2026 Alma Irene Aitch Scholarship Recipients named
By Tribune Staff • The Madison County Regional Superintendent, Dr. Robert W. Werden, along with Mr. Mannie Jackson and Dr. Ed Hightower, are pleased to announce the winners of the Alma Irene Aitch Scholarship for Madison County, Illinois high school seniors. This award is given in the amount of $1,000 to 11 graduating seniors from across Madison County who displayed high academic achievement, personal drive, success and excellence in their four-year high school careers.
The Aitch Scholarship is named after former Lincoln School teacher Alma Irene Aitch. Her leadership and encouragement helped improve the lives of her students and, over time, their successive generations. She was beloved for her love of her school and community. Through the collaborative efforts of Jackson, Hightower and Werden, this scholarship was created to showcase the legacy of Ms. Aitch and reward current students who have worked hard to be successful.
This year’s scholarship winners represent various academic and vocational educational backgrounds. There are eight different schools represented by the recipients of the Class of 2026 chosen from over 50 commendable applicants. The competition for the scholarships was fierce and the essays that were completed and sent in were all extraordinary. The selection committee had a difficult task in choosing the winners.
The following students from the Class of 2026 can proudly call themselves “Aitch Scholars” as they have been selected winners of the 2026 Alma Irene Aitch Scholarship:
Kennedy O. Lacey: Alton High School
Bryn A. Helminger: Civic Memorial High School
Isla R. Schilling: Civic Memorial High School
KayLynn M. Buttry: EAWR High School
Ella K. Carter: Edwardsville High School
Josie A. Proctor: Edwardsville High School
Madelyn R. Moore: Highland High School
Jessica L. Eales: Marquette High School (Alton)
Terry L. Styles: Roxana Sr. High School
Erica R. Boyce: Triad High School
Reyna D. Rehg: Triad High School
If anyone is interested in contributing to the Alma Irene Aitch Scholarship Fund, they may contact The Madison County Regional Office of Education at 618-296-4632 for more information on. Please watch for information this fall at your local high school on how Seniors from the Class of 2027 can apply for next year’s scholarships. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners.
