EDWARDSVILLE - The Madison County Regional Office of Education has recognized 11 students as the first recipients of the Alma Irene Aitch Scholarship, a new $1,000 award for Madison County students, during a recent ceremony in Madison County, Illinois.
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Announced July 17, 2026, the scholarship recipients were selected from more than 50 applicants based on applications detailing their high school careers and future plans. The scholarship is open to Madison County high school seniors who plan to continue to a university, college or trade school.
The scholarship is named for Alma Irene Aitch, a former teacher at Lincoln School in Edwardsville. It was funded through a collaboration among Manny Jackson, Dr. Ed Hightower and Dr. Robert W. Werden and was designed to reward hard work and excellence in education.
The Regional Office of Education said the scholarship will continue in the future and will remain open to all seniors in any Madison County high school who will be continuing their education after graduation.
Those pictured at the ceremony, from left to right, were Dr. Tricia Blackard, Josie A. Proctor, Jessica L. Eales, Bryn A. Helminger, Erica R. Boyce, Reyna D. Rehg, Ella K. Carter, Madelyn R. Moore, Kennedy O. Lacey, Isla R. Schilling and Dr. Robert Werden.
Not pictured were KayLynn M. Buttry of East Alton-Wood River High School and Terry L. Styles of Roxana Sr. High School.
In its announcement, Jackson, Hightower, Werden and the Madison County Regional Office of Education congratulated this year’s winners and encouraged eligible students to apply next year.
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