The Community Foundation of Decatur / Macon County, Illinois

Argenta-Oreana Graduates Scholarships

Welcome to the Community Foundation of Decatur/Macon County scholarship page for Argenta-Oreana High School. Below you will see a variety of scholarships that are available to graduates of Argenta-Oreana High School. If you have any questions about any of these scholarships please contact your school's guidance counselor.

2009-2010 87th Legislative District Scholarship
(State Representative Bill Mitchell)
General Assembly Scholarship covers tuition and may apply to certain fees at any State of Illinois public college or university (excluding community colleges). To be eligible, your permanent address must be within the 87th Representative district. If you are a registered voter, you can look on your voter's registration card. If you are not a registered voter, you may call your county clerk's office to find out if your address is in the 87th District.
Deadline: April 1.

A & F Scholarships
Abbott and Fenner scholarships are available to all high school juniors and seniors as well as all students currently registered in any accredited post-secondary institution. To apply for the scholarships, you will need to write an essay and submit it via email. For more information, go to http://www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships.htm . Deadline: June 20.

AES Engineering Scholarships
AES Engineering is offering a $500 scholarship to a student of good character as demonstrated by an essay. Scholarships are intended for future leaders across a wide spectrum of fields of study. This award is available to all students attending a post secondary educational facility. You are not required to be taking Engineering courses to be eligible. Students must submit an essay of no more than 1000 words to one of the two questions below:
1. Explain the importance of your current studies in today's society.
2. There is general agreement that our economy is in trouble. In general terms, how much responsibility should be shouldered by the average citizen? Submit entry to: scholarships@aesengineers.com There is no application packet for this award. Please do not submit your resume at this time. Be sure to include your full name as well as the name of the school you are attending in 2008-2009 and your plans for 2009-2010.
Deadline: October 6, 2009.

AFSA Scholarship Program $2000 scholarships
Open to high school seniors, not based on financial need. Apply online through the AFSA scholarship website www.afsascholarship.org All applicants will take a test based on a 3000 word "Fire Sprinkler Essay" about automatic fire sprinklers. For each question answered correctly, students will receive one entry into a drawing for one of the scholarships. Students are only allowed one opportunity to take the online test.
Deadline: April 1.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 105 Scholarship
Open to graduating seniors of Macon County. The Auxiliary is giving two $1000 scholarships. Winner is to be selected on the following basis: Character 30%; Americanism 25%; Scholarship 15%; Basis of need 30%. If a parent or grandparent is a member of the American Legion Post 105, an auxiliary member, or Sons of the Legion there will be a 5% bonus. Four letters of recommendation and an essay of 1000 words or less on the topic "My Obligation as an American". Application forms and more information available in the guidance office. Deadline: April 30.

American Legion Castle-Williams Post #105 Scholarship
Open to graduating seniors of Macon County. Three $1000 scholarships will be awarded. Applicants will be judged on character, Americanism, leadership, scholarship, basis of need, and bonus points given to applicants who have a parent, grandparent, brother or sister having served in the military. Three letters of recommendation must be submitted from: clergyman of your choice; a teacher, and from a citizen certifying the applicant's character, Americanism, scholarship and leadership. An essay of not more than 1000 words on the topic "My Obligation as an American". For more information and an application, see Mrs. Young in the guidance office. Deadline: April 30.

AO Sports Booster Scholarship Eligibility:
All senior athletes planning to attend college who meet the following guidelines:

The student must have participated in an IHSA sanctioned sport their senior year.
The student must have completed the sport in good standing, both behaviorally and academically.
If an athlete is injured his/her senior year, he/she will still be eligible for the scholarship.
New student transfers may be handled differently depending on the situation.
The parent/guardian must have been active for 2 years in Booster Club events and help with 4 events each year (ticket-taking, chili supper, and Booster Club meetings are examples of these events).

There will be one $500 scholarship for a male athlete and one $500 scholarship for a female athlete, presented during the graduation ceremony. Scholarship applications are available in the guidance office. Deadline: March 27.

CCSCI Charitable Fund Scholarship
The Cancer Care Specialists of Central Illinois created the CCSCI Charitable Fund to enhance community-based cancer awareness and education programs throughout Central Illinois. The CCSCI Charitable Fund Scholarship provides oncology/hematology education development opportunities to 1) healthcare professionals, including nurses, radiation therapists, laboratory technicians, and pharmacists, who provide oncology/hematology-related services in Central Illinois, and 2) individuals, including students, interested in pursuing oncology/hematology-related careers.
Application

Children of Decatur Education Association Members Scholarship
Graduating seniors who are children of DEA members who will be continuing their education are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Sons and daughters of DEA members are encouraged to apply. Application forms available in the AO guidance office.
Deadline: April 14.

Columbia College Presidential Scholarships
To assist outstanding seniors who elect to attend Columbia College Chicago as full-time students in the fall of 2009. Awards are based on academic achievement and/or accomplishment in the student's major. Applications available in the guidance office.

Decatur Foundry Scholarship
The purpose of this award is to provide a source of funding for higher education for qualified individuals who are an immediate family member of Decatur, Foundry, Inc. employee. The amount of the award is $1,000. As many as five awards can be given per year.
Application

Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Beta Pi Chapter Recruitment Grant
$500 for a high school or junior college student planning to enter the field of education. Transcript with class rank, letter of recommendation, proof of acceptance at a college, and essay required. Application forms available in the AO guidance office. Deadline: March 27, 2009.

