Tracy Family Foundation awards more college scholarships to Brown County graduates than ever before

July 21, 2022 | By Muddy River News

Top row from left: Alexa Blaesing, Gabriel Blakeley, Nikki Decker, Tate Fullerton, Brody Woodward, Karsyn Moorman, Carter Maas, Jacob Laning. Middle row from left: Kennedy Gallaher, Grace Groesch, Abby Harris, Mason Henry, Peyton Wegs, Kaci McKeon, Cortni Law, Ezra Keokham. Bottom tow from left: Tori Hodge, Brisyn Hohenbery, Sierra Houston, Ethan Howell, Hannah Roberts, Gabrielle McGath, Madison Huling. | Photos courtesy of Tracy Family Foundation

MOUNT STERLING, Ill. — The Tracy Family Foundation recently awarded more scholarships than ever before to Brown County High School graduates. Twenty-three 2022 graduates will begin their first semester of college this fall with a competitive scholarship worth up to $18,000 over four years. Since 2011, The Tracy Family Foundation has awarded more than $1.2 million to 145 Brown County graduates.

Recipients of the scholarships are:

Alexa Blaesing-Quincy University
Gabriel Blakeley-Spoon River College
Nikki Decker-Illinois State University
Tate Fullerton-Western Illinois University
Kennedy Gallaher-University of Notre Dame
Grace Groesch-Maryville University of St. Louis
Abby Harris-Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Mason Henry-John Wood Community College
Tori Hodge-Illinois State University
Brisyn Hohenbery-John Wood Community College
Sierra Houston-John Wood Community College
Ethan Howell-Illinois College
Madison Huling-Bradley University
Ezra Keokham-Quincy University
Jacob Laning-John Wood Community College
Cortni Law-John Wood Community College
Gabrielle McGath-Western Illinois University
Kaci McKeon-University of Missouri
Carter Maas-Illinois State University
Karsyn Moorman-John Wood Community College
Hannah Roberts-John Wood Community College
Peyton Wegs-University of Central Missouri
Brody Woodward-Illinois State University

The Tracy Family Foundation college scholarship program is announced to Brown County High School seniors every year and starts with an online application. The general criteria are at least one “BC and Beyond” certificate (attendance, GPA, discipline, volunteer service, etc.), demonstration of financial need, academic preparation and college plans, personal development and statement of goals.

The scholarships are renewable for up to three additional consecutive years, following the initial award year, provided the student follows proper renewal processes and complies with the eligibility requirements. A maximum award given to students attending a four-year college or university is up to $3,500 for their first and second years and up to $5,500 for their third and fourth years. Students who initially attend a community college, but intend to transfer to a four-year college or university, are eligible for up to $1,500 per year while in community college. Students who pursue a two-year degree are eligible for up to $2,500 per year for two years.

Students awarded the scholarships must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, enroll as a full-time student (minimum of 12 hours/semester) at an accredited public or private college or university in the United States and attend a college or university for four consecutive years. Students enrolled at a community college must either complete an associate’s degree, earn a trade or career certificate within the first two years, or transfer to a four-year college or university after receiving the scholarship.

The Tracy Family Foundation’s vision is to see a world where communities thrive and families flourish, with all generations of the Robert and Dorothy Tracy family giving and serving together.