Our Recipients
The individuals on our staff and board are dedicated to both the philanthropic mission of the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation and to serving our community at large. We are extremely grateful for their time, contributions, financial support and advocacy.
Scholarship Recipients
2025
Elisabeth "Ella" Kamke
The Rising Star Scholarship was established by Ethel McConnell of Ottawa. Ethel
cherished her 35-year teaching career in Aurora, Ottawa and Marseilles.
This $5,000 scholarship is awarded to a high school graduate or recent graduate planning to
study Elementary Education at Illinois State University.
The 2025 Rising Star is Elisabeth “Ella” Kamke of Utica. Elisabeth, who also won the award in
2024, is studying Music Education for K-12 students at Illinois State University. The daughter of Darren and Kristine Kamke was inspired to pursue a career in music education by a choir
teacher.
Lily Ann Keutzer
Ethel McConnell also established The Mac-Aero Scholarship for Aeronautics and Aviation. The prestigious $10,000 award honors Ethel’s beloved husband Ed, a proud farmer, veteran, and owner of Mac-Aero in Seneca. Ed rebuilt and repaired light planes at the airfield. The Mac-Aero goes to Lily Ann Keutzer of Princeton. Lily, who won the award in 2023 and 2024, is majoring in Professional Aviation Flight at Indiana State University. Lily was inspired to pursue a career in aviation by her grandfather, who was a pilot himself. The daughter of Steven and Michelle Kuetzer has already earned her private pilot’s license.
The Carol and Dick Janko Scholarship for Promising Entrepreneurs
The Carol and Dick Janko Scholarship for Promising Entrepreneurs was created for graduates who demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit. The scholarship recognizes Dick and Carol Janko’s lifelong commitment to youth, education, economic development, and philanthropy. The scholarship will award $8,000 to four recipients.
Alex Jagers
Alex Jagers, of Princeton is majoring in Farm Management at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Alex is again the first-place Janko winner of $3,000. He won the top award in 2024. Alex’s first entrepreneurial experience was running his own lawn business. Due to his business’s growth he had to hire two people to help. The son of Tom and Gail Jagers is passionate about farming and his long-term goal is to run his family’s farm.
Palmer Phillis
Palmer Phillis of Streator High School will study genetics at Illinois College in Jacksonville. The son of Ray and Kris Phillis of Streator will receive a $1,500 Janko scholarship.
Lilliana Bernabei
Lilliana Bernabei of Ottawa and Marquette Academy will study Agribusiness at Iowa State University in the fall. The daughter of Mark and Jessica Bernabei received the $2,000 Janko award.
Tynan Justice
Tynan Justice of Seneca High School will study computer engineering at Iowa State University. The son of Tom and Tracy Justice of Seneca will receive a $1,500 Janko award.
Advantech Internet of Things (loT) Scholarship for Science, Engineering and Technology
The Advantech Internet of Things (loT) Scholarship for Science, Engineering and Technology, awards two $2,500 scholarships, one each for a male and female.
The 2025 winners are Tynan Justice of Seneca High School and Valeria Villagomez of Putnam County High School. Tynan will study computer engineering at Iowa State University and Valeria will major in Civil Engineering at Benedictine University in Lisle. Valeria is the daughter of Rodolfo Villagomez and Laura Mendez.
Tynan Justice
Tynan Justice of Seneca High School will study computer engineering at Iowa State University.
Valeria Villagomez
Valeria Villagomez of Putnam County High School. Valeria will major in Civil Engineering at Benedictine University in Lisle. Valeria is the daughter of Rodolfo Villagomez and Laura Mendez.
Charles H. Beckett Scholarship for Culinary Arts
Madelynn Guilinger
The Charles H. Beckett Scholarship for Culinary Arts was established by the SRCCF board to honor co-founder Chuck Beckett. This scholarship supports students pursuing a Culinary Science degree at Joliet Junior College. In addition, funds are available to students in need of program supplies.
A former restaurant owner, Chuck is renowned for his culinary gifts. He is thrilled to see his scholarship winners achieve the Culinary Arts degree.
The 2025 Beckett award goes to Madelynn Guilinger of Morris, who also received the award in 2023 and 2024. Madelynn is a third-year Culinary Arts Management student at JJC and will receive $2,500. She has excelled throughout her college career. The daughter of Brad and Keri Guilinger plans to enroll in the Walt Disney World Culinary Arts Internship Program.
Robert J. Moore and Ellen G. Moore Scholarship
The Robert J. Moore and Ellen G. Moore Scholarship is for graduates of Fieldcrest High School living in Wenona. Prior to his death, Bob Moore committed a portion of his estate to scholarships for college students in need of financial assistance.
The $3,000 Moore scholarship goes to Myah Burns of Fieldcrest. She will attend Illinois Valley Community College and plans to study Chiropractic Medicine. She is the daughter of Brandi Burns of Wenona.
