2025 Scholarship Recipients
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The Impact of Changing Lives
At Moline Regional Community Foundation, we're thrilled to provide students with an incredible opportunity to further their education! We're planting the seeds for bright futures, whether it's in higher education, trades, or certifications across exciting fields like agriculture, culinary arts, education, and more. Just one application stands between you and your dreams! Ready to embark on your educational journey? Mark your calendars! The application process opens on November 1st and runs through February 1st. Don’t miss out!
Ella Anderson
Alleman High School
Martin Ryan Agriculture Education Scholarship
Awarded the Martin Ryan Agriculture Education Scholarship and a graduate of Annawan High School, discovered her passion for agricultural communications and business through FFA, ag‑sales competitions, and managing social media for her 4‑H and FFA chapters. She plans to pursue Agricultural Studies to bridge storytelling and strategy in the ag industry. “Ag Studies will allow me to have an emphasis area on ag business, ag communications, and event management.” We are proud to support Ella as she finds her role in the agriculture industry.
Nathaniel Bishop
Alleman High School
D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Scholarship
A graduate of Alleman High School and recipient of the D.A.R.E. Scholarship, plans to study mechanical engineering. His passion for hands‑on design, sparked by woodworking and refining products, drives his goal to create meaningful, efficient tools. “Designing and refining tangible products appeals to me,” he says, citing his parents’ engineering careers as an inspiration. We are honored to support Nathaniel’s path to contributing to the engineering profession.
Owen Braddy
Moline High School
Hazel Van Arsdale Scholarship
Lee McAllister Scholarship
Lee Womack Scholarship
Received the Hazel Van Arsdale, Lee McAllister, and Lee Womack Scholarships and graduated from Moline High School, was influenced by his parents’ careers as music educators. Over time, I have seen firsthand how they have positively impacted so many minds of young children,” Owen says. He aspires to teach and inspire the next generation through the power of music. We are pleased to invest in Owen’s future, and for all the lives he will touch as an educator.
Erin Bull
Moline High School
Dolores A. Hulse-DiIulio Scholarship
Joe K. Wasson Memorial Scholarship
Recipient of the Dolores A. Hulse‑DiIulio and Joe K. Wasson Memorial Scholarships and a Moline High School graduate, comes from a strong family background in healthcare. She aspires to become a radiologist to help detect and prevent serious illnesses through early screenings. “The ultimate goal in my career is to help improve education, access to quality screenings, and affordable healthcare for all,” says Erin. It is our privilege to support Erin’s passion for the healthcare industry.
Elizabeth Churchill
Sherrard High School
Recipient of the Sherrard Academic Foundation Scholarship and 2025 graduate of Sherrard High School, hopes to combine her love of math, business, and STEM into a strategic problem‑solving career. “I aim to tackle problems others have deemed unsolvable and apply analytical solutions to real‑world challenges.” We’re pleased to support Elizabeth’s innovative vision as she continues to define her career path.
Jenna Copeland
Sherrard High School
Sherrard Academic Foundation Scholarship
Recipient of the Sherrard Academic Foundation Scholarship and 2025 graduate of Sherrard High School, plans to major in health science or psychology before pursuing a master’s degree. “I hope to help children embrace their differences and find unique ways for them to learn important life skills while also having fun doing it.” We are honored to champion Jenna’s compassionate vision.
Taylor Dieterich
Rockridge High School
Martin Ryan Agriculture Education Scholarship
Recipient of the Martin Ryan Agriculture Education Scholarship and Rockridge High School graduate, is a dedicated FFA member and hands‑on farm worker. “I’ve learned that agriculture is not just about growing crops or raising livestock, it’s about hometown communities, supporting economic growth, and maintaining the balance of our ecosystem,” says Taylor. She plans to pursue a career in agricultural business to innovate ways to provide for a growing population. We are thrilled to be part of Taylor’s journey as she pursues agriculture and business studies.
Lucas Eaton
Moline High School
Clement T. Hanson Scholarship
Recipient of the Clement T. Hanson Scholarship and Moline High School graduate, has shown leadership in fighting food insecurity through the Student Hunger Drive. He plans to earn a business degree and develop sustainable solutions for his community. “I believe business will give me all the experience and knowledge I need to enhance my skills and tackle the pressing issue of food insecurity that many community members face,” Lucas says. We’re proud to support Lucas in his studies to address sustainability and food for all.
Zoe Ehlers
Rock Island High School
Chapman Family Scholarship
Recipient of the Chapman Family Scholarship and a graduate of Rock Island High School, is passionate about addressing social inequity. She plans to study political science to better understand and resolve systemic issues affecting working‑class communities. “I want to learn what I can do to help people in my community and country,” Zoe says. We’re thrilled to support her pursuit of social equality and prosperity.
