SIC Celebrates Students, Donors, and Leadership at Honors Night
Southeastern Illinois College recognized outstanding students, dedicated scholarship donors, and student leaders during its annual Honors Night held April 14 in the Harry L. Crisp Student Center. The event highlighted academic achievement, leadership, and the impact of donor support during the 2025–2026 academic year.
Guests gathered for an evening of recognition honoring student success and the scholarships that help make educational goals possible. A meal prepared by the Falcon Bistro was served, followed by recognition of academic excellence, leadership, and individual achievements within competitive teams across campus.
SIC President Dr. Karen Weiss welcomed attendees and recognized both student achievement and the generosity of donors who support scholarships.
“This event reflects what makes SIC special—students who are committed to their goals and a community that believes in supporting them,” Weiss said. “We are proud to celebrate their hard work and the generosity that helps make their success possible.”
Nursing and Health Care Honors
Jerry King presented multiple scholarships honoring his family’s legacy in health care and education. Among them was the Kathy King Memorial Scholarship, established in memory of his wife, a 1971 SIC graduate. The scholarship is typically awarded to nontraditional students who demonstrate strong academic potential while balancing the responsibilities of family life.
Two recipients were selected this year. Catrina Mitchell of Harrisburg, a 2007 Harrisburg High School graduate, has spent many years working in health care at Saline Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where she also cared for King’s wife. While raising four children and working full time, Mitchell is continuing her education at SIC with plans to become an LPN and then an RN, further building on her deep commitment to patient care.
Also honored with the Kathy King Memorial Scholarship was Victoria Bethel of Harrisburg, who is pursuing a nursing degree while raising her daughter. Bethel plans to become a labor and delivery nurse, combining her personal experiences and passion for family-centered care as she prepares for a future in health care.
King also presented the “WuWu” Lou Cooley King Nursing Scholarship, named in honor of his mother, a devoted nurse affectionately known as “WuWu.” The scholarship was awarded to Paige Potts of Harrisburg, a nursing major who graduated first in her class from Harrisburg High School in 2024. Potts plans to pursue a career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, pairing her strong academic foundation with a clear commitment to patient care.
Potts was also recognized with the Dr. Warren Tuttle Memorial Scholarship, presented by Dr. Emily York, Dean of Nursing and Allied Health. This award honors one of SIC’s founding leaders and is given to students preparing to serve their communities as dedicated health care professionals.
Patty Ferrell presented the Jaylynn Ferrell Memorial Scholarship in honor of her daughter, a 2011 SIC nursing graduate whose life was tragically lost in the Leap Day tornado of 2012. The scholarship supports nursing students who demonstrate compassion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to the profession, qualities that Jaylynn embodied throughout her life and career.
This year’s recipients were Mary Beth Winkleman of Harrisburg and Jaci Wood of Galatia, both pursuing degrees in nursing and preparing to serve others through compassionate care.
Wood was also recognized with two additional honors. She received the Carla’s Wings of a Butterfly Scholarship, established in memory of beloved SIC nursing instructor Carla Burns to support students pursuing careers in nursing, as well as the Earl P. Mings Scholarship, which supports students as they continue their education and work toward meaningful careers. Wood will enter the ADN program this fall and aspires to specialize in labor and delivery, where she hopes to support mothers and newborns.
Dr. York presented five nursing scholarships during the evening, recognizing students dedicated to serving others through health care.
The Madeline Dempsey Allied Health Scholarship was among those presented, established to support students pursuing careers in the health care industry. This year’s recipient, Addison Moore of Harrisburg, aspires to become a nurse practitioner specializing in pediatrics. Moore is drawn to providing compassionate care and creating a gentle, supportive environment for children during their most difficult moments.
York also presented the Judith Elaine Milligan Baugher Scholarship. Mrs. Baugher attended SIC while raising a busy family, later earning her RN credentials and working night shifts caring for terminally ill patients at Humana Hospital in Orlando, Florida. In her memory, the scholarship supports students pursuing careers in nursing. This year’s recipient, Brayden Zirkelbach of Equality, is passionate about serving his community and hopes to one day open his own practice.
