Scholarship Opportunities for FHS and Pekin Students

Jefferson County Senior Students have a unique opportunity to apply for over $150,000 of scholarships created by dedicated donors and administered by The Greater Jefferson County, who celebrates 50 years of service to Jefferson County in 2025.

In 1988, the first scholarship was created to assist a graduate pursue a career in the field of teaching. This scholarship is named the Hazel Scovel Samuelson Scholarship and is worth $1,000.00.

Two years later, past FHS graduates created the FHS Alumni Scholarship with donations from both FHS and Parsons Class Reunions. This is an open scholarship, based on the student’s financial need and is $1,000.00.

In 1992, a music scholarship was created in memory of Leona F. Nady and one year later, the children of Leo and Marion Nady created the Nady Ag Scholarship in the amount of $1,000.00 for FHS or Pekin graduates pursuing a career in Agriculture or Ag/Business.

In 1994, a scholarship was created in memory of Nellie T. Neff with career focus on Physical Education, Horticulture or Biology, mirroring her interests. This scholarship is also $1,000.00.

The Medical Scholarship was created by an Anonymous Donor in 1997. This award of $1,000.00 is available to a deserving graduating FHS senior student who indicates a sincere interest in the field of medicine, heath services or health occupations.

Also in 1997, Edith Jordan created a scholarship in memory of her husband Scott. After her death in 2019, the name of the scholarship was changed to include Edith, but the emphasis continues to be History and Political Science, with Financial Need. This scholarship is $5,000.00.

Many past FHS graduates studied Math in Junior High under Mary Witkosky. Her friend, Mildred Hoover, created this scholarship in her memory which the Foundation administered beginning in 1997. This scholarship is $1,000.00 and focuses on the recipients interests in Math/Science exclusively.

The Sherry Champ Scholarship was also created in 1997 for a student pursuing a career in the medical field. It is also valued at $1,000.00

In this first article of the series, seven scholarships have been emphasized to show the range of scholarship opportunities for graduating Senior students, with many more to come.

The 2026 scholarship application process will begin Dec. 1, 2025 with a deadline of Feb. 1, 2026. Both FHS and Pekin senior students are welcome to apply. Online applications will be available on the application website at www.gjcfscholarships.org. For more information, contact the Foundation at gjcf0758@windstream.net or call 641-472-0758. View our FaceBook page for information as well!