Thomas "Tucker" Tillman Scholarship
The Thomas “Tucker” Tillman Scholarship was established by Shalanda Rabadan, Tucker Tillman’s niece. An outstanding student-athlete, Tucker died shortly after graduating from Marquette in 1973.
Since then, Marquette has awarded the Tillman Trophy to a graduating senior who demonstrates charisma, leadership, and academic and athletic excellence.
The Tillman Scholarship goes to Keaton Davis of Ottawa. The son of Ron and Dawn Davis will attend Spoon River College in Canton.
Women Inspired Network (WIN) Young Women Leaders Scholarship
Madeline Kerestes & Madilyn Knowles
The Women Inspired Network (WIN) Young Women Leaders Scholarship was established by SRCCF to further the education of women who demonstrate significant leadership.
It encourages recipients to return to Starved Rock Country to live and work. The scholarship is funded by generous donations of women across Starved Rock Country and from proceeds of the 2024 WIN Golf Outing, GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUND$. This is the first year WIN is offering two awards.
The $3,000 winners are Madeline Kerestes of Ottawa High School and Madilyn Knowles of LaSalle-Peru High School.
Madeline Kerestes, the daughter of Chad and Lisa Kerestes of rural Oglesby, will study Political Science/Pre-Law at Marquette University in Milwaukee.
Madilyn Knowles is in the Army reserves. She will study Pediatric Oncology Physician’s Assistant at the University of Iowa in the 2026-27 academic year.
Madilyn Knowles was unable to attend – but she sent a message of thanks:
“Thank you so much for awarding me the Women Inspired Network Scholarship. I’m incredibly honored to have been selected, and I truly appreciate the committee’s recognition of my academic achievements, leadership, and passion for inspiring children.
I’ve decided to join the U.S. Army Reserves. In the fall, I’ll be enrolled in Advanced Individual Training (AIT). In January, I will enroll at IVCC with plans to transfer to the University of Iowa in fall 2026. The University is aware of my leave year and fully supports my academic timeline.
I’m working toward pediatric oncology, with a refined goal of becoming a Physician Assistant.
Although I won’t be able to attend the June 23 dinner due to my leave date, I would still love the opportunity to meet the donors in the future. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity and the support of the Women Inspired Network.
Chesney Auter
The Molly Lenora Yacko Memorial Scholarship was established by Molly’s cousin, Emily Yacko Hardee. Emily created the Run Today for Tomorrow 5K in Ottawa in 2019. The 6th Annual Run/Walk is Saturday, June 28 in Ottawa. Emily’s mission is to help people who have been affected by suicide and mental health issues. The $1,000 Yacko scholarship goes to Chesney Auter, a Sports Psychology major at Ball State University. Chesney’s eventual goal is to work with Special Olympians. The daughter of Courtney Krug of Ottawa received the first Yacko scholarship in 2024.
Rachel Pinter
The Streator Leading Ladies Maxine Wargo Working Women’s Scholarship was established by the Streator Business and Professional Women, now known as the Streator Leading Ladies, to honor a driving force in the Streator community. It honors the legacy of Streator native and business owner Maxine Wargo. Her infectious spirit and positive attitude inspired others to get involved in Streator. Her work ethic and strong will to succeed made her a role model for women entering or returning to the workforce. Rachel Pinter of rural LaSalle is the first Wargo winner. Currently an IVCC student, she plans to earn an online bachelor’s in social work at Aurora University.
Maya Zeman
The Stephen Charles Vogler Memorial Scholarship for Electronics & Communications celebrates the life and generosity of Stephen Charles Vogler, the former Chief Engineer for WLPO, WAJK & 96.5. Starved Rock Media President and General Manager, John Spencer, created the Vogler Scholarship to memorialize Steve’s generosity in allowing the stations to remain 100 percent locally owned and operated. The $1,220 scholarship is awarded to a student majoring in electronics or communications at Illinois Valley Community College. IVCC Communications major Maya Zeman is the second Vogler Scholarship winner. She is the daughter of Edward Zeman and Shelia Martinez Zeman of Ottawa.
Elisabeth "Ella" Kamke
The new Robert Cotner Memorial Scholarship honors an extraordinary man whose
kindness, brilliance, compassion and creativity inspired those fortunate enough to know him.
Bob passed away November 16, 2024, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide
his family and loved ones. Bob became a scholar of remarkable depth. He dedicated his life to
the pursuit of knowledge, not merely for its own sake, but to better the world around him. His
intellect was unparalleled; a shining beacon of curiosity and understanding that illuminated
countless minds.
A “poet of the heart,” Bob served as Professor of English at many universities including
Montgomery College, Taylor University, Ball State University and at the University of Liberia,
West Africa. He served as Vice President of Aurora University, an executive with the Salvation
Army and later as an executive at Shriners Hospital for Children in Oak Park.
Bob was above all a family man, cornerstone of a loving family who adored him. Norma, his
devoted wife of 68 years, is a cherished member of the SRCCF Board.