The Health Care (IHIA) Scholarship was also recognized, established by the Illinois Community College System Foundation to support Illinois residents pursuing careers in health care and providing direct patient care in their communities. This year’s recipient, Olivia Easley, is excited to pursue a career in nursing, where she hopes to make a meaningful difference through compassion and service.
In addition, Easley was awarded three other scholarships: the Harold Bauman Memorial Scholarship, the Ruth Baird Creative Writing Scholarship, and the Wilma Hunter Memorial Scholarship. Each reflects a commitment to education, creativity, and opportunity, and supports students who carry those values forward. Easley exemplifies these qualities through her passion for providing care, comfort, and hope to others as she continues her journey in nursing.
Dr. Karen Weiss presented several scholarships on behalf of the SIC Foundation to students pursuing degrees in nursing, recognizing their commitment to caring for others and serving their communities.
The Gladys & Raymond Carroll Memorial Scholarship, established by their family to support deserving students pursuing higher education, was awarded to two recipients this year. Layla Reeder of Harrisburg, who will be entering the nursing program, was one of the recipients. Bella Hise of Elizabethtown was also honored. She is passionate about caring for others and is preparing to begin the SIC nursing program. Hise was additionally awarded the C.R. Gardner Memorial Scholarship, which supports students in achieving their higher education goals as she continues her path toward a career in nursing.
Katie Allen of Eldorado was named the recipient of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs’ Illinois District 25 Eldorado Woman’s Club Scholarship. Established to support and encourage students from Saline County, the scholarship reflects a dedication to education and community service. Allen is pursuing a career in nursing and hopes to specialize in labor and delivery.
The John and Audrey Coyle Scholarship, established in 2014 in memory of John’s mother, Virginia Coyle, was awarded to Morgan Seely of Omaha. A nursing student at SIC, Seely is dedicated to serving others and plans to become a certified nurse practitioner, with the goal of giving back to the Southern Illinois community.
The Matthew J. Fry Memorial Scholarship was awarded by John Fry to nursing student Hannah Farmer of Eldorado. The scholarship honors the late 1984 SIC graduate, who was remembered for his ability to lift others up. Farmer was also the recipient of the Michael Hillegas Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarship presented by Rhonda Oglesby.
Supporting Teachers and Education
On behalf of the SIC Foundation, SIC President Dr. Karen Weiss presented several awards to deserving students in the field of education. Among them was the Eugene & Callie Walden Morris Scholarship, established to support students pursuing careers in education. This year’s recipient, Carleigh Miles of Harrisburg, is majoring in elementary education and is passionate about helping students grow and succeed. She looks forward to guiding students as they work to reach their full potential.
The Faye Mitchell Memorial Scholarship, established in 1997 through Ms. Mitchell’s generous gift, supports students pursuing careers in education. Created to invest in those who are passionate about learning and committed to making a difference, the scholarship reflects Mitchell’s enduring belief in the power of teaching. This year’s recipient, Turner Fish of Herrin, embodies that vision through a strong dedication to education and a desire to inspire and guide future generations.
Jerry King also presented the Warren & Noveta King-Priest Scholarship, established by Joann Hensley in honor of her parents to support Saline County students pursuing degrees in education. This year’s recipient was Emily Carlton of Galatia, a first-generation college student majoring in Early Childhood Education. Carlton’s dedication to her studies reflects the same belief in the power of education to shape independent, purposeful futures.
The John B. Dotson Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Ansley Crank of Harrisburg, who is pursuing a degree in speech pathology. This scholarship, presented by Sonny Dotson in honor of his late father, recognizes students who embody the drive, leadership, and academic commitment that Coach Dotson encouraged in more than 200 student-athletes during his career at Harrisburg High School. The scholarship was established in 2003 to continue the legacy of helping students pursue higher education and fulfill their potential.
