At its May 6 meeting, the Jacksonville Rotary Club recognized the accomplishments of four area students by providing them with college scholarships.

Madison Nelson was awarded a $2,000 scholarship. Her community service and leadership includes volunteering at Passavant Hospital, organizing an annual blood drive, and assisting in District 117’s autism program. She has served as National Honor Society president, president of Catholic Athletes for Christ, Routt Catholic High School student ambassador and student body president, and captain of the volleyball, cheerleading, basketball and track and field teams.  Nelson plans to pursue a pre-medical degree at Purdue University and intends to become a plastic surgeon. Nelson is a Routt Catholic High School senior and the daughter of Mike and Hannah Nelson.

Mason Pohlman was awarded a $2,000 scholarship.  His community service and leadership includes volunteering for the JHS Role Models for Encouraging Freshmen program, the Jacksonville Public Library, Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church, Central Christian Church, and leading an Eagle Scout project at Western Illinois Youth Camp. He was JHS student body president, Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huddle Leader, captain of the varsity men’s soccer team, and National Honor Society Treasurer.  Pohlman plans to obtain a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Belmont University and would like to enter NASA’s astronaut program. Pohlman is a Jacksonville High School senior and the son of David and Kimberly Pohlman.

Mark Wilson was awarded a $2,000 scholarship. His community service and leadership includes volunteering for the annual Geo Bowl for elementary students and serving as a Student Board volunteer of the Wells Center board. He was class president, president of National English Honor Society, captain of the JHS soccer and tennis teams, and Vice President, Secretary and Reporter of the Lucky Four 4-H Club. Wilson plans to pursue a Mechanical Engineering degree at Bradley University, and is interested in robotics and 3D printing. Wilson is a Jacksonville High School senior and the son of Brad and Terri Wilson.

Jacksonville Rotary Club President Todd Evans said the scholarships presented to Nelson, Pohlman and Wilson were funded through the Rotary Club’s fundraisers, including its Oktoberfest, Valentine’s Dinner-Dance, and Bass Tournament.  Evans said, “We appreciate the community’s support for our fundraising programs, and we are proud to reinvest these donations as scholarships for future community leaders.”

Cady Moore was awarded the $1,000 Staff Sergeant Matthew Weikert Memorial Scholarship.  Scholarship Committee Chair Stephen Holt said, “Cady Moore is an outstanding young woman who represents the qualities of leadership and service that will appropriately honor Staff Sergeant Weikert’s memory.  Her community service and leadership includes volunteering for the JHS Role Models for Encouraging Freshmen program, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Salvation Army, Volley for the Cure, school blood drives, and her church. She is an All American cheerleader and co-captain, a member of National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, and Key Club.  Moore is a Jacksonville High School graduate who plans to attend Lewis and Clark Community College.  She is the daughter of Terry and Dana Moore.

In presenting the award to Moore, Holt said, “This scholarship was established within the Jacksonville Rotary Club Foundation to honor the memory of Staff Sergeant Matthew W. Weikert, who was mortally wounded in 2010 while serving in Afghanistan. Weikert, who was a member of the Jacksonville High School Class of 2000, joined the U.S. Marine Corps in August of 2001 serving three tours in Iraq over four years. He later joined the U.S. Army serving with the 101st Airborne completing a tour in Iraq and was deployed in Afghanistan at the time of his death.”  Holt continued, “Matthew Weikert personified the characteristics that Rotary values.  He was known for his leadership and his attitude of service above self.”

Holt said, “This scholarship is open to JHS seniors or alumni – including those who may be returning to school after years in the work force – who are interested in pursuing education or training through a community college or vocational program.”  An anonymous donor has provided the initial funding to offer the Staff Sergeant Matthew Weikert scholarship for the next two years. The Jacksonville Rotary Club Foundation has and will accept tax-deductible donations from anyone interested in extending the scholarship’s availability.

More information about this topic can be obtained by contacting Scholarship Chair Stephen Holt at 479.619.7358