Meet the 2022 Scholarship recipients

Since 2001, Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation’s donors have awarded almost $293,000.00 in scholarships and student awards.

• Ben Watts Memorial Scholarship – Jake Munroe (Central) $1,000.00 attending John A. Logan, majoring in Exercise Science
• Ben Watts Memorial Scholarship – Audrey Larson (Central) $1,000.00 attending UIUC, majoring in Computer Science
• Centennial HS Alumni Scholarship – Montez Dubose (Centennial) $500.00 attending Illinois State, majoring in Business
• Centennial HS Alumni Scholarship – Alexandra Seeten (Centennial) $500.00 attending TBA, majoring in healthcare field
• Central HS Alumni Scholarship – Genesis Gebil (Central) $1,000.00 attending UIUC, majoring in Psychology
• CUSF Difference Maker – Ziniera Edwards (UHS) $500.00 attending Tennessee State, majoring in Business Management and Fashion Design
• CUSF Difference Maker – Vy Nguyen (Central) $500.00 attending UIUC, majoring in Computer Science
• CUSF Difference Maker – Ellison Radek (Centennial) $500.00 attending U of I-Chicago, majoring in Public Policy
• Drew Adams Memorial Scholarship – Jake Munroe (Central) $3,000.00 attending John A. Logan, majoring in Exercise Science
• Greg Chew Memorial Scholarship – Madison McKinney (UHS) $1,000.00 attending DePaul University, majoring in Lighting Design
• Judge Fred Green Memorial Scholarship – Jordan Tatum (UHS) $1,000.00 attending UIUC, majoring in Mechanical Engineering
• Keegan Bannon Memorial Scholarship – Connor Branch (Central) $6,000.00 attending SIU Carbondale, majoring in Aviation Management
• Lawrence Family Scholarship – Feras Hamayel, Caelan Kozlowski, Tuong Dang (UHS) $5,000.00 each to attend UIUC
• Mariel and James Sholem Scholarship – Lalit Gurrapu (Central) $1,000.00 attending UIUC majoring in Finance/Accounting
• Mariel and James Sholem Scholarship – Eunice Yoon (Central) $1,000.00 attending UIUC majoring in Medicine
• Michael Hartter Memorial Scholarship – Vy Nguyen (Central) $1,500.00 attending UIUC, majoring in Computer Science
• North End Scholarship – Sheldon Turner Jr. (Urbana) $750.00 attending TBA, majoring in Accounting.
• North End Scholarship – Emonie Robinson (Central) $750.00 attending Northeastern University, majoring in Medicine
• North End Scholarship – Curissma Coleman (Centennial) $750.00 attending University of Arizona, majoring in Business
• Perrino Music Scholarships – $2239.00 to be given to Urbana Middle School and Urbana High School band and orchestra students to attend summer music camps
• Promising Educator Scholarship – Hang- Amelia Bui (Centennial) $500.00 attending UIUC-Parkland Pathways, majoring in Art Education
• Promising Educator/Social Work Scholarship – Macy Wirtz (UHS) $1,000 attending Parkland Pathways-UIUC, majoring in English and Secondary Education
• Promising Educator Scholarship – Marciela Mata-Villa (Central) $1,000.00 attending Parkland Pathways, majoring in Elementary Education
• Rodney & TJ Butler Memorial Scholarship– Jaden Campbell (Centennial) $1,000 attending Parkland College, majoring in social work
• Tennant Family Scholarship – Lalit Gurrapu (Central) $7,500.00 attending UIUC majoring in Finance/Accounting
• Urbana Community Music Scholarship – $1,000.00 awarded to an Urbana High School band student for private music lessons

Total awarded in FY22 = $51,989.02

Keegan Bannon Memorial Scholarship Fund This scholarship is dedicated to the memory of Keegan Bannon an extraordinary Central High School student who passed away unexpectedly in 2010. Keegan’s love of academics, sports and music along with his determination to excel with dedication to a variety of friendships are central to this award. This scholarship was created to reward a graduating Central High School senior who through determination, positive attitude and hard work has exceeded expectations in academics and extra-curricular activities such as music, sports, student government, or other school activities. (approx. $5,600)

The Michael Hartter Scholarship Fund was established in honor of Central High School Class of 1995 graduate Michael Hartter. When Michael was a student at Central he enjoyed participating in a wide range of activities including baseball and football as well as show choir and madrigals, earning letters in both academics and sports. This scholarship is given to a graduating senior who has maintained a grade point average of “B” or better; participated in 2 – 3 years of extra-curricular activities; held leadership roles or served on organizing committees; demonstrates a good temperament and plans to attend a 2 or 4-year college ($1,500).

