Boone County Community Foundation Scholarships
JoAnne & Warren Emry Scholarship
JoAnne Carol Rahn Emry was born in Nebraska. She taught second grade in Norfolk, Nebraska. After her marriage she continue to teach. Upon the arrival of her children, JoAnne became a full time Homemaker. Later she served as a Christian Education Leader at the Methodist Church in Belvidere. She also worked at the Ida Public Library for ten years. Lewis Warren Emry was also born in Nebraska. Upon graduating from college, he served in Korea as a member of the United States Army. When he returned to the U.S., he married JoAnne and together they have three children. Warren began teaching and coaching in Nebraska; later moved to Iowa as a school administrator for ten years. The family moved to Belvidere in 1968. Warren was hired as the Principal of Belvidere Junior High School. He held this position for 24 years, retiring in 1992. He is a graduate of Wayne State College. He has a master’s degree from Northern Colorado University and graduate work at the University of Nebraska and Northern Illinois University. Education has always been an important and focal point in the Emrys’ lives. Their wish is to continue supporting individuals who are further along in their continued education journey and are pursuing a degree and career in one of the following areas: finance, education, law, pharmacy, nursing, environmental studies, or related fields.
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Applicant must be a Boone County District 100 graduate having attended Belvidere High School or Belvidere North High School
- Pursue a career in finance, education, law, pharmacy, nursing, environmental studies or related fields.
- Will have completed two years at an accredited college, university, or junior college with a minimum of 60 credits by the end of the current enrolled term.
- Must provide official college transcripts
- Must have a grade point average of 3.0 or above
- Must include an essay 300 words or less
- All applications must be received by March 1 and submitted via the scholarship portal on the Foundation’s website
***Please click button below to begin the application process. You will create an account, be sent a confirmation email, and then login and hit submit application button to begin. You may save your application and come back to it. Once the application is completed with all required information and documents, please hit the submit application button. All applications must be submitted by March 1, 2023. Please call our office at 815-544-7231 with any questions****
James and Joretta Chambers Scholarship
James and Joretta Chambers believe in the power of education. Both graduated from the University of Illinois. James graduated with a degree in engineering and Joretta graduated with a degree in in home economics. They believe that the knowledge and skills gained from their education set them up for success in their life and community. They have established this scholarship to help support and provide students with opportunities.
Criteria:
- Applicant must be a graduating senior from Belvidere High School or Belvidere North High School
- Must be a declared engineering major or be pursuing any engineering field of study leading to a degree in the engineering field.
- Must be enrolled in or intending to enroll in any college or university located in the state of Illinois.
- Must have and maintain a “B” Average. 3.0 GPA
- Must include an essay of 300 words or less describing why they are pursuing a degree in engineering and what they plan to achieve with their degree.
- Financial need is not a prerequisite but can be a consideration. Students applying may add a financial statement to their application essay.
You may apply for this scholarship through your High School’s Guidance Department.
Marjorie Carroll Johnson Scholarship
The Marjorie Carroll Johnson Scholarship was established in 1987 to recognize a Boone County high school senior who had excelled in public speaking or performance. Marjorie met her husband Owen M. Johnson while they were attending law school at the University of Chicago. While few women attended law schools in those days, Marjorie Carroll had excelled at debate competitions. In 1935, the Johnsons moved to Belvidere, where they remained for over 50 years, during most of that time practicing law together. Their three children attended Belvidere public schools and went on to achieve success in college and professionally. Two (2) scholarships, $2,500 each will be awarded in remembrance of Marjorie Carroll Johnson. To be eligible for the Marjorie Carroll Johnson Scholarship, applicants must meet these criteria.
Criteria:
- Applicant must be a graduating senior from North Boone, Belvidere, or Belvidere North High School
- Be accepted into a 4-year college or university.
- Have a grade point average of 3.7 or above
- Excel in public speaking or performance. Including but not limited to student government, debate/speech, drama, vocal, or instrumental performances.
- Must include an essay of 300 words or less describing your public speaking or performance experiences, your goals, and future plans.
You may apply for this scholarship through your High School’s Guidance Department.
Owen M. Johnson Scholarship
The Owen M. Johnson Scholarship was established in 1989 to recognize a Boone County high school senior who had excelled in academics and all-around good citizenship. Owen M. Johnson was born in 1901 and raised on a farm in Boone County. In 1927, he married Marjorie Carroll, whom he had met when they were classmates at the University of Chicago’s Law School. In 1935, the Johnsons moved to Belvidere, where they remained for over 50 years, during most of that time practicing law together. Both were very active in the community, serving on public boards, and their churches. They also maintained a much-loved residence adjoining the family farm south of Capron. Their three children attended Belvidere public schools and went on to achieve success in college and professionally. Two (2) scholarships, $2,500 each will be awarded in remembrance of Owen M. Johnson. To be eligible for the Owen M. Johnson Scholarship, applicants must meet these criteria.
