The Community Foundation of Decatur / Macon County, Illinois

MacArthur Graduates Scholarships

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

Macon County 4-H Foundation Scholarship
This award is for outstanding 4-H achievements, scholastic record, leadership and community service. The award is $250 per semester over the course of a 4-year degree. Total award value is $2,000. Recipient selected by 4-H.

4-H Ken & Betty Moser Scholarship
The amount of the award is $5,000. Recipient selected by 4-H.

CRITERIA:
1. Seeking a post high school degree
2. 4-H participation and leadership in both 4-H and extension programs
3. Scholarship
4. Character
5. Citizenship
6. Participation in school and community activities

Anna Graham Hopkins Award
This monetary award was established in memory of Anna Graham Hopkins, former Lakeview Librarian (1955-1958), by her husband, Floyd Hopkins. The award is presented to a student librarian who is best qualified and deserves assistance in acquiring a college education. THe recipient is chosen by the librarian, the principal, and a staff member. The amount of the award is determined by annual interest income.

Burger King Scholars Program
This scholarship is for students with a minimum GPA of 2.5, who works an average of 15 hours a week for 40 weeks a year, who has demonstrated community service and/or co-curricular activities, and who demonstrates financial need in order to attend a 2 or 4 year college or vocational program. Maximum award of $1,000.
Application

Class of 1927 Scholarship
This scholarship is established in the name of the Class of 1927 by John Leighty, P.H.D., a graduate of Decatur High School in 1927, and by several others from the class. The award stipulated that if Stephen Decatur High School closed, the award would be divided equally between Eisenhower, MacArthur and St. Teresa High Schools. The selection criteria shall be: acceptance to an institution of higher education, financial need, good grades, good citizenship and being a well rounded student. The amount of the award is $1000.
Brochure | Application

Coca-Cola Scholars Program
Applicants are evaluated on academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, commitment to community and employment. Students must be 12th graders who are US Citizens, Nationals, Permanent or Temporary Residents. 20 awards for $20,000 and 200 awards for $4,000.
Application

Decatur Education Association Scholarship
This cash award goes to a qualified senior whose parent is a member of the Decatur Education Association. Apply by April 1 by writing a letter to the school principal.

Decatur Association of Building Administrators Humanitarian Award
Selected by faculty. The award is $150 scholarship and a certificate presented at the annual awards program. Apply by April 1 by writing a letter to the school principal.

CRITERIA:
1. All elementary and secondary education has to be in Decatur Public Schools.
2. Must be in the upper 50% of graduating class
3. Needs to have provided service to others
4. Must be a graduating senior
5. Must be of good character

Decatur CMA Road to Ministry Scholarship
The Decatur CMA (Christian Ministers' Alliance) would like to offer a $500 scholarship to one high school senior that is pursuing a career in the ministry. This may be as a pastor, worship leader, children's or youth pastor, or other full-time ministry vocation. Below you will find the minimum requirements and expectations that are needed for the Executive Board of the CMA to make a decision on who should receive this scholarship.
Application

Department of Rehabilitation Services Educatoin Benefits
If you have a physical or mental disability, and have been approved for vocational training by the Department of Human Services/Division of Rehabilitation, you may be eligible to receive financial assistance through the Department of of Rehabilitation Services. You must demonstrate financial need, and assistance can be used at any accredited Illinois college or techinal school. For more information: Contact Paul Worrall at 800-843-6154.

Decatur Little Theatre Guild Award
Recipient must display excellency in dramatics, responsibility, cooperation, participation, leadership, and ability. Selected by head of drama department. Award is $10.00

Earl Hamilton Award
This cash award goes to an outstanding District 61 senior football player who is interested in becoming a teacher and coach. Criteria include character, football ability, and scholastic ability. The amount of the award is based on annual interest income. Award recipient nominated by coaches.

The Family and Consumer Sciences Department Award
This award is presented to a senior who has participated and excelled consistently in the area of Family and Consumer Sciences. The amount of the award is $25. Apply by April 1 by writing a letter to the school principal.

