The SRCCF is pleased and honored to announce the Carol and Dick Janko Scholarship for Promising Entrepreneurs. The scholarship is awarded annually to high school and/or college graduates from LaSalle, Bureau, Livingston and Putnam Counties wishing to further their education to become local entrepreneurs.
This scholarship truly represents Dick and Carol’s lifelong commitment to youth, education and economic development, and offers significant financial opportunities to the recipients. Our sincere condolences to Dick and his family as they mourn the loss of Carol Janko, Dick’s beloved wife. Carol passed away on May 29, 2019. She will forever be remembered for her love and devotion as a wife and mother, and for her wonderful sense of humor and generosity. Your gift to the Carol and Dick Janko Scholarship is most welcome!
The Carol and Dick Janko Scholarship for Promising Entrepreneurs 2024 recipients:
Alex Jagers, of Princeton, will attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and major in Farm Management. Alex was the first-place winner of the Janko Scholarship, receiving $3,000. In his essay, Alex said his first entrepreneurial experience was running his own lawn business. Due to his business’s growth he had to hire two people to help. He is passionate about farming and his life goal is to one day run his family’s farm. He is the son of Tom and Gail Jagers.
Jenna Gamons, of Ottawa, will attend the university of Notre Dame to major in Mathematics. She is the second-place winner of the Janko Scholarship receiving $2,500. Jenna has a small craft business where she sells personalized items. She believes entrepreneurs are willing to take risks and must appeal to an ever-changing market. She is the daughter of Jeffrey and Donna Gamons.
Isabella Cacciatore, of Spring Valley, attends Illinois State University and is majoring in Interior Design with a minor in Environmental Sustainability. Isabella is the third-place winner of the Janko and will receive $1,500. She was also awarded a Janko Scholarship in 2023. She has a small online business, which she began at age 14 and more recently began providing painting lessons to children. She is the daughter of Justin and Amy Cacciatore.
Madison Applebee, of Seneca, will attend Illinois State University and major in Communications Science Disorders. Madison is the fourth-place winner of the Janko and will receive $1,000. Her business grew from a hobby of crocheting that she learned during the pandemic. She crochets small stuffed animals and sells them online. Madison says the business has honed her communication skills. She is the daughter of Kris and Rebecca Abblebee.
The Carol and Dick Janko Scholarship for Promising Entrepreneurs 2023 recipients:
We are pleased to award the 2023 Carol and Dick Janko Scholarship for Promising Entrepreneurs totaling $7500 to four recipients.
Madelyn Torrance, of Granville, will attend Auburn University in Alabama to study Chemical Engineering. In her essay Madelyn stated she would like to become a “starving artist” and sell her paintings online, as a small business, to help pay for college. She is the daughter of Dean and Theresa Torrance.
Jacksen Ortgiesen, of Dixon, will attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and major in Business. Jacksen is most interested in learning how to leverage the internet to develop businesses. He believes social media and a great website, which is kept current, are important keys to a successful business in today’s markets. Jacksen took part in an entrepreneurial opportunities program through Whiteside Area Career Center. He is the son of Shawn & Angie Ortgiesen.
Isabella Caciatorri, of Spring Valley, will attend Illinois State University to major in Interior Design and minor in Construction Management. Isabella currently has a small business where she has used her painting abilities to paint canvasses of pets and the business logo for a lawn care company as well as volunteering to paint a mural for her community. She would like to expand her business. Her parents are Justin & Amy Cacciatori.
Grace Carroll, of Ottawa, also plans to attend Illinois State University this fall to major in Interior Design, Architecture and Business. Grace feels that in entrepreneurship it is essential to know how to directly communicate with people, whether you agree or disagree with them. She believes the internet can be used as a communication tool to streamline work and help to grow connections. Her parents are Doug & Paula Carroll.
Apply for this scholarship here
