Three talented college students were recently awarded scholarships by Western Illinois Regional Council (WIRC). Summer Ramsey, Karli Strom, and Faith George were each awarded $2,000 that will be used to pay for their books, fees and/or tuition at their chosen colleges. The WIRC scholarship program aims to help qualifying students with paying for college or vocational school when they otherwise might not be able to afford to do so.
WIRC officials say the competition for this year’s program was strong. “WIRC had over 75 applications to the scholarship program this year,” said Jamie Roth, WIRC Community Services & Public Relations Director. “These students stood out to the scholarship committee for their achievements, references, and the clarity and thoughtfulness of their essays. They have bright futures ahead of them, and we hope these scholarships will help to ease the financial burden of college.”
The WIRC scholarship application deadline was March 31, 2023. The annual scholarship is open to college students of qualifying households living in Hancock, Henderson, Knox, McDonough, or Warren counties in Illinois. All scholarship awards are paid directly to the student’s college or university.
Summer Ramsey of Carthage is studying nursing at Quincy University. “Nursing is a career that takes a lot of patience, dedication, hard-work, knowledge, and compassion for others,” said Ramey in her essay. “I enjoy being around people of all ages and helping out where I can. I think that I could bring a positive energy to the field of nursing and help others along the way.”
Faith George of Galesburg is enrolled at Knox College and plans to study biomedical engineering and psychology. “Finding easier, faster and less invasive methods to do procedures sounds like a dream come true for my career,” said George in her essay. “One day, I plan to find something to better be used as a heart valve replacement, as something of this nature could have been the device used to allow my grandfather to live several more years.”
Karli Strom of Monmouth is studying communication and political science at her hometown college, Monmouth College. “My dream career right now would be working for the United Nations as a diplomat,” said Strom in her essay. “I want to have a positive impact and lift up those who cannot lift themselves up.”
Funding for WIRC’s scholarship program is provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity through the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG).
WIRC is a nonprofit that helps people and communities in multiple western Illinois counties. For more information about their services, find them on social media, visit their website at wirpc.org, or call 309-837-2997. The Agency is an equal opportunity provider and employer.