The Rotary Club of Jacksonville recently recognized the accomplishments of three Jacksonville High School students by providing them with college scholarships.

The awards were made as part of the Rotary Club’s scholarship program, which provided one $1,000 college scholarship in memory of Staff Sergeant Matthew Weikert, and two $2,000 Club of Jacksonville Scholarships. In order to receive the scholarships, the recipients must be outstanding students who engage in community service and leadership positions. The Rotary scholarships are open to all students who live within the boundaries of Jacksonville School District 117, regardless of the school they attend. The Weikert scholarship is awarded in honor of SSG Matthew Weikert of Jacksonville, who died in 2010 while serving in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan.

Rotary Club President Jenna Tucker said, “Our goal for these scholarships is to assist future leaders as they take the next step towards achieving their academic goals. Our scholarship recipients are very accomplished young people, and we look forward to seeing what they achieve in the future.”

Jacob Kollman, son of Jason and Cathy Kollman, was selected for the $1,000 SSG Matthew Weikert Scholarship. Kollman was involved in JHS football, basketball, and track. He is also active in the community including supporting veterans, spreading awareness of Parkinson’s Disease, advocating for kids with dyslexia, tutoring, community service, and working as a counselor at the YMCA for the kiddie camp. He is a successful entrepreneur through the CEO program. He plans to attend Illinois College, majoring in special education.

Jersey Howell, daughter of Ashley Howell, was selected for the $2,000 Rotary Club of Jacksonville Scholarship and also has an extensive record of service and leadership. She was Interact Club president as well as secretary for National English Honor Society. She participated in JHS Theater and the Jacksonville Drumline Institute. She is a volunteer for Jacksonville Youth For Change and the Humble-Beeginnings family, and attends City church on a regular basis. She earned honor roll in all four years in high school, and was inducted into National English Honor Society and National Society of High School Scholars. She plans to attend Illinois College to major in Criminal Justice and minor in Theater. She will continue participating in Jacksonville Drumline, and will join the IC drumline and IC band.

Kennedi Slocum, daughter of Denise Nichols, was also selected for the $2,000 Rotary Club of Jacksonville Scholarship due to her extensive resumé of community service and leadership. Slocum earned a CNA from Lincoln Land Community College last spring and has been employed at Memorial Hospital since then. She was inducted into National Honor Society and was a co-captain for the JHS girls’ tennis team. She volunteers for multiple local organizations, especially those serving youth. Slocum will attend Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the Honors Nursing program with a focus in pediatrics and a minor in Spanish.

Thanks to everyone who supports our Club’s fundraising, and makes these scholarship awards possible!