Greater Jefferson County Foundation Scholarship Series - Part 3

[This is third in a series of informative articles regarding the scholarships available from The Greater Jefferson County Foundation.]

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

In 1997, Edith Jordan created a scholarship in memory of her husband, Scott. Mr. Jordan was born and raised in Fairfield, and was the fourth generation of his family in this community. In 1940, after graduation from the University of Iowa Law School, he joined his father’s law practice and spanned fifty years with time out for military service.

The Jordan family was always interested in community service. They were actively involved in religious, educational and financial institutions as well as other aspects of quality community life. It was Mr. Jordan’s wish to provide this scholarship to assist deserving students in fulfilling their higher education goals.

With the death of his wife, Edith, in 2019, the name of the scholarship was changed to the Scott & Edith Jordan Memorial Scholarship. The $5,000.00 scholarship is made available to students who excelled in the areas of attitude, motivation, and ability to succeed with emphasis shown to students studying History and Political Science.

The Mary Witkosky scholarship was originally administered by Mildred Hoover following Ms. Witkosky’s death in 1983, and then transferred to GJCF in 1997. This is a scholarship primarily for a student with financial need with an annual award of $1,000.00.

Miss Witkosky taught Jr. High Math from 1949 through 1971. This scholarship focuses on the recipient’s interest in Math/Science exclusively.

The Sherry Champ Scholarship was created by Dorothy Champ in memory of her daughter in 1997. Sherry was a nurse at the Jefferson County Hospital for over 25-years and a former FHS graduate. She was dedicated to the nursing profession and had attained a very high status within the hospital.

Her family wished to provide an ongoing scholarship for a graduating high school senior from the Jefferson County Area Schools.

This scholarship of $1,000.00 annually is to be used for student pursuing career in medical field: Medicine, health services, health occupation; general medicine or veterinary medicine.

The 2025 scholarship application process will begin December 1, 2024 with a deadline of February 1, 2025. 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.