2021 TAC/TPAA Scholarship Recipients

 

 

Student: Zoe Alexander

 

Parent(s): Margo and William Alexander

Plans after high school: I am attending Olney Central College in the fall to complete my Associate Arts and Science Degree.  I then plan to transfer to a four year university to obtain a degree in Fashion Merchandising.

Long-term career goals:  After graduation, my goal is to get a job as a merchandiser or buyer for either a major clothing brand or major department store chain.  Ultimately, I’d like to become a personal stylist, and I plan on using my merchandising knowledge and experience in order to achieve that goal.

Expression of thanks: I would like to sincerely thank you for choosing me as a recipient of the Tiger Pride Alumni Scholarship.  I am truly humbled and grateful for this tool that you have provided me with in order to further my education.  Your generous contribution will positively impact the education I will receive at Olney Central College and beyond.  As I head towards a career as a fashion merchandiser, I hope to impact the fashion industry nationally and internationally.  The impact of this scholarship will allow me to make that impact on the fashion industry, and for that I am incredibly grateful.

 

 

 

 

 

Student: Frances Dimaranan

 

Parent(s): Justin and Avegail Davis

Plans after high school: I will be attending Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis.

Long-term career goals:  I plan on acquiring a degree in Visual Communication Design.

Expression of thanks: I am incredibly thankful for this scholarship.  With the TPAA/TAC Scholarship, I am able to pursue an education.  As I continue my education at Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis, I am thankful as this will benefit me as I pursue a degree in Visual Communication Design.  Once again, thank you for this scholarship.

 

 

 

 

 

Student: Gavin Dorn

Parent(s): Larry and DeAnn Dorn

Plans after high school: Attend VU.

Long-term career goals:  Earn a bachelor’s in surveying technology and become a licensed surveyor.

Expression of thanks: Thank you for choosing me as a recipient of this award.  I am extremely grateful and appreciative.  This money will go towards books, dorm supplies, and tuition.

 

 

 

 

 

Student: Zach Duenas

Parent(s): Tony and Alisha Duenas

Plans after high school: Play baseball at USI while getting a degree in exercise science.

Long-term career goals:  Become Sports Medicine Doctor.

Expression of thanks: Thank you for giving me this award.  I appreciate it as it will help pay for a portion of my college.

 

 

 

 

 

Student: Shelby Gardner

Parent(s): Steve and Cassie Gardner

Plans after high school: I plan to attend OCC for a year and then transfer to ISU to complete my degree before moving to Colorado.

Long-term career goals:  I am planning to work in setting up mock room spaces and offer services as a therapist.

Expression of thanks: I am incredibly grateful to be considered and to have received this scholarship.  It is a great burden off the shoulders of my parents and it will be incredibly beneficial in terms of beginning my path to my degree.  Thank you.

 

 

 

 

 

Student: Collin Gilreath

Parent(s): Mike and Kristi Gilreath

Plans after high school: Attending OCC.

Long-term career goals:  Not certain yet.

Expression of thanks: I am very grateful to receive this award.  This money will be put to good use in furthering my education.  Although I am not sure what I am going to do with my life yet, I plan on doing great things.  Once again thank you.

 

 

 

 

 

Student: Harrison Hahn

Parent(s): Mike and Margaret Hahn

Plans after high school: Going to OCC and wrapping up my associates.

Long-term career goals:  Leaning towards education, not really set on a grade/subject yet.

Expression of thanks: I really do want to thank you for selecting me for this scholarship.  This money will be a huge help with any future expenses I might have to pay in college.  Alongside my gratitude for this award, I would also like to give thanks to the faculty of RCHS.  You guys have made a really positive impact on not only myself, but my entire class, over the course of the last 4 years.  I really do appreciate all the teachers I’ve had because they’ve really helped me become the person I am today and are part of the reason why I’ve been thinking about going into education myself.  Once again, I just want to say thanks for choosing me and thanks for helping me out these past 4 years.

 

 

 

 

 

Student: Isabella Hamilton

Parent(s): Hunter and Holly Hamilton

Plans after high school: Attend University of Mississippi for Pre-Law

Long-term career goals:  Lawyer then Arbitrator

Expression of thanks: Thank you for the scholarship that will provide many more opportunities for me.  I greatly appreciate the consideration and generosity.

 

 

 

 

 

Student: Emma Johnson

Parent(s): Courtney Bishop

Plans after high school: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Long-term career goals:  Undecided

Expression of thanks: This award means the world to me as it will allow me to continue to put myself through school and pay the remainder of my schooling.

 

 

 

 

Student: Madalyn Jones

Parent(s): Emily Jones

Plans after high school: Information Sciences and Librarian Sciences degree at UIUC.

Long-term career goals:  I plan to graduate with both of my degrees and plan to be a librarian.