Criteria:
- Applicant must be a graduating senior from North Boone, Belvidere, or Belvidere North High School
- Be accepted into a 4-year college or university.
- Have a grade point average of 3.7 or above
- Excel in community service and participation in school activities.
- Must include an essay of 300 words or less describing your community service and participation in school activities, your goals, and future plans.
You may apply for this scholarship through your High School’s Guidance Department.
Poplar Grove Lions Scholarship
Founded in 1961, the Poplar Grove Lions Club is one of the oldest chapters in Illinois. The PG Lions created, built, and maintain Lions Park in Poplar Grove, a nearly 14-acre park open to the public. The PG Lions partner with local organizations, local government, and neighbors to enhance the quality of life in Boone County. They continue that mission by providing scholarships to North Boone and Belvidere North graduating seniors.
Criteria:
- Applicant must be a graduating high school senior at North Boone or Belvidere North High School
- Seeking post-graduate education including but not limited to college, junior college, trade or vocational schools.
- GPA
- SAT/ACT Scores
- Participation in Extracurricular activities
- Community Service and Involvement
- Quality of written applications
- Any association with or contribution to a Lion’s organization.
- A written narrative explaining how your participation in community service, volunteer work, or service projects impacted your life and shaped your future goals and plans.
You may apply for this scholarship through your North Boone and Belvidere North High Schools Guidance Department.
Dave Graham Memorial Education Scholarship
Dave Graham was a history teacher, librarian, and golf coach in District 100. As a lifelong learner and proponent of the value of education Dave’s legacy is to help future educator fulfill their dreams. Eligible graduating seniors from North Boone, Belvidere North, or Belvidere High School may apply. Two recipients will be chosen from Boone County to receive a $2,500.00 scholarship.
Criteria:
- Applicant must be a Boone County graduating senior having attended North Boone, Belvidere North, or Belvidere High School.
- Pursue a career in education.
- Must rank in the upper one-half of class or top one-half of SAT or ACT scores for class if class rank is unavailable
- Must be accepted by an accredited college or university
- Financial need may be considered
- Application must be typed
- Must include a statement of 100 words or less on why you have chosen education as a career. Explain how you plan to achieve your goals.
Hugh K. and Alice Iles Funderburg Scholarship
The generosity of Hugh K. and Alice Iles Funderburg will live on as the descendants of R. Robert and Sally D. Funderburg have set up this scholarship in their memory. By endowing this scholarship program, the donors intend to continue to help the Boone County Community and its residents succeed and to promote entrepreneurship at the Belvidere and Belvidere North High Schools. Two eligible applicants will be awarded the amount of $10,000 each. Students must meet certain requirements, obtain all information needed, and complete the application process through their high school’s guidance office.
Criteria:
- Scholarship applicants must be enrolled in senior year of high school in Belvidere School District 100.
- Scholarship applicants must have an SAT score in the top 25% of their high school class.
- Scholarship applicants must have accepted entrance as a full-time student at an accredited four-year undergraduate college, where he or she is enrolled in the college’s business school or intends to major in business or a related field of study.
- Scholarship applicants must demonstrate active involvement in Boone County community and/or substantial participation in school extracurricular activities and/or sports.
- Preference give to applicants who demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit through academic, community or other endeavors.
- Scholarship applicants have the option of providing a statement of financial need, but financial need will not be determinative in the selection process.
- Please submit a minimum of one recommendation and /or reference from a professional
- Please submit a maximum 200-word essay explaining your interest in the business field for your course of study.
- Final scholarship award winners will be determined after an interview of the finalists as selected by the Boone County Community Foundation.
Renewal Application for the Hugh K. and Alice Iles Funderburg Scholarship
The Funderburg Renewal Application is only available to past recipients of the Hugh K and Alice Iles Funderburg Scholarship. A recipient can only be eligible for renewal for up to three additional and consecutive years. The monetary amount of each renewal scholarship is to be determined by the scholarship committee. All renewal applications must be submitted via this portal by March 1. Please call the office at 815-544-7231 with any questions about eligibility or requirements.
