Nothing left to chance
After graduating from Scott Community College with his associate’s degree earlier this May, only one thing stood between Trevor Milne and his well-earned summer break—graduating from high school in June.
What may seem an unusual position for the Davenport North High School senior to find himself in is, according to his mother, Crystal Milne, part and parcel of Trevor’s all-in approach to his education. When he was first accepted to the dual-enrollment program before his freshman year of high school, he was warned that he wouldn’t be able to keep up all his extracurriculars alongside his demanding class schedule. In response, he spent the next four years as an all-state show choir singer, a violinist in the orchestra, and a student athlete dabbling in soccer, volleyball, and track—all while maintaining a near-perfect GPA. (Did we mention he’s just filed his documentation to become an Eagle Scout?)
“I personally wanted to live a fulfilling life, and I think I did that in high school, but that means I will strive to continue being involved as much as possible in college as well,” wrote Trevor in his application essay for scholarships through the Quad Cities Community Foundation. “For my education, I strive to achieve the highest grade I personally think I can get, leaving nothing to chance.”
“He took it on himself to make sure he was on track with it all,” said Crystal, who has always helped guide her son toward opportunities to plan for the future. “We just set goals, and he reached for each and every one.”
The two Community Foundation scholarships Trevor received will be a key resource as he sets out to write the next chapter of his educational story this fall at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Together, the scholarships also sketch a capsule history of donor investment in education at the Community Foundation: The Jane and Clem Werner Scholarship, which goes to five students each year, was the very first scholarship fund established at the Community Foundation. Meanwhile the brand-new Helen Duranleau-Brennan Theater Scholarship, which honors a long-time area teacher and provides renewable support to students studying theater, was awarded for the first time this year.
“We want to do everything we can to help exceptional students like Trevor reach their full potential,” said Kelly Thompson, vice president of grantmaking and community initiatives. “We’re so grateful to the donors who make that possible through these scholarships.”
At Carthage, where he plans to major in engineering and minor in music and drama, Trevor will draw on his extensive experience with college-level coursework—and his practice juggling commitments—to build on his impressive academic success. Because of the credits he’s already earned through Scott, he should also be able to shave up to a year or even more off his bachelor’s degree, saving significantly on tuition costs and giving him a head start on his career.
“We’re a one-income family, and we don’t have money for Trevor to go to school,” said Crystal, who explained that even with additional scholarship awards and financial aid for his high grades, Trevor will have to take out student loans to pay for college. “Every little bit helps.”
Crystal wants donors to know just how much students like Trevor and families like the Milnes appreciate their support and service to the community. “You don’t know what kind of impact you could have on somebody,” she said. “One gesture could completely change a student’s outlook on life or the things they can go on and do.”
To learn how you can start a scholarship fund that makes education more accessible to students in our community, contact Anne Calder, vice president of development, at 563/326-2840 or AnneCalder@QCCommunityFoundation.org.