Golden K Kiwanis Club of Decatur Scholarship
The purpose of this fund is to provide financial assistance to students in the Macon County (Illinois) region attending or planning to attend an accredited college or university. The amount of the award and number of awards may vary each year based on the fund’s earnings.
Application

The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation Scholarship
The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation is pleased to announce that it will soon grant twenty $2,000 scholarships to deserving full-time college students who are residents of Illinois and of Latino ancestry.
Application

Illinois American Legion Scout Scholarship
The American Legion Department of Illinois will award a $700 scholarship which is to be used for educational purposes to a qualified Boy Scout or Venture. Two runner-ups will get a $200 award for being finalists. To qualify, the individual must belong to an Illinois scout troop or venturing crew, be a senior in high school, a epitomize the best in scouting spirit as evidenced by various records and affidavits and hold the eagle scout or silver venturing award. The individual must also write a 500 word essay on The American Legion, Americanism, and Scouting program. Application forms may be obtained from the Department of Illinois or the Post, County, District, or Division. For more information, go to www.illegion.org. Deadline: April 30.

Illinois Heartland Decorative Artists $1000 Scholarship
Awarded to a talented art student interesting in pursuing a career in fine arts. Computer and graphic arts are not being considered at this time. The student must reside within 100 miles of Champaign, IL. You must submit a portfolio of 6 to 10 photos of artwork which has been completed in the last four years. More information and application form available in the guidance office.

Illinois Lumber and Material Dealers Association Educational Foundation Scholarships
These scholarships will assist and encourage qualified students to further or continue their interest in selecting the lumber and building materials field as a career. Each scholarship will be for not less than $500 and no more than $2000. Any student who is enrolled full time in a certificate or degree program in an accredited trade school, 2 or 4 year college, and who is a resident of Illinois is eligible to apply. You must submit an outline of your proposed program of study to substantiate your intent to pursue a degree in lumber and building materials or an allied field. Two letters of recommendation are required. For more information, see your counselor. Deadline: April 1.

Little Illini JFL Scholarship
3 one-time awards of $500. Open to seniors who have played in the Little Illini JFL for three years or more. Must have played at least 2 sessions of high school football and be graduating from one of the Little Illini JFL host schools. Must be continuing education at either a community college or university as a full-time student and have financial need. Grade point average 3.45 or higher on a 5.0 scale and in the top half of the class. Requires recommendation from teacher, coach, or respected community leader. See Mrs. Young for more information. Deadline: April 22.

Michael E. Shampine Memorial Scholarship
Established by his union family to honor the memory of Michael E. Shampine, this fund is designed to provide a scholarship to an affiliated union member, or an immediate family member, who plans to enroll in continuing education. The scholarship will assist with enrollment in a degree program, qualified trades apprenticeship, or vocational school. The ideal recipient will be recognized as having a desire to succeed by demonstrating strengths in leadership, community and political awareness. The amount of the award is $500.
Brochure | Application

Michelle's Bridal Scholarship drawing
Open to all senior female high school students. To enter, go to M2, the Place for Prom and Pageant between January 2 and May 2, 2009 and register to win one of two $500 scholarships to the college of your choice. The drawings will be held on Saturday, February 14 and Saturday, May 2. One entry per student; you must show your student ID to verify eligibility. Each scholarship will be presented to the student at the scholarship awards ceremony at the student's school. No purchase necessary and need not be present to win.

Piatt County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship
To be eligible you must be a member, or dependent of a member of the Piatt County Farm Bureau and intend to study an agriculture related curriculum. Applicants are available in the guidance office or you can receive an electronic copy of the application by emailing: dietz@piattfs.com. Deadline: April 3.

Psi Upsilon Scholarship Grant Program (University of Illinois)
Psi Upsilon awards scholarships to three incoming male freshmen attending the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign who exhibit the highest moral, intellectual, and social excellence. Applying for or receiving this grant in no way obligates you to join Psi Upsilon fraternity. Proof of financial need is not required and grants are non-renewable. If you have questions, please contact Scholarship Grant Chairman Rafael Gnatek at gnatek122@gmail.com. Applications can be found and filled out online by visiting the website at: www.illinipsiu.com. Deadline: September 14.

Richland Community College Scholarships
Multiple scholarships are avilable for those who plan on attending RCC.
Click here for more information

St. Mary's Hospital Scholarship
For students entering a health care program in college. First priority is given to students who have employees and volunteers of St Mary's, families members of both groups, and families that have established St Mary's as their hospital of choice. Others may also apply. Final decisions on grants will be made considering the cost of the program, financial need, and past academic record as it relates to probable success in the chosen program. Application forms available in the guidance office. Deadline: May 1.

The L. Mark Hanover Memorial Scholarship
The purpose of this award is to provide commendation in the form of a paid scholarship to an outstanding undergraduate science student who plans to pursue a science degree at the University of Illinois. The amount of the award is $1,000.
Brochure | Application

The Susan Swanson Memorial Scholarship
Susan was a graduate of Argenta-Oreana High School, and Illinois State University with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education. She was a special education teacher for 27 years in the Decatur school district, and was voted Brush College School Teacher of the Year. The purpose of the award is to provide a scholarship full-time undergraduate student who plans to complete a four year degree and is a child of a member of the DEA or PBPA Unit 39. The amount of the award is $1,000.
Brochure | Application

For more information about these scholarships, please contact your school's guidance counselor.