The Greg Chew Scholarship was established in honor of longtime Urbana High School Drama Director and teacher Greg Chew. This award recognizes a student who demonstrates passion for the fine arts through participation in UHS performances, extended service and dedication to clubs or groups in the fine arts. The student given this award will receive $1,000.00 to pursue a major in an art related field after graduation.

Judge Fred Green Memorial Scholarship Fund Judge Fred Green was a lifelong resident of Urbana and graduated from Urbana High School in 1941 where he was a standout basketball player. After serving in the Army in the South Pacific during World War II, Fred continued his basketball career at the University of Illinois where he was a member of the Illini’s 1949 Final Four team. After graduating from the U of I Law School, Judge Green served with distinction in the Illinois Judiciary for 42 years. A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded each spring to a graduating UHS senior who demonstrates leadership qualities in both their academic and athletic endeavors and plans to attend college.

The CUSF Difference Maker Scholarship, sponsored by Busey, Horizon Hobby and Orange Krush Foundation was established to honor students who have served their school and community through either work, volunteer service and advocacy and have demonstrated school spirit with a high level of engagement in their high school. A $500.00 scholarship will be awarded to one student at each of our three public high schools.

North End Scholarship The North End, for many years, has been considered the heart of the African American community in Champaign-Urbana. African American owned businesses and churches are predominantly located in the North End, and it is still the residential, cultural and business center for many African Americans living in Champaign- Urbana. This scholarship was established to provide opportunities for minority students with connections to the North End in Champaign-Urbana public schools to pursue higher education and to further their life goals and aspirations. Qualifying students must be a graduating minority student from Unit 4 or District 116, show academic promise as evidenced by their grade point average and plan to attend a public college or university. The scholarship is awarded to one graduating minority senior from each of our three public high schools who demonstrate financial need and academic promise ($500 each).

Ben Watts Memorial Scholarship was established by friends, family and classmates of Ben Watts to honor his memory. Ben Watts, a 1980 Central HS grad, played football for the legendary Tommy Stewart and was a co-valedictorian of his class. He was the father of Olivia Watts, CHS Class of 2017, and Samuel Watts, CHS Class of 2019. Two awards will be given to a Central HS graduating senior boy and girl who are planning to attend a college or university. ($1,000 each)

The Mariel and James Sholem Scholarship was established to give back to Champaign Central High School students who have served their school and community through work, volunteer service, and exceeded expectations in academics at their high school. One student will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship.

The Champaign Central High School Alumni Scholarship was established to recognize the legacy of Central High School in Champaign. Students who are the child or grandchild of a Central High School alumni are eligible to apply for this scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to a student/s who participated fully in the opportunities that Central High School has to offer and exhibits school spirit and pride in being a Maroon with a commitment to maintaining their connection to Central High School beyond graduation. Awards range from $500.00 -$1,000.00.

The Champaign Centennial High School Alumni Scholarship was established in 2019 by the Classes of ’73 and ’74 to honor graduating senior/s who participated in activities embodying Charger spirit and pride. Students will have demonstrated leadership and community service through their time at Centennial. Awards range from $250-$1,000.

Drew Adams Memorial Scholarship was created by his friends and family to preserve and honor the life and legacy of Drew Adams. Drew was an exceptional student, athlete, friend, and community member who unexpectedly passed away in 2020 shortly after graduation. Drew epitomized hard work, loyalty and compassion. Whether it was sports, academics, or other activities, Drew always had a smile on his face. This scholarship is intended to reward a student who displays similar characteristics to Drew with a $3,000 scholarship.

Promising Educator Scholarship was established by retired educators from Unit 4 and District 116. The scholarship is intended to provide financial assistance to Centennial, Central and Urbana High School seniors who plan to pursue a career in education and encourage students to return to teach in Champaign-Urbana Schools. One student from each high school will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship.

The Rodney and TJ Butler Memorial Scholarship was established in loving memory of Rodney Butler Central Class of 2001 and TJ Butler Central Class of 2011. Rodney and TJ’s family and friends want to honor both men’s passion for their community by helping send an aspiring Central HS, Centennial HS or Urbana HS student to Parkland College.

Tennant Family Scholarship was established by longtime Champaign resident and Central HS graduate Mike Tennant and his three sons Ryne, Graham, and Jace who all graduated from Central High School. The TFS will be awarded to one graduating senior at Central High School who plans to attend a 2 or 4 year college or university and study business, with the hope that one day they can give back to the CU community. The award is $5,000.00.