unlock—are significant.
“Throughout the pandemic, these students have remained focused and resilient, keeping their eyes on the future,” said Sherry Ristau, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “As they go out into the world and continue to learn, grow, and go after their dreams, I can’t wait to see what they do.”
As a former recipient of the Central High School Teacher Education Scholarship and a current middle school science teacher, Bailey Nelson has a firsthand appreciation of the lasting impact this kind of financial assistance can have on ambitious students. “The opportunity to pursue my education and extracurricular activities with laser-sharp focus undoubtedly changed my perspective on education—and my career path in general,” said Nelson, who has also founded an online learning company and is pursuing a master’s degree in education at Western Illinois University. “I wouldn’t have been able to do any of these things were it not for the Community Foundation, the donors who give to it, and the scholarship I received.”
Just over half of this year’s scholarships are renewable, provided that students continue to meet the criteria. Accounting for previously awarded scholarships that are renewing this year, the total being distributed exceeds half a million dollars.
Kelly Thompson, vice president of grantmaking and community initiatives at the Community Foundation, emphasized the gratitude owed to the donors who make the scholarships possible. “Without their belief in transforming the region through generosity, we would not be able to celebrate the achievements of these students this way.”
The following students received 2021 scholarships:
Sarah Babka, Pleasant Valley High School—Don E. & Charlotte Williams Scholarship
Connor Becker, Maquoketa High School—Great River Bend Cyclone Award Scholarship
Julia Bernat, West High School—Mike Condon Memorial Scholarship
Meghan Brewster, Davenport Central High School—Sophia N. Hapke Scholarship
Nuong Bui, Scott Community College—Don E. & Charlotte Williams Scholarship
Nuong Bui, Scott Community College—John R. Kiley Memorial Scholarship
Dillon Burt, Davenport West High School—Don E. & Charlotte Williams Scholarship
Liliana Buxbaum-Lara, Davenport Central High School—Donna Jean Arzberger Memorial Scholarship
Kayla Canning, Rock Island High School—William H. Kleinschmidt Scholarship
Alana Collins, Scott Community College—Morency Family Scholarship
Dustin Cornelison, Davenport West High School—Paul & Barbara Yamber Memorial Stem Scholarship
Rheanna DeCrow, Bettendorf High School—Corky Kress Golf Scholarship
Rheanna DeCrow, Bettendorf High School—Jane & Clem Werner Scholarship
Anna Do, Alleman Catholic High School—Morency Family Scholarship
Lillian Duffield, Davenport Central High School—Morency Family Scholarship
Roberto Farinacci, Palmer Chiropractic College—Dr. G. O. & Arlene Schmiedel Scholarship
Edgardo Gonzalez Diaz, Black Hawk College—Quad Cities Mexican American Organization Scholarship
Matthew Gray, Mercer County High School—Bryant-Holmes Scholarship for Mercer County High School
Allison Greenwood, Davenport North High School—Verna Kaucher Scholarship
Ethan Hancock, Davenport West High School—Sophia N. Hapke Scholarship
Natalie Hansen, Moline High School—P.E.O. Chapter BL - Blanche Wood Music Award
Gabriella Haywood, Davenport Central High School—Sophia N. Hapke Scholarship
Ethan Jakubsen, Davenport West High School—Verna Kaucher Scholarship
Olaoluwa Johnson, Davenport West High School—Dearrel Bates Memorial Scholarship
Olaoluwa Johnson, Davenport West High School—Gustav A. & Gerda H.C. Anderson Scholarship
Kaylee Kiefer, University of Central Florida—Don E. & Charlotte Williams Scholarship
Olivia Lynch, Assumption High School (Davenport)—Paul and Beverly Eckert Scholarship
Yuliana Marceleno Lopez, Davenport Central High School—Central High School Scholarship for Teacher Education
Yuliana Marceleno Lopez, Davenport Central High School—Frances S. Wolfe Memorial Scholarship
Abby McLeland, Davenport Central High School—James W. Victor Scholarship
Abby McLeland, Davenport Central High School—Jane & Clem Werner Scholarship
Brady O’Neil, Davenport West High School—Bill & Hilda Macomber and Alta Kahl Scholarship
Yasmin Pannell, Moline High School—Dr. & Mrs. Yang Ho Rhee Scholarship
Aditi Parab, Pleasant Valley High School—Jayne Lee Andreesen Memorial Scholarship
Ava Peitz, Holy Trinity Catholic High School—Lt. Col. William T. Cooper Scholarship - Citizenship
Ava Peitz, Holy Trinity Catholic High School—Lt. Col. William T. Cooper Scholarship - Medical
Natalie Peters, Bettendorf High School—Elise Brett Scholarship
Zoe Sophia Potter, Moline High School—Don E. & Charlotte Williams Scholarship
Zoe Sophia Potter, Moline High School—Louis F. Bulechek Memorial Scholarship
Zoe Sophia Potter, Moline High School—Richard J. Collins Scholarship
Alejandra Raya, Moline High School—Edwin R. Adland & Ruth H. Adland Scholarship
Jordan Rice, Rock Island High School—August & Edna Zahatko Scholarship
Jordan Rice, Rock Island High School—Rock Island High School Class Of 1956 Scholarship
Josie Said, Wilton High School—Loren and Tammy Bockwoldt Family Scholarship
Samantha Sancen, United Township High School—Don E. & Charlotte Williams Scholarship
Colton Sigel, Rock Island High School—Herman & Sarah Segal Scholarship
Haley Simmons, Moline High School—Kelly Marie McQuate Memorial Scholarship
Haley Simmons, Moline High School—Morency Family Scholarship
Kennedy Sullivan, Davenport West High School—Jane & Clem Werner Scholarship
Allison Swiger, Rivermont Collegiate—Jane & Clem Werner Scholarship
Anna Thompson, Davenport Central High School—Mariah Becker Memorial Scholarship
Hagen Walker, Davenport North High School—Jane & Clem Werner Scholarship
Kirsten Webber, United Township High School—Ligino Family Scholarship
Sierra Wegener, Northeast Community High School—Morency Family Scholarship
Cierra White, Davenport West High School—Morency Family Scholarship
Karissa Willems, Sherrard High School—Clifford and Louise King Scholarship
Paige Womack, West Liberty High School—Helen Maurer Simmons Scholarship
Lauren Young, Des Moines University—Dr. Anita L. Pinc Memorial Scholarship
Yu Hong Zheng, United Township High School—Gene S. Duke Scholarship
The Quad Cities Community Foundation is home to hundreds of endowment funds—started by individuals and organizations—that create a financial foundation for nonprofits and support the Quad Cities region today, and far into the future.