2026 Scholarship Recipients

Tiger Pride Alumni Association Scholarship

The recipients of the Tiger Pride Alumni Association Scholarship are selected by the Richland County High School Senior Awards Committee and are awarded to deserving graduating seniors at Richland County High School based on the following criteria:

Students in good academic standing and at least a B average.
Students who have demonstrated the RCHS Core Expectations of Respect, Responsiblity, and Work Ethic.
The financial need of the student is considered in the selection, but it not the sole criterion.

2026 RECIPIENT LIST

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Lila Balding

Parent(s):	Perry and Donna Balding
Plans after high school:	Attend Eastern Illinois University for a degree in Music Education
Long-term career goals:	To settle down comfortably with a job that entails helping students find themselves through music.
Expression of thanks:	I thank the Tiger Pride Alumni Association for their consideration and I hope they know this money will greatly aid my journey in becoming a future music educator!

Allison Cline

Parent(s):
Plans after high school:
Long-term career goals:
Expression of thanks:

Annara Cox

Parent(s):
Plans after high school:
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Expression of thanks:

Summer Downen

Parent(s):	Marbie Downen & Daniel Downen
Plans after high school:	OCC, then transfer to Illinois State to major in Speech Pathology
Long-term career goals:	Open my own medical clinic
Expression of thanks:	I would like to thank the Alumni Association, my family, and role models for helping me achieve my goals and aspirations.

Reid Fancher

Parent(s):
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Expression of thanks:

Josie Ginder

Parent(s):	Stephanie & Jason Ginder
Plans after high school:	I plan to attend Mckendree University
Long-term career goals:	I plan to go into early education and teach as a preschool teacher!
Expression of thanks:	I am so grateful for this opportunity and for being selected as a scholarship recipient! Thank you so much!!

Connor Grove

Parent(s):
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Expression of thanks:

Ryan Kirby

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Expression of thanks:

River Logan

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Expression of thanks:

Emma Meadows

Parent(s):	Danny and Stacey Meadows
Plans after high school:	I will be attending SIUE to pursue a Bachelor's in Biomedical Sciences and then go on to attend Pharmacy School.
Long-term career goals:	I plan on becoming a Pharmacist.
Expression of thanks:	Thank you again for choosing me to receive the Tiger Pride Alumni Scholarship! It's an absolute honor.

Ethan Mehl

Parent(s):
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Expression of thanks:

Jordi Mendoza

Parent(s):	Elba Salcedo (mother); Huri Mendoza (father)
Plans after high school:	Attend OCC then transfer to a university
Long-term career goals:	To be a forensic chemist
Expression of thanks:	To whomever this may concern, I wish to express my gratitude and thanks for giving me this scholarship which will help ease my financial burden so I can better focus on my academics. This scholarship has given me the opportunity to continue my education and to pursue my dream of helping others.

Ayden Nealis

Parent(s):	Curt & Krista Nealis
Plans after high school:	Studying Business Management at Vincennes University, while participating as a member of the golf program. After, I have plans to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor's degree in accounting.
Long-term career goals:	I want to return to Olney to use my accounting knowledge to better help the community.
Expression of thanks:	Being chosen as one of the recipients of this award truly means a lot to me. This award gives me a mountain of confidence heading into my career knowing that people like the TPAA believe in what I am capable of achieving.

Seth Norwood

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Expression of thanks:

Kolton Odenbach

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Ryan Phillips

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Autumn Ryden

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Expression of thanks:

Ally Ryker

Parent(s):	Alayna & Wesley Ryker
Plans after high school:	OCC School of Cosmetology
Long-term career goals:	Long term I want to open my own salon to instill self-confidence and strength.
Expression of thanks:	Thank you so much for helping me further my education; it means the world to me.

Rachel Seessengood

Parent(s):	Dana Seessengood
Plans after high school:	Attend OCC and then transfer to a 4 year university
Long-term career goals:	A career in Psychology
Expression of thanks:	Thank you so much for nominating me as a recipient for the scholarship! There will also be a thank you card heading your way!

Presley Shock

Parent(s):
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Expression of thanks:

Jackson Strong

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Expression of thanks:

Keegan Tarpley

Parent(s):	Lisa & James Tarpley
Plans after high school:	Go to Ozark Christian College
Long-term career goals:	To be able to guide kids in their relationship with God and through life.
Expression of thanks:	This scholarship is very helpful the financial stress of college has been a big burden, and this scholarship helps with those nerves.

Casey Thomann

Parent(s):	Andy and Amanda Thomann
Plans after high school:	Football at University of Illinois
Long-term career goals:	Become a College Football Coach
Expression of thanks:	Extremely thankful for this scholarship and I plan to put it to good use for important items I will need in college!

Giuseppe Trupiano

Parent(s):	Tony & Tiffany Trupiano
Plans after high school:	I will be going into the workforce, and will become part owner of Joe’s Pizza and Pasta.
Long-term career goals:	Take over Joe’s Pizza and Pasta and continue a wonderful business in this awesome community.
Expression of thanks:	Thank you so much for this award and still awarding me even though I will not be attending college. I am thankful that you saw my hard work, and I will carry this with me into my future and community.

Jakoby VanDyke

Parent(s):	Jamie & Jessica VanDyke
Plans after high school:	Attend Wabash Valley College
Long-term career goals:	Be a diesel mechanic
Expression of thanks:	Thank you for the scholarship