Expression of thanks: Thank you for choosing me to receive the TAC/TPAA scholarship.  I truly appreciate your generosity which has allowed me to go to UIUC to further my education.  Thank you again for your generous gift.

 

 

 

 

Student: Cole Lambird

Parent(s): Mike and Lezlie Lambird

Plans after high school: OCC/Baseball

Long-term career goals:  Open a local business.

Expression of thanks: Thank you very much for awarding me this scholarship.  It means a lot to know that someone has recognized me.

 

 

 

 

Student: Taylor Meritt

Parent(s): Jim and Rena Meritt

Plans after high school: OCC for Associates Degree in Science and Arts, then transfer to Murray State to study Political Science/Pre-Law.

Long-term career goals:  I plan to be a lawyer.

Expression of thanks: Thank you so much for rewarding me the 2021 Scholarship.  I have always been proud to be a Tiger and I am grateful to this association for honoring the Senior Tigers.  This scholarship will greatly help me in my future endeavors.  Thank you again for supporting the Tigers through the years and thank you for your contribution to my future.

 

 

 

 

Student: Ethan Rodgers

 Parent(s): Marc and Tracey Rodgers

 Plans after high school: Attend OCC and obtain my Associate Degree in Nursing then transfer to a university.

 Long-term career goals:  Graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  My plan is then to continue my education to become a Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Anesthetist.

 Expression of thanks: I truly appreciate your generosity.  This award will help me pay for my tuition and books while I attend Olney Central College.  I am very humbled and grateful that you chose me to receive a TAC/TPAA Scholarship.  Thank you.

 

 

 

 

 

Student: Madelyn Rusk

Parent(s): Emily Rusk and Brad Ameter

Plans after high school: Play volleyball at Frontier Community College and get my basic classes taken.

Long-term career goals:  Transfer to another college and get a degree in social work.  Get a job that works with kids, and be happy with my job.

Expression of thanks: I appreciate being rewarded a TPAA/TAC Scholarship.  It was a great surprise, and I was very honored to receive this scholarship.  Thank you for supporting me while I further my education.

 

 

 

 

 

Student: Jonah Scherer

Parent(s): Scott and Misty Scherer

Plans after high school: I plan to go to OCC and then transfer to EIU.

Long-term career goals:  I hope to return to Richland County and teach at RCES or RCMS.

Expression of thanks: Thank you so much for the generous scholarship.  It is a huge blessing and I really appreciate it.  It will help me further my educational goals.  Thanks again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Student: Keen Simpson

Parent(s): Chris and Michelle Simpson

Plans after high school: I plan to attend Southern Illinois University in Carbondale majoring in Education.

Long-term career goals:  I hope to begin a career as a high school social studies teacher after I graduate from SIU.

Expression of thanks:  I would like to thank the Tiger Alumni Center for the scholarship. I really appreciate the generosity of all of the alumni.

 

 

 

 

Student: Haley Smith

Parent(s): Dean and Samantha Smith

Plans after high school: Go to OCC for a year then transfer to EIU or go straight to EIU

Long-term career goals:  I want to be an Elementary School teacher.

Expression of thanks: Thank you for choosing me for this scholarship.  I will use the money wisely to help me pay for college.

 

 

 

 

 

Student: Paige Tedford

Parent(s): Tim and Jennifer Tedford

Plans after high school: Attend OCC then transfer to a university.

Long-term career goals:  Ag Business/Ag Finance/Business

Expression of thanks: Thank you so much for the Tiger Pride Alumni Association Scholarship which I received at the Senior Awards.  I look forward to using it this summer as I head to college.  I am so pleased to have been selected.

 

 

 

 

 

Student: Jake Wheeler

Parent(s): Klay and Heather Wheeler

Plans after high school: To attend OCC for two years then transfer to EIU.

Long-term career goals:  My current plan is to major in physical education and physical training with a minor in history education.

Expression of thanks: Thank you for your generous gift that will help me pay for my college.  I am very grateful for your donation.

 

 

 

 

 

Student: Elijah Willis

Parent(s): John and Sandra Davis

Plans after high school: Complete general studies at Olney Central College, then transfer to the University of Illinois.

Long-term career goals:  I want to find a job (physical therapy) close to home and own a practice.

Expression of thanks: Thank you for choosing me to receive this award.  I appreciate your generosity, which will allow me to continue my studies and help further my academic career.  As I continue my education at Olney Central College and the University of Illinois, I am very thankful for receiving your thoughtful gift.  Thank you again for your generous gift.

 

 

 

 

 

Richard's notes: 

Another great set of recipients!   Makes me happy to have served another year of our seniors, to help make the funds available to these 2021 graduates -- my tenth year of doing so!

The students above are just as happy to be awarded your TAC-TPAA scholarship funds as any recipient of the past years, if not more so. 

Thanks to all you who donated and others who wish they could.

My thanks to Sonja Music, Admtinistrative Assistant, RCCU1, for sharing the above pictures and student information.