Gay Kintner Award
Established in memory of Gay Kintner who served as basketball coach at Stephen Decatur High School for thirty-two years, this award goes to a deserving District 61 basketball player toward tuition at the college of their choice. They are selected by basketball ability, scholastic ability, financial need, character, and the desire to attend college. The amount of the award is $1,000. Award recipient is nominated by coaches.

George and Ethel Flaxman Memorial Fund
This award was established in honor and memory of the Flaxmans' service to DPS District #61. It is available to graduating senior from each Decatur Public High School who expresses an interest in dentistry or special education, demonstrates positive behavior with respect for school rules and the desire to help others be successful in school activities. The amount of the award is a $100 savings bond.

Harold Brintlinger Award
Since 1961, the Harold Brintlinger Award has been presented to a senior of high academic standing who also exemplifies citizenship and service. Award recipient is nominated by faculty.

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 Army National Guard
The Illinois Army National Guard has two scholarships: The Montgomery G.I. Bill, a cash scholarship worth $7,120, is granted to members of the Illinois Army National Guard. The Illinois National Guard Scholarship which allows National Guard members to attend any Illinois state controlled university or community college free of tuition and fees for 4 years for serving only 39 days a year.

James W. Thomas Education Scholarship
James W. Thomas served in the Decatur Public Schools as a business teacher, coach, dean of students, assistant principal and principal from 1972 until 2002. This scholarship was established in his memory and honor by school staff, friends, and family members. The amount of the scholarship is $500 to a Decatur Public Schools graduate who is pursuing a college degree in education.
Brochure

Jessica Buechler Award
Recipient must be a graduating female at a Decatur Public high school. She must be an exceptional science and/or math student. She must show proof of enrollment from an institution of higher education. She must have strong interests in environmental issues by having been involved in environmental improvements at the school or in the community or she must have strong interests in the humane treatment of animals by having been involved in animal rights activities in school or in the community. Recipient will be selected by 2 teachers from each department and a guidance counselor. The award is $1,000.

John D. Dickman Award
This award is presented to outstanding students in social studies, including economics and sociology, at MacArthur High School. Student must have taken 8 semesters in social studies, including economics and sociology. Average GPA of GPA must be no less than 4.0 based on a 5.0 system. Must demonstrate behavior and demeanor that represents concerns for others ideals and values. This award was established by friends, students, teachers, and family to honor the memory of John D. Dickman, a social studies teacher at MacArthur from its opening in 1957 until his death on March 31, 1983. The award provides a cash stipend each year to a senior at MacArthur who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the social studies. Amount of award will be determined by endowment income. Award recipient nomninated by the Social Science department.

Junior Achievement's JA Business Challenge Scholarships
Two first place awards of $1000 each, two 2nd place awards of $750, and two 3rd place awards at $500 will be given.

KFC Colonel's Scholars
Qualifications require that students be graduating seniors, have a 2.75 GPA or higher, enrolling in a 2 or 4 year public institution, pursuing a bachelor's degree, and be a US citizen or permanent resident. The amount of award is $20,000 ($5,000 per year for 4 years)
Application

Lyle K. Musick School Spirit Award
This award was established in honor of the first principal of MacArthur High School, Lyle K. Musick. The purpose of the award is to provide a monetary stipend to a graduating senior of MacArthur who has displayed exemplary school spirit. The criteria include: participation in one or more school approved activities; involvement in actions or ideas that lead to improved student support; positive behavior with respect to school rules; extraordinary interest in helping others to be successful in school activities; and active support of the goals and philosophy of MacArthur High School. The amount of the award is a $50 savings bond. Nominees selected by faculty.

MACARTHUR FOREIGN LANGUAGE
The amount of the award is $300 given annually until funds are depleted. Apply by April 1 by writing a letter to the school principal.

CRITERIA:
1. Foreign language student at MacArthur
2. Complete 2 or more years of study in the same language
3. Good citizenship
4. Good academic standing
5. Indication of intent to study foreign language as a major/minor in college
6. Proof of acceptance at a college

Macon Co. Association of Educational Office Personnel
The winner will be selected by a panel of impartial judges. The selected candidate will be notified immediately of the judge's decision. The winner will attend our MCAEOP Spring Conference. We will submit applicaiton to IAEOP for another chance to win a $500 scholarship. 2 awards totaling $1,000.