Glory Gallardo
United Township High School
Clement T. Hanson Scholarship
Awarded the Clement T. Hanson Scholarship and graduate of United Township High School, is rooted in values of hard work and resilience. She intends to major in accounting to support her community and honor her family’s legacy. Of her parents, Glory says, “They instilled in us values of resiliency, hard work, and higher education – values rooted in our heritage and their journey as immigrants.” We’re proud to be part of Glory’s path to becoming an accounting professional.
Julissa Garza
United Township High School
VanSpeybroeck Family Scholarship
Recipient of the VanSpeybroeck Family Scholarship and 2025 graduate of United Township High School, was inspired by her personal caregiving experience and her mother’s career in nursing. She plans to become a physician assistant, stating, “I feel like it is my calling and it is what I was made for.” We are honored to support Julissa’s commitment to compassionate support in healthcare.
Lauren Glessner
Moline High School
Jack Dye Scholarship
Srikanth Yerra Memorial Scholarship
Recipient of the Jack Dye Scholarship and the Srikanth Yerra Memorial Scholarship and a Moline High School graduate, is an accomplished student leader and National Honor Society ambassador, saying of the experience, “This role has given me the opportunity to further develop my leadership and communication skills.” She plans to become an entertainment attorney, combining her interests in music, law, and community engagement. We are proud to support Lauren’s ambitions in law and leadership.
Andrew Grau
Moline High School
Moline High School Class of ’59 Scholarship
Recipient of the Moline High School Class of ’59 Scholarship and a Moline High School graduate, was inspired by his uncle’s work as a race engineer to take a computer science class. There he developed a passion for computer systems, programming, and innovation. “I collaborated with a friend from school in an effort to create a homemade computer with one big goal in mind–outperform the Mac Studio,” he said, reflecting on a project which fuels his drive for quantum computing and semiconductor research. We are pleased to provide support for Andrew’s future in the computer sciences.
Grace Gustafson
Accredited post‑secondary institution
Ina Duncan Banks Scholarship
Awarded the Ina Duncan Banks Scholarship and a graduate of an accredited post‑secondary institution, was inspired by the health professionals who guided her through chronic illnesses. Initially interested in nursing, she says, “As I explored healthcare careers, I discovered Speech Pathology—a field that immediately stood out.” She plans to become a speech‑language pathologist serving pediatric and NICU patients with compassionate care. We are privileged to support Grace as she pursues a career in speech pathology.
Zachary Hendricks
Moline High School
Clement T. Hanson Scholarship
Received the Clement T. Hanson Scholarship and graduated from Moline High School, was inspired by his own physical‑therapy experience to pursue studies in Biology. He is interested in a career helping others improve their mobility and quality of life. “My time in PT was hard, but it was also fun, and I learned a lot about my bones and muscles,” he says, reflecting on his management of Sever’s disease. It’s a privilege to support Zachary’s studies and future as a physical therapist.
Macy Hoag
Rockridge High School
Martin Ryan Agriculture Education Scholarship
A Rockridge High School graduate and recipient of the Martin Ryan Agriculture Education Scholarship, is driven to become an agricultural educator. “I’m also motivated by the need to address global challenges like climate change and food security,” Macy says. She hopes to inspire future generations on the importance of agriculture in sustainability, science, and community building and empower students to tackle global agricultural challenges. We are honored to support Macy’s commitment to agricultural studies and compassion-driven change.
Nicole Hoffman
Moline High School
Moline High School Class of ’65 Scholarship
Awarded the Moline High School Class of ’65 Scholarship and a Moline High School graduate, was inspired by the nurses who cared for her grandmother during cancer treatment. “I love helping people and trying to make a difference in the world,” Nicole shares. She plans to pursue nursing, with the goal of becoming a NICU nurse to provide exceptional care and comfort during critical moments. We are honored to support Nicole’s pursuit of an essential role in healthcare.
Lyllian Jorgenson
Moline High School
D.A.R.E. Scholarship
Awarded the D.A.R.E. Scholarship and a graduate of Moline High School, was inspired by her leadership roles and experience at City Hall. She plans to pursue a career in human resources and focus on building positive, inclusive workspaces. “My future goal is to help promote a safe and welcoming work environment so my future employees can enjoy their jobs,” she says. We believe in Lyllian’s vision and leadership for Human Resources.
Leyton Keys
Moline High School
Ronald Inskeep Scholarship
Recipient of the Ronald Inskeep Scholarship and a 2025 graduate of Moline High School, plans to pursue computer engineering, turning a longtime interest into a professional path. “Computer engineering is unique to me in that it involves knowledge and understanding from both a software and physical hardware design side.” We’re proud to invest in Leyton’s aspirations in STEM innovation.
Avery Knupp
Orion High School
Martin Ryan Agriculture Education Scholarship
Recipient of the Martin Ryan Agriculture Education Scholarship and an Orion High School graduate, was inspired by years in the show ring and a deep connection to livestock. She plans to study Animal Science and pursue a career as a livestock embryologist. “By going into a livestock reproduction field, I can combine my love for this industry, science, and the gift of life,” says Avery. We are honored to support Avery’s aspirations in animal science.