The George T. Dennis Memorial Scholarship, awarded to a student who embraces the full scope of the humanities, was given to Regen Arnett of Harrisburg. Arnett is majoring in art education and has shown a deep appreciation for multiple areas of the humanities.
STEM Excellence Recognized
Addison Hubbs of Cave-In-Rock was named the recipient of the Delta Shrine Club Scholarship, established in 1993 to assist a Hardin County resident who excels in academic performance. She is pursuing a degree in information technology. Hubbs is also the recipient of the Suzanne Alexander Memorial Scholarship, established by Alexander’s family to support students pursuing higher education.
Elizabeth Abell of Ridgway was named the recipient of the Harry W. Abell Memorial Scholarship, which honors Dr. Harry Abell, SIC President from 1974 to 1994. The scholarship is awarded to a student who excels in leadership, academic performance, and community involvement. Abell is pursuing a career in optometry.
SIC Biology Instructor and Division Chair Jason Fitzgerald presented several math and science awards named for former instructors.
The Eva O. Gersbacher Memorial Biology Award was named for a former biology faculty member remembered for her dedication to student success. The award was presented to Mary Floyd, a pre-med major from Golconda.
The Sam Porter Outstanding Chemistry Student Awards are named for a beloved faculty member and long-time chair of the Math and Science Division and go to an outstanding freshman and sophomore student. Wyatt Arnold, a pre-engineering major from Galatia, was awarded the Sam Porter Freshman Chemistry Award. The sophomore award was presented to Cadence Johnson, a pre-pharmacy major from Metropolis.
The June Rice Malan Memorial Mathematics Award, established in honor of a former SIC math faculty member, is presented to students with the highest academic achievement in the Calculus sequence. This award was presented to Dathan Case of Harrisburg, a pre-engineering major.
The Frank Schneider Memorial Scholarship was established in 2017 by Carole Schneider to help provide students with an opportunity to pursue their higher education dreams in a math or science major in honor of her husband, a beloved physics instructor at SIC for 32 years. The award was presented by their daughter Monica Warren to Bella Fasolo, a pre-med major from Eddyville.
The Harrisburg Kiwanis Scholarship was awarded by Kiwanis member Jessica Stephens to three recipients this year who are members of the SIC Circle K (the collegiate version of Kiwanis): Avery Henderson, Cole Abney, and Kayden Angelly, all of Harrisburg.
The Rosiclare Chapter #971 Order of Eastern Star Scholarship was established in 1993 to assist a current SIC Hardin County resident who excels in academic performance. This year’s recipient is Sabrina Hayden of Rosiclare, who is pursuing a major in criminal justice.
Additional Award Recipients
The Richard Edward Dunk Jr. Memorial Scholarship was created by Angie Dunk in memory of her father, a Vietnam veteran and lifelong coal miner and supervisor at Peabody Coal Company. He had an appreciation for career and technical education and embodied values also held by SIC, including integrity, fairness, and responsibility. The scholarship is awarded to an outstanding diesel or welding student entering their second year of the program and demonstrating academic excellence. Dunk presented the award to welding major Jake Haner of Golconda.
The Dennis/Allen Speech Scholarship, also presented by SIC Forensic Falcons Coach Angie Dunk, honors the team’s founding coaches, George Dennis and Gary Allen. The award is given to a transferring team sophomore who excels academically, personally, and competitively. This year’s recipient is English major Francesca Messerschmidt of Harrisburg.
Avery Henderson of Harrisburg received the Spirit of Southeastern Award, presented by Dr. Kyla Burford, Executive Dean of Student Services. This is the oldest individual award given at the college. It honors a sophomore who demonstrates integrity, enthusiasm, and dedication to the ideals of SIC. The recipient is selected by faculty and staff based on care for the college community, academic standing, active participation in campus life, goal-setting, and overall positive citizenship at Southeastern.
