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.
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.