Margaret Fassnacht Summer Music Camp Scholarship
Margaret Fassnacht was a Coordinator of Music in the Decatur Public Schools. She believed in the value of music education and wanted to create a music camp scholarship to help supplement the training of Decatur's outstanding choral students. The amount of the award is $400. Nominees selected by faculty.

Merrill Lindsay Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established to honor Merrill Lindsay, a distinguished leader in journalism. Mr. Lindsay was part of the ownership of the Herald & Review and WSOY radio, and was a leader in the broadcasting effort. It serves as a remembrance of Merrill Lindsay and the values he held: high personal standards, doing things right and doing them well, always learning, respect for others and much hard work. The amount of the award is $500.
Brochure

MIA/POW Scholarship
If you are the dependent of a person who was an Illinois resident at the time he/she entered active duty and has been declared a prisoner of war, missing in action, dead as a result of service-connected disability, or disabled with a 100% disability as a result of service-connected cause as recognized by the US Department of Veteran Affairs or the US Department of Defense, you may be eligible to recieve the MIA/POW Scholarship at public colleges in Illinois. Contact Tracy Smith at 217-782-3564 for more information.

Morris Noland Vocal Music Scholarship
This fund was conceived by Alumni of Stephen Decatur High School who were members of the Honor Choir and Modernaires in memory of music teacher Morris Noland. The recipient must be a senior in the Decatur High Schools as well as a participant in vocal music education and show proof of enrollment to a college or university where the award will be used toward a career in music. The recipient must display good citizenship, leadership in vocal music activities, volunteer service to the school, and have high academic achievement. Apply by April 1 by writing a letter to the school principal.

National Co-op Scholarship Program
This scholarship is for a teacher or academically gifted student who is interested in pursuing a degree in teaching special education. Tuition and mandatory fees may be waived for up to 4 years. Maximum award of $24,000.
Application

Personal Finance Scholarship
The Personal Finance Company awards one $500 scholarship to a graduating senior form one of the community schools. The winner will automatically be entered into a company-wide program that will award two additional $3,500 scholarships. It is open to all graduating seniors with a desire to further their education. Emphasis not placed on grade point average, but rather the applicant's initiative, career and future goals, and community and school involvement.

Phi Delta Kappa Scholarship
The Phi Delta Kappa scholarship is awarded to outstanding seniors who show promise as future educators. Out of the many applicants that submitted entries, only 5% are chosen from the finalists to receive this prestigious award. The amount of the award is $1,000.

PPG Foundation Scholarship
The PPG Industries Foundation Community Scholarship award is $1,500 per year for up to four years of college study or until undergraduate degree requirements are completed, whichever occurs first. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation, using the results of the PSAT test, identifies the highest performing candidates. Academic performance, personal data, and school recommendations are also considered.

Ray A Kroc Youth Achievement Award
This scholarship is presented to a senior student who sets a great example for his or her peers. Determination of the award recipient is based on excellence in citizenship, leadership, scholarship, and extracurricular activities. Must be an employee or son or daughter of a McDonald's employee. Ray Kroc was the founder of McDonald's Restaurants in 1955. The amount of the award is $500.

Ray DeMoulin Baseball Scholarship
This award was established to honor the memory of Coach Ray DeMoulin after his untimely death in 1986. Coach DeMoulin was a member of the original faculty in 1957. He taught physical education and was the first head basketball and baseball coach at MacArthur. Ray loved baseball and loved working with young men. This award, a check for $250, is given to a senior baseball player who has shown the dedication to baseball that Ray expected of his players and who plans to attend a 2-4 year college. Nominees selected by the coaching staff.

Red Cross Scholarship
If the Student Council chooses to have a Red Cross Blood Drive, the school becomes eligible for a scholarship. In the past, the award has equaled $200 plus $1.00 for each useable pint obtained from the donors.

