Holmstad Residents' award scholarships to local high school seniors
Residents living at The Holmstad retirement community are investing in the future. During an awards dinner ceremony May 3, the Residents' Association Scholarship Committee awarded scholarships totaling $6,950 to five local graduating high school students who are employed by The Holmstad and work primarily in dining services.
Two Batavia High School students each received a $1,600 scholarship. Jennifer Sykstus will study to be a physician assistant or pediatrician at Illinois University, Urbana-Champaign; Cameron Hindel will study nursing at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington.
Three students each received a $1,250 scholarship. From Batavia High School, Eric Christopherson will study business at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Ill.; and Drew Hall will study finance at Moberly Area Community College in Moberly, Mo. From West Aurora High School, Paulina Morales will study criminology at Aurora University in Aurora, Ill.
Pierre Croissant, Residents' Association Scholarship Committee chair, said the scholarships recognize students for their achievements and serve as an opportunity for residents to show their appreciation for the fine service they provide. "The students are a familiar part of our community and we're proud of their accomplishments," Croissant said. "By investing in their education, we're also investing in the future."
During the presentation of awards, each recipient was introduced and recognized by the community and their peers. Award recipients and their families also enjoyed dinner with residents and the scholarship committee.
To select the winners, the committee reviews each student's transcript, autobiography, and recommendations from two teachers, a counselor, and their Holmstad supervisor. Several sources fund the scholarships, including The Home Store, which sells gently used furniture and household items, and the annual Holiday Bazaar, which features a wide variety of crafts, homemade baked goods, and more. This year, the funding source has been expanded to include memorial gifts as well as a cash contribution.
The Holmstad residents began the scholarship program in 1991. Since then, residents have awarded more than $131,000 to graduating high school seniors who have worked at The Holmstad for at least six months.
About The Holmstad
The Holmstad is a faith-based, nonprofit, continuing care retirement community located at 700 W. Fabyan Parkway, Batavia, Ill. It is administered by Covenant Retirement Communities, a ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church, and one of the nation's largest nonprofit senior services organizations. For more information on The Holmstad, visit Facebook, www.TheHolmstad.org, or call (877) 226-7310.