L to R: Row 1, Payton Budde, Tyra Bednar, Kennidy Wilkins, Row 2, Maria Vahling, Gracie Eaton, Kaitlyn Tebbe
(EFFINGHAM, Illinois – June 21, 2024) The Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation is pleased to announce that six Effingham County nursing students have been named recipients of the 2024 Roy Robson and Roma Jackson Nursing Scholarship.
A total of $15,000 has been awarded to the following students:
Maria Vahling is a 2021 graduate of Teutopolis High School. She attends Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and is enrolled in the nursing program. Maria received a $4,000 scholarship award.
Gracie Eaton is a 2024 graduate of Effingham High School. Gracie plans to attend Liberty University to study nursing. She received a $3,000 scholarship award.
Payton Budde is a 2021 graduate of Effingham High School. She is attending Maryville University of St. Louis to study nursing. Payton received a $2,000 scholarship award.
Tyra Bednar is a 2022 graduate of St. Anthony High School. She plans to attend Illinois State University pursuing a nursing degree. Tyra received a $2,000 scholarship award.
Kennidy Wilkins is a 2024 graduate of Teutopolis High School. She plans to attend Lake Land College to pursue an LPN degree. Kennidy received a $2,000 scholarship award.
Kaitlyn Tebbe is a 2024 graduate of Teutopolis High School. Kaitlyn plans to attend Eastern Illinois University to become a nurse practitioner. She received a $2,000 scholarship award.
The scholarship is available to graduates and current seniors of high schools in Effingham County who plan to pursue a degree in nursing. It was established by Roy Robson and Roma Jackson in memory of their sister, Mary, who was diabetic and required considerable nursing care. Roy and Roma saw first-hand the need for good care and provided a bequest establishing a permanent endowment for nursing scholarships.
Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation manages more than 200 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.
