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Lincolnland Legends Program: Past Honorees
2008 - 2009: Congratulations to the 2008-2009 Lincolnland Legends winners, listed below, who were honored at the Lincolnland Legends Awards Gala on April 4. (See the photos of the gala on Flickr!) Special congratulations to our top two statewide winners: Jessica Beam of Oakland High School was awarded a total of $12,000 in scholarship funds for writing the top essay in the statewide contest. Jessica’s essay commended Tammi Clancy, a substance abuse counselor with the Central East Alcoholism and Drug Council and the clinical supervisor at the Hour House in Charleston, for her dedication to helping others struggling with alcoholism and substance abuse. Other winners included:
2007 - 2008: The 2007-2008 Lincolnland Legends Essay Contest winners were chosen in February, 2007. On April 5th, twelve outstanding Illinoisans were honored as "Lincolnland Legends" at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield. In addition to being recognized for their accomplishments, each Lincolnland Legends honoree will have the opportunity to award a $500 scholarship to the Illinois high school of his or her choice. The Illinois high school juniors and seniors who, nominated them for this honor through their winning essays, will be awarded $3,000 scholarships. The state's two top essays will win additional scholarship funds for their authors: $7,000 ($10,000 total) for the first place essay and $2,000 ($5,000 total) for the second place essay. Through their essays, the students designated outstanding Illinoisans for the title of "Lincolnland Legend" based on their business-related backgrounds, current or former Illinois residency, their contributions to the betterment of their communities, and their standing as role models for youth.
The full list of Lincolnland Legends honorees and their student nominators are as follows: 1. Barbara Brown, Randolph County Circuit Clerk and lecturer in political science at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, selected by her niece, Adi Powell, a student at Trico High School.
2006 - 2007: On April 21, 2007, high school juniors and seniors from across the state gathered at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield to be recognized as winners in the second annual Lincolnland Legends Essay contest and to receive their $2,500 scholarship awards. The top essay in the state, written by Amir James of Morgan Park High School, earned him a total of $10,500 in scholarship funds. Emily Bowhay Hanneman of Oak Park and River Forest High School authored the 2nd place essay and was awarded a total of $4,500 in scholarship funds The criteria for this year’s Lincolnland Legends nominations included current or former Illinois residents who are still living, are currently or previously involved in education, and who contribute to the betterment of their communities. Those selected for the title of Lincolnland Legend and their student nominators are:
In addition to being recognized for the difference they make in people’s lives, each Lincolnland Legend honoree was able to designate in his or her name a $500 scholarship to the Illinois high school of their choice. AXA Advisors is the Title Sponsor of the Lincolnland Legends Essay Contest. Nicor Gas is a major sponsor of this contest as well as other Illinois Dollars for Scholars programs.
2005 - 2006: On May 26, 2006, thirteen Illinois high school students were awarded scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for their winning essays in our Lincolnland Legends contest. Through their essays, the students designated outstanding Illinoisans for the title of “Lincolnland Legend" based on their backgrounds in government or the military, current or former Illinois residency, and their standing as role models for youth. The top essay in the state, written by Olha Popova of Elmwood Park High School earned her $5,000 in scholarship funds. Olha’s essay described Dr. Iouri Melnik’s efforts to advance democracy and freedom in Ukraine by rallying Ukrainian Americans to vote in their homeland’s 2004 elections. Dr. Melnik has a private medical practice in Chicago. Thaddeus (Thad) Hawkins of Pinckneyville High School was awarded $3,000 in scholarship funds for his essay honoring Thomas A. Denton Sr. of Pinckneyville. Mr. Denton is a U.S. Marine Corp. veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor who also has been commended with the Purple Heart and numerous other medals. Two students, Dennis (D.J.) Piehowski of Genoa-Kingston High School and Kayla Spangler of Cuba High School and Oakwood Academy Home School each received a $2,000 scholarship for their essays. D.J. commended Roger V. Foehringer, U.S. Army veteran of World War II and former P.O.W. for his “determination, love of his family, and love of his country.” Mr. Foehringer lives in Genoa, Illinois. Kayla’s Lincolnland Legends honoree wishes to remain anonymous. Four students received $1,500 scholarships: Kari Kantor of Alan B. Shepard High School, Timothy (T. J.) Lane of Momence High School, Lindsey Peterson of Grayslake Central High School, and Abby Ladzinski of Putnam County High School. Kari honored her former science teacher, Edward Guzdziol, (now Village President of Worth, Illinois) because, “he taught us not only about science, but also about growing up and pursuing dreams.” Timothy selected Colonel James H. Kasler, U.S. Air Force veteran of Vietnam, Korea, and World War II, former P.O.W., and flying ace. Colonel Kasler, a resident of Momence, was praised for his “…honor and loyalty to his country as well as his bravery, commitment, and strength as an individual.” Lindsey commended Barack Obama, Senator for Illinois, for “his ability to personally connect to the average person, his moral standing in the nation, and the ability to display the very same American Dream that he works so hard to support.” Abby recognized the many accomplishments and contributions of Walter Durley Boyle, former State’s Attorney from 1936 through 1976 and currently a partner at Boyle and Bolin Law Firm in Hennepin, Illinois. According to Abby, Mr. Boyle “… is a strong individual who shows that you can accomplish anything in life if you just apply yourself.” The following students’ essays earned them $1,000 scholarships: Kelsey Schwider (Alan B. Shepard High School) honored U.S Air Force veteran, Fred McDonald. Mr. McDonald was a member of the famous Jolly Roger bomber unit during World War II. Kelly Kennedy (Lake Park High School) recognized State Representative Roger Jenisch for, “…his tireless efforts on behalf of the best interests of his district and Illinois.” Ashley Boes (Oakland High School) commended State Representative Chapin Rose, for his work to address the problems of drug abuse and methamphetamine production in Illinois. Felicia Timmermann (Central Community High School in Breese) selected Congressman John Shimkus because he “…is a man who strives to work, give back, and strengthen our community.”
Because College Doesn't Happen By Chance®.
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Ellen Dunne of Serena High School (far left) was awarded a total of $10,000 in scholarship funds for writing the top essay in the statewide contest. Ellen's essay commended her mother, Marta Dunne (right; Michael Kimmey of sponsor AXA Advisors is center), President of Dunne and Associates, a bilingual teacher for Sandwich School District #430, and President of the Sandwich Hispanic Coalition, for her tireless dedication in her roles as a wife, mother, businesswoman, educator, volunteer and community activist.
Molly Mihlbachler of Effingham High School (far right, with Michael Kimmey of AXA Advisors) authored the 2nd place essay, earning a total of $5,000 in scholarship funds. Molly's essay honored Phil Golden, Human Resources Manager for the Sherwin-Williams Company's East and Midwest regions, for his role as the founder and Director of Effingham's Oneighty youth program, a program that challenges teenagers to turn their lives around one hundred and eighty degrees by making more positive choices.
6. Deon Maas, K-12 art teacher for Avon School District #176 and inventor of the "Anti-Ouch Pouch" for breast cancer patients, nominated by her son, Jacob Maas, a student at Spoon River Valley High School.