The first Robert Cotner Memorial Scholarship winner is Elisabeth “Ella” Kamke of Utica. Ella is
studying Music Education for K-12 students at ISU. She is the daughter of Darren and Kristine
Kamke.
Scholarship Recipients
2024
Elisabeth "Ella" Kamke
We are pleased to award the 2024 Rising Star Scholarship to Elisabeth "Ella" Kamke of Utica. Elisabeth will be attending Illinois State University to study Music Education for K-12 students. Elisabeth notes her choir teacher was exemplary and is the type of teacher she aspires to be. Elisabeth is the daughter of Darren and Kristine Kamke.
Alex Jagers, Jenna Gamons, Isabella Cacciatore, Madison Applebee
The Carol and Dick Janko Scholarship for Promising Entrepreneurs was split between four students: Alex Jagers who will attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and major in Farm Management, Jenna Gamons who will attend the university of Notre Dame to major in Mathematics, Isabella Cacciatore who attends Illinois State University and is majoring in Interior Design with a minor in Environmental Sustainability, and Madison Applebee who will attend Illinois State University and major in Communications Science Disorders.
Clare Phillips
The Moore scholarship goes to Clare Phillips of Wenona. Clare will attend Illinois Valley Community College to major in Business and Marketing and transfer to a four-year university.
Denver Trainor
The Tillman scholarship goes to Denver Trainor of Ransom. Denver will attend St. Ambrose University in the fall to major in Exercise Science.
Lily Ann Keutzer
The Mac-Aero goes to Lily Ann Keutzer of Princeton. Lily Ann who received this award in 2023, is attending Indiana State University majoring in Professional Aviation Flight. Lily made note in her essay she lost her grandfather, who was a pilot himself, to Alzheimer's. He was the inspiration and guiding force behind her decision to enter the aviation field. She is the daughter of Steven and Michelle Kuetzer.
Emma Cushing & Landon Whelchel
The first Internet of Things Scholarship goes to Emma Cushing, of Ottawa, who will attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and major in Biochemistry. The second Internet of Things award goes to Landon Whelchel, of Amboy. Landon will attend Northern Illinois University to major in engineering.
Madelyn Guilinger
The Charles H. Beckett Scholarship for Culinary Arts goes to Madelynn Guilinger, of Morris, who is also the 2023 recipient of this award. Madelynn is a second-year culinary student attending JJC
Kate Passwater
The WIN scholarship goes to Kate Passwater of Ottawa. Kate will attend Iowa State University in the fall to major in Computer Science.
Chesney Auter
The Molly Lenora Yacko Memorial Scholarship goes to Chesney Auter of Ottawa. Chesney will attend Ball State University and major in Sports Psychology.
Scholarship Recipients
2023
Lily Ann Keutzer
The $10,000 Mac-Aero Scholarship for Aeronautics and Aviation, established by Ethel McConnell in honor of her husband Ed, owner of Mac-Aero (where he repaired light planes) in Seneca, went to Lily Ann Keutzer of Princeton. Lily plans to obtain a degree in professional aviation flight technology at Indiana State University.
Maggie McDonald
The $5,000 Rising Star Scholarship, also created by McConnell, an elementary school teacher in Ottawa and Marseilles, went to Maggie McDonald of Seneca. She will obtain degrees in early childhood education and elementary education at Illinois State University.
Alex Graham
The Thomas “Tucker” Tillman Scholarship, established by Tillman’s niece, Shalanda Rabadan, was awarded to Alex Graham of Ottawa. He will obtain a degree in criminal justice, as well as play football at McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois.
Eric Lockwood
Eric Lockwood of Peru was the recipient of the $1220 Stephen Charles Vogler Memorial Scholarship, established by Starved Rock Media President and General Manager John Spencer. Eric will complete an Associate of Arts in communications at IVCC.
Madelyn Torrance, Jacksen Ortgiesen, Isabella Caciatorri, Grace Carroll
The Carol and Dick Janko Scholarship for Promising Entrepreneurs was split between four students: Madelyn Torrance of Granville, who will obtain a degree in chemical engineering at Auburn University, Jacksen Ortgiesen of Dixon, who will obtain a business degree from the University of Illinois, Isabella Caciatorri of Spring Valley, who will obtain a degree in interior design with a minor in construction.management from Illinois State University, and Grace Carroll of Ottawa, who will obtain degrees in interior design, architecture, and business at Illinois State University.
Corinne Francis
Corinne Francis of Ottawa was awarded the $3000 WIN Young Women Leaders Scholarship established by the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation. Corinne will obtain a degree in art/illustration at Northern Illinois University.
Madelyn Guilinger
The $2500 Charles H. Beckett Scholarship for the Culinary Arts, also established by the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation, was awarded to Madelyn Guilinger of Morris, who will obtain a degree in culinary arts management at Joliet Junior College.