Henderson is a sophomore studying computer science and serves as Student Trustee, representing the student body at the board level. He is also actively involved on campus as a member of the Student Government Executive Board, vice president of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Circle K, and a Student Ambassador. He plans to transfer to the University of Southern Indiana this fall.
Krystina Vinyard of Harrisburg was recognized as the college’s winner of the Paul Simon Student Essay Contest, presented by Dr. Chris Barr, Executive Dean of Institutional Effectiveness. Vinyard’s essay, titled “How My Community College Has Changed My Life,” reflected on her journey returning to school while working full time and supporting her family. She highlighted the value of flexible scheduling, smaller class sizes, and affordable tuition in helping her pursue a nursing degree at SIC.
Club and Team Recognition
Outstanding team members were named from several of SIC’s competitive programs.
Grace Schnitkey, a nursing student from Thompsonville, was recognized for her achievements in archery. A member of the Falcon Archers team coached by Ricky Sauls, Schnitkey placed in the top three at the 3D Regionals, earned first in her flight, and finished third at the national competition in Indianapolis. She was also named an Academic All-American.
Lukas Pigg of Eldorado was honored by Coach Sam Swinford as the Outstanding Team Member for the Falcon men’s basketball team. A two-year starter, Pigg helped lead the Falcons to a combined 53–13 record and back-to-back appearances in the Small College National Tournament. He also earned Small College National Academic All-American honors and served as a team captain. A standout on and off the court, he plans to transfer to Murray State University and pursue a career in education and coaching.
Kaden DeBose of Galatia was named Outstanding Esports Team Member by Coach Jason Fitzgerald. A member of the team since August, DeBose joined to compete in Super Smash Bros. but also took on a role with the Call of Duty team. He helped the team earn a second-place finish in NACE and a championship in ECAC last semester and contributed to playoff appearances in both leagues this semester. DeBose was recognized for balancing his team commitments with his academic responsibilities.
Noah Arnold of Harrisburg was recognized for his achievements as a student-athlete in bowling and baseball. Arnold led the Falcon bowlers with a 193 average and served as a pitcher for the baseball team. He helped anchor the bowling team to a sectional bid for only the second time in program history while maintaining a near-perfect GPA during his two years at SIC. In remarks written by Coach Doug Cottom and read by Dr. Kyla Burford, Arnold was described as “a solid student-athlete who excelled in two sports” and “the true definition of a student-athlete.” He has accepted an offer to continue his academic and bowling career at Vincennes University this fall.
Arianna McKinzie of Mt. Vernon was recognized for her contributions to the Lady Falcons bowling team. A two-year starter, McKinzie was a dedicated team member and an accomplished bowler who also excelled in the classroom. In remarks written by Coach Cottom and read by Burford, McKinzie was praised for her commitment to the program and her academic success. McKinzie plans to continue her education at Southern Illinois University.
Adam Voss of Carlyle was named Trapshooter of the Year. Voss was recognized for his academic proficiency, significant improvement across all shooting disciplines, and personal growth during his time with the SIC Clay Breakers. In remarks written by Head Coach Jordan Hammersley and read by Burford, Voss was described as “the worthiest of receiving Trapshooter of the Year” and praised for his development both on the range and in the classroom.
Members of the Student Government Executive Board were recognized by co-sponsor Jason Fitzgerald for their leadership and service to the college. Several officers took on key leadership roles during their first year at SIC, demonstrating a strong commitment to student involvement and campus engagement. Those recognized included Avery Henderson of Harrisburg, Student Trustee; Dathan Case of Harrisburg, President; Lexi Hamblin of Norris City, Vice President; Carson VanDyke of Carrier Mills, Treasurer; and Laura Behnke of Harrisburg, Secretary.
To conclude the ceremony, President Weiss recognized more than 100 graduating students earning honors for completing at least 45 credit hours with academic distinction. A full list of honorees will be released following commencement exercises on Thursday, May 14 at 7 p.m., as the college prepares to celebrate the Class of 2026.
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