Akhil Kumar
Moline High School
Stan Woods Scholarship
Recipient of the Stan Woods Scholarship and 2025 graduate of Moline High School, is pursuing a degree in computer science with a goal of using technology to serve his community. “Coding has transformed my passion for building into solving real‑world problems,” he says. We are proud to support Akhil’s intellectual and altruistic goals.
Joelle LaPlante
QC Christian School
Clement T. Hanson Scholarship
A Clement T. Hanson Scholarship recipient and QC Christian School graduate, loves storytelling. She aims to pursue a career in animation to create meaningful, lasting narratives—and eventually mentor other aspiring creators. “I want to set a high standard for myself by using the creative mediums I’ve learned to their fullest potential,” Joelle says, adding, “Someday I would like to be the one teaching other creators how to make progress toward their goals and see their stories come to life.” It’s a privilege to be part of Joelle’s journey as they pursue creative storytelling.
Alyssa Layer
Sherrard High School
Sherrard Academic Foundation Scholarship
Recipient of the Sherrard Academic Foundation Scholarship and 2025 Sherrard High School graduate, plans to pursue microbiology with a mission to improve public health. “When I had a loved one pass due to COVID‑19 complications, I realized that even after the pandemic, there are still lives being affected.” We are proud to invest in Alyssa’s passionate pursuit of a healthier and safer future.
Aaliyah McDaniel
Sherrard High School
Sherrard Academic Foundation Scholarship
Recipient of the Sherrard Academic Foundation Scholarship and Sherrard High School’s 2025 graduating class, plans to study business and prepare to inherit her family’s legacy as the fifth‑generation owner of B&B Hardware in Milan, IL. “There is nothing more I want to do than make my grandfather proud.” We are honored to support Aaliyah’s aspirations as she prepares to lead the family business into the future.
Violet Meskan
Sherrard High School
Sherrard Academic Foundation Scholarship
Recipient of the Sherrard Academic Foundation Scholarship and 2025 graduate of Sherrard High School,, plans to pursue business finance and marketing—combining her leadership experience with a heart for community service. “I want to be a multi‑faceted employee the owner can always count on.” We look forward to seeing Violet bring her entrepreneurial spirit and faith‑driven values into the business world.
Laikyn Parchert
Rockridge High School
Drury Scholarship
Martin Ryan Agriculture Education Scholarship
Recipient of both the Drury Scholarship and the Martin Ryan Agriculture Education Scholarship and a Rockridge High School graduate, was raised in a farming family. Agriculture played a huge part in her upbringing, from the 4-H show pig operation to her employment as a scale operator at a local grain elevator. “I am determined to prepare myself to be a future leader in the agriculture industry,” Laikyn says. She plans to pursue a multidisciplinary degree in Agricultural Studies. We believe in Laikyn and the values she brings to the future of the agriculture industry.
Brianna Petersen
Moline High School
Moline High School Class of ’59 Scholarship
Judy Pikusa Award
Recipient of the Moline High School Class of ’59 Scholarship and the Judy Pikusa Award and a Moline High School graduate, considered many occupation paths before arriving at dental hygienist. “I find cleaning teeth satisfying, I want to help people have a better life, and I want people to feel good about their smiles!” she says. Brianna looks forward to building a stable future and providing compassionate care for her family and community. We are thrilled to support her energetic studies in dental hygiene.
Rowan Smith
Moline High School
Moline High School Class of ’59 Scholarship
Awarded the Moline High School Class of ’59 Scholarship and a graduate of Moline High School, has strong interests in both accounting and criminology. “I am driven by a desire to use numerical data to combat financial exploitation of individuals who lack financial literacy or face financial difficulties,” says Rowan. She plans to pursue forensic accounting and auditing to use her skills in data analysis and organization for community betterment. We are honored to invest in her passion for financial justice.
Maya Vargas
United Township High School
Doug Reynolds Rotary Scholarship
Awarded the Doug Reynolds Rotary Scholarship and a United Township High School graduate, was inspired during an ultrasound appointment with her mother. “. Seeing the sonographer use the equipment on my mom, and seeing my little brother on the screen, it was almost as if everything in my head clicked,” says Maya. She plans to work hard through college and become an ultrasonographer. We’re proud to be a part of Maya’s path towards a future in healthcare.
Carson Wendt
Alleman High School
Moline Kiwanis Charitable Foundation Scholarship
Recipient of the Moline Kiwanis Charitable Foundation Scholarship and a 2025 graduate of Alleman High School, plans to major in business as the first step toward launching her own law firm. Following in her father’s footsteps, she aims to specialize in criminal law: “I want to have the power to protect those who have been hurt and protect others by putting criminals away.” We wish Carson a bright future in her business and legal endeavors.