Margery Hinrichs Scholarship
Margery was a long time librarian at Belvidere High School and wished to recognize students who are both active in sports and good academic students at Belvidere High School with this scholarship fund created at the time of her death. This scholarship is given to senior athletes at Belvidere High School who demonstrate athletic skills, academic skills, good character, and are pursuing a post high school education at an accredited college or university upon graduation. Coaches at Belvidere High School make the selection for this scholarship. There are up to four possible scholarships available ranging from a minimum of $1,000 up to $2,500.
The Margery L. Hinrichs Scholarship was established for graduating seniors of Belvidere High School.
Criteria:
- Must have a nomination form submitted and filled out by a coach.
- The coach must attach a letter of recommendation to the nomination form.
- Must be a senior male or female athlete from Belvidere High School.
- Must have applied for post-secondary study at an accredited college or university.
- Typed applications and letters of recommendation are required.
NBFPD#3 Firemen’s Association Jake Schoepski Memorial Scholarship
Jake Schoepski was a dedicated firefighter for the North Boone Fire Protection District #3 for 48 years and also served as a trustee for 25years. In his memory, the NBFPD #3 Firemen’s Association is awarding two $500.00 scholarships to a graduating senior who is interested in pursuing a career in Fire Fighting, EMS, Medical, Police, or other First Responder type profession. Eligible North Boone and Belvidere North high school seniors may apply through their guidance department.
Criteria:
- Must be a graduating senior of North Boone or Belvidere High School
- Must be a legal resident of Boone County, IL at the time of application.
- Must be interested in pursuing a career in firefighting, EMS, medical, police, or other first responder type profession.
- Must be willing to attend a personal interview if requested by the Foundation.
- Submit an essay 300 words or less stating how a first responder has affected the applicant’s life. Applicant should include their goals, and how the scholarship would aid in achieving those goals.
Wilbur & William Cummings Memorial Education Scholarship
Wilbur and William Cummings were twin brothers and lifelong residents of Caledonia, IL. They were active members in the Caledonia Congregational Church, the North Boone Fire Department, the Belvidere Moose Lodge, and both worked at the Belford Theater for 27 years. After Wilbur lost his arm in a farming accident in 1953, he was treated by a doctor in nearby Caledonia. Both brothers attributed having a physician close by to saving Wilbur’s life. The incident had an incredible impact on Wilbur and William. They valued and saw the importance of education and wanted to provide scholarship opportunities for young men and women interested in furthering their education. As a reflection of their lifelong interest in and support of Community District 100, Wilbur and William Cummings established a scholarship to assist Belvidere and Belvidere North graduates who intend to enter the field of public education.
The intended purpose of the scholarship is to assist in the payment of tuition, books, and fees for undergraduates. Due dates and data forms are available through the high school guidance office.
Criteria:
- Must be a current resident of Boone County, Illinois.
- Must be a graduate of a District 100 public high school.
- Must have been accepted by a 4-year university or college with a declared major in education.
- Must be able to demonstrate charitable or civic activities and community service in Boone County.
- Financial need is not a prerequisite but a consideration.
- A 200 words or less essay describing the qualities of a teacher and why you want to obtain a teaching degree must be submitted.
Renewal Application for the Wilbur & William Cummings Memorial Education Scholarship
The Cummings Renewal Application is only available to past recipients of the Wilbur & William Cummings Education Scholarship. A recipient can only be eligible for renewal for up to three additional and consecutive years. The renewal process is a competitive scholarship application and there is not a guarantee as an applicant you will get selected for a renewal scholarship. All renewal applications must be submitted via this portal and by March 1. Please call the office at 815-544-7231 with any questions about eligibility or requirements.
Application
Applications may be obtained from the high school guidance department and returned to the school per deadlines set by the guidance department. If an application is obtained electronically, it must be returned per the same high school requirements.
Applications for the JoAnne & Warren Emry Scholarship are to be filled out on the portal here on this website. Applications due by March 1.
Renewal applications for the Wilbur & William Cummings Memorial Education Scholarship and the Hugh K. and Alice Iles Funderburg Scholarship must be completed on the portal here on this website. You must have received an initial scholarship as a graduating senior to be eligible to apply for a renewal scholarship. Applications due by March 1.
Selection and Award Process
The students who receive a scholarship will be selected by a committee. The scholarship will be disbursed by check payable to the recipient and the recipient’s college or university upon written confirmation of registration at a scholarship awards ceremony.
600 South State Street
Belvidere, IL 61008
(p) 815-544-7231
(f) 815-544-7221