Reed Batson Scholarship for Outstanding Physics Student
Established in 1981, this award is to provide commendation with scholarship funds to a MacArthur student to help pay for a physics or math camp or seminar, or to be applied to furthering education in science and/or mathematics. The student must demonstrate high testing achievements and demonstrate innovative approaches to solving experimental problems and have an interest in current problems in physics outside of the classroom. The amount of the award is $1,000. Recipient selected by physics teacher.

Rensselaer Award
This award is presented to a junior for excellence in mathematics and science and is sponsored by Rensselaer Polytech Institute. This is awarded to a student who is in the top 10% of the Junior Class and excels in Advanced Math and Science with well-rounded interests.

Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship
This program promotes student excellence and outstanding academic achievement by providing scholarships to exceptional high school graduates who show promise of continued academic excellence.

Robert G. Turner Scholarship
Robert Turner served as a teacher, coach, and administrator in the Decatur Public Schools, reaching the position of Associate Superintendent. He served as Principal of Eisenhower High School in 1970-71. In 1987, a scholarship was created in his memory to honor an outstanding social studies student who plans to enter the field of teaching or museology. The award is $500, with $500 a year for 3 consecutive years, with proof of college enrollment and progress toward degree completion.
Brochure | Application

Robert Green Award
This award for superior students in the advanced biological sciences was established to commemorate the life and work of Robert Green. Robert Green was a dedicated and outstanding member of the original faculty of MacArthur until his death in 1982. Recipient must complete 2 advanced biology courses and must have outstanding achievement in those courses. This award includes the inscription of the winner's name on a plaque displayed in the science department and a modest stipend. Amount of award will be determined by endowment income. Nominees selected by science department.

Staley Credit Union Scholarship
This scholarship is provided by Staley Credit Union for members between the ages of 17 and 23. Student must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and submit a written essay on assigned theme. Three scholarships are awarded at $1,000 each.

The Steve Spangler Award
This award goes to an outstanding senior art student that will be attending Millikin University. Award selected by art department chair.

The Charles Sweet Award
This award is given by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Sweet, as a memorial to their son, who graduated from MacArthur High School in June 1973 and died May 17, 1974. A cash stipend is to honor a student who has been outstanding in speech. Amount varies. Nominees selected by the drama department.

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 Lady General Athlete Award
Former teacher and Principal of MacArthur High School, Nancy Kay Acks, and Donna Dash, former MacArthur student and now a teacher and coach at MacArthur established this award to honor an outstanding graduating female athlete. The $350 award is to be given to a student that meets the following criteria: four year athlete at MacArthur, a graduating senior, high personal standard of citizenship, leadership, participant in IHSA Sectional or State competition and accepted at a two or four year college or university. Nominees selected by Physical Education department.

Township Officials of Illinois Scholarship Program
This award is for deserving Illinois students that have demonstrated a willingness to accept leadership responsibilities and serve their respective communities. TOI will award six $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors with a 3.0 or above GPA on a 4.0 scale, who will attend Illinois colleges or universities. A 500 word essay, with recommendations is required with application. Applications may be obtained at the Decatur Townships Clerk's Office. Students must be US citizens and Illinois residents.

US Bank Scholarship Program
This program is for graduating seniors who have enrolled in four year colleges or universities which participate in the US Bank "No Fee Loan Program". Award recipients are selected through a random drawing. 40 $1,000 scholarships are available.
Application

Victory Pharmacy Scholarship
This scholarship is distributed each year to a minority pharmacy student who has graduated from either Eisenhower High School or MacArthur High School and will be attending an accredited school of pharmacy in the United States.
Brochure

Voice of Democracy
The Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary have sponsored the Voice of Democracy Audio Essay competition for over 50 years. (Winners of the regional, state, and national competitions receive scholarships.)

Walter Kirby Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established with the Decatur Public Schools for a graduating senior in honor of Walter Kirby, a foreign language teacher at MacArthur from the time of its opening in 1957 until June 1974. This scholarship is to go to an outstanding student of a foreign language. The amount of the award is $1,500. For more information about this scholarship, contact the Community Foundation at 217-429-3000.
Brochure

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

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