Pictured L to R: Row 1, William Pullen, Makalie Buxton, Alexandra Walsh, Dalton Short. Row 2, Nathaniel Carter, Kaiden Rice, Gracie Willingham. Row 3, Isabella Smith, Laney Wright, Allison Gouveia
(MATTOON, Illinois – June 21, 2025) Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation is pleased to announce 10 Mattoon High School seniors and graduates have been named recipients of the 2024 MHS Alumni Scholarship. A total of $19,500 has been awarded to the following students:
Alexandria Walsh is a 2025 graduate, and she received a $3,000 Florence Parker Award. She plans to attend Lake Land College to study business.
Dalton Short is a 2025 graduate, and he received a $2,000 Florence Parker Award. He plans to attend Illinois college to study engineering.
William Pullen is a 2025 graduate, and he received a $3,000 Carl Eatchason Education Award. He plans to attend Southwestern Illinois College to study secondary education.
Isabella Smith is a 2022 graduate, and she received a $2,000 Carl Etchason Education Scholarship. Isabella is attending Millikin University pursuing an elementary, math and physical education degree as well as health/wellness coaching.
Makalie Buxton is a 2025 graduate, and she received a $3,000 First Mid-Bank and Trust Scholarship Award. She will be attending Washington University in St. Louis to pursue a pre-medical program.
Laney Wright is a 2023 graduate, and she received a $2,000 First Mid-Bank and Trust Scholarship. Laney attends Eastern Illinois University and will continue her studies in business and art.
Kaiden Rice is a 2022 graduate, and he received the $1,500 Helen Janseen Scholarship. Kaiden is attending Eastern Illinois University to pursue a degree in education.
Allison Gouveia is a 2025 graduate, and she received a $1,000 MHS Alumni Scholarship award. Allison will begin her studies at Southern Illinois University – Carbondale to pursue a mortuary science degree.
Gracie Willingham is a 2025 graduate, and she received a $1,000 MHS Alumni Scholarship award. She will be attending Lake Land College pursuing a degree in business.
Nathaniel Carter is a 2025 graduate, and he received a $1,000 MHS Alumni Scholarship award. He will be attending Southern Illinois University – Carbondale to begin architectural studies.
The Mattoon High School Alumni Scholarship, a Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation fund, provides financial assistance for Mattoon High School seniors pursuing higher education. Donations from individuals, alumni, classes, and the community contribute to an endowed fund that continues growing and providing scholarships into perpetuity.
Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation manages more than 250 funds for the immediate and long-term benefit of communities in southeastern Illinois. For more information, contact Alex Pleasant, President/CEO of Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation, at 217.342.4988 or alex@southeasternillinois.org.
