The Rotary Club of Jacksonville recently recognized the accomplishments of three 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 Jacksonville Rotary Scholarships.
Rotary Club President Kelly Pool 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.”
The Jacksonville Rotary Scholarship strives to find the best candidates that exhibit service above self, leadership, and career goals that can be obtained through a college education. This year’s recipients portray these ideals in an exemplary fashion.
Greta Bryson-Adams is a Jacksonville High School graduate. She has been awarded a $2,000 Jacksonville Rotary Scholarship. She is a Crimson Mentor, a member of National Honor Society, and volunteers at her dance school, the Salvation Army, and the local animal shelter. She views volunteering as a responsibility and opportunity to support others. She values giving her time to strengthen her community and help those in need. She has always been fascinated by how medicine works and how access to medication can change a community. Her goal is to become a pharmacist so she can have daily interaction with recipients of medication and be an advocate for those in need.
Emma Guidish is a Jacksonville High School graduate. She has been awarded a $2,000 Jacksonville Rotary Scholarship. Emma learned from her grandmother that volunteering isn’t something you have to do, but rather something you get to do. She has adopted this mindset and actively engaged with the following groups: United Way, Jacksonville Area Food Community Center, Student Body Government, National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, DECA, Crimson Mentors, JHS Volleyball, and JHS Soccer. Her leadership includes Student Body President, JHS DECA VP, Volleyball Captain, Soccer Captain, and a Crimson Mentor. She is planning to get her doctorate in pharmacy. As a pharmacy technician, she has already seen firsthand how pharmacists can use their knowledge and compassion to counsel nervous patients, ensure correct prescriptions are dispensed, and authorize emergency supplies for patients in need.
The Staff Sergeant Matthew 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. Staff Sergeant Weikert was a graduate of Jacksonville High School. He was known for his leadership and his attitude of service above self. He served several tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan where he gave his life for his country and our freedom. The Staff Sergeant Matthew Weikert Scholarship strives to assist those candidates pursuing a trade or vocation through a Vocational School, Technical School, Community College, or other certificate programs.
Landon Gilmore is a graduate of North Greene High School. He has been awarded the $1,000 Staff Sergeant Matthew Weikert Scholarship. Gilmore participated in football, trap shooting, and bass fishing. He is the 2026 Class Vice President. He volunteers through the White Hall and Greene County communities. He has a strong desire to attend a school or certificate program focusing on criminal justice to ultimately become a police officer. Through this role he wants to serve his community with integrity, professionalism, and respect.
Scholarship Committee Chair Laurie Evans presented the awards at the club’s May 22 meeting. She thanked Scholarship Committee members Madie Stevens, Reg Ankrom, Jacob Friedrich, Kelly Pool, and Susan Weikert. More information about this topic can be obtained by contacting Evans at 217-370-8322.
Rotary unites people from all continents, cultures, and occupations. Rotarians are leaders in their fields and communities. Rotarians’ diverse perspectives help them to identify and solve problems in communities throughout the world. For more information about the Rotary Club of Jacksonville, its service initiatives, and how to become a member, visit https://jacksonvillerotary.org/