Noon Rotary Awards Scholarships to Schultz, Jennings

(FROM LEFT, AUDRA SCHULTZ, BOB SCHULTZ, EMMIE SCHULTZ, EVAN JENNINGS, STEVE JENNINGS AND EFFINGHAM NOON ROTARY CLUB SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN JIM EDER)

Emily E. Schultz of St. Anthony High School and Evan M. Jennings of Effingham High School each received a $1,000 college scholarship from the Effingham Noon Rotary Club. 

The awards were presented at the club's meeting on May 29.  This marks the 25th anniversary of the Rotary Club's annual scholarship program, which began in 1989.  With the presentation of this year's two scholarships, the club has awarded a total of $40,000 since the program's inception.

The scholarship recipients are selected each year by a committee of club members, based upon the following criteria: scholastic ability; extra-curricular activities; activities outside of school; honors and awards; and a 750-word essay.  This year's essay topic was "What America Needs Now."

Schultz, who ranked fourth in her class at St. Anthony High School with a 3.95 grade point average, will attend St. Mary's College of Notre Dame, where she plans to major in nursing and business.  She is an Illinois State Scholar, an IHSA Scholar Athlete Award winner, and a DAR Regional Good Citizenship Award winner.  She served as vice president of the St. Anthony High School chapter of the National Honor Society, and was her school's nominee for the NHS National Scholarship.  She also served as a student council representative and officer, as well as a class officer.

Schultz competed as a member of the SAHS varsity golf team, cross country team and cheerleading squad for four years.  She also is a gifted musician, having performed as a harpist for various functions and as a piano accompanist for numerous fellow students participating in IESA solo and ensemble contests.

In addition to her school activities, Schultz performed over 1,000 hours of community service during her four years of high school.  She is the daughter of Bob and Audra Schultz.

Jennings, who ranked first in his class at Effingham High School with a perfect grade point average of 4.0, will attend Indiana State University, where he plans to major in finance.  He is an Illinois State Scholar, an Indiana State University Honors Scholar, and a member of the Society for Academic Achievement, the National Honor Society and the EHS Academic Hall of Fame.

Jennings performed in both the spring musical and fall play in each of his four years at EHS.  He also performed as a vocalist at IMEA District 5 Festival and the IMEA All State Conference, and he served as president of the EHS Chorus in his senior year.

In addition to his school activities, Jennings has been very active as a volunteer for various projects sponsored by the Effingham First Baptist Church and community organizations.  He is the son of Steve and Jamie Jennings.

The Effingham Noon Rotary Club's scholarship fund is maintained from the contributions of the club's members for the purpose of honoring and encouraging the scholastic achievements, extracurricular activities and civic accomplishments of the students of Effingham High School and St. Anthony High School.