The chapter awarded $40,000 in scholarships-its biggest total yet-and $5,000 in grants to educators at its annual scholarship and grants awards banquet in May. Lance Litteken, chapter vice president of scholarships and grants, presided as master of ceremonies for the event at the Bellecourt Manor in Belleville, Illinois. Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 each were awarded to 16 exceptional high school seniors and college students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. A panel independently reviewed and rated students' applications and then ranked them according to their consolidated scores. Award amounts were determined based on these rankings. Scholarship recipients and their respective colleges include Anna Bartz, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Meghan Bibb, Baylor University; Joey Black, Valparaiso University; Paul Carter, the University of South Carolina; Connor Flack, the University of Tulsa; Amanda Grither, the University of Kentucky; Alex Isaak, the University of Alabama; Ibrahim Javaid, Saint Louis University; Trever Johnson, Saint Louis University; Emma Knight, Southeast Missouri State University; Brady Kunz, Illinois State University; Olivia Martin, Washington University in St. Louis; Taylor Mateyka, the University of Wisconsin-Madison; William Richards, Purdue University; Tejas Sekhar, Northwestern University; and Joy Shaffer, Andersen University. Four local educators also received STEM grants to support programs with their organizations. Martin, a chapter scholarship winner this year and last, was the evening's guest speaker. Martin described how the STEM scholarship has helped as she pursues her dream in obtaining a biochemical engineering degree. She also offered advice to high school students getting ready to transition to college. At the banquet, several local AFCEANs of the Month were recognized as well as AFCEA International's and the chapter's Small Businessperson of the Year, Connie Robben. Washington University of St. Louis and Saint Louis University sponsored the event. |
