Regional superintendent announces Alma Irene Aitch Scholarship recipients for 2026

Pictured from the left are Dr. Tricia Blackard; scholarship recipients 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 are scholarship recipients KayLynn M. Buttry (East Alton Wood River High School) and Terry L. Styles (Roxana Senior High School).

The Madison County Regional Office of Education recently hosted a ceremony to recognize the recipients of the first ever Alma Irene Aitch Scholarship for Madison County students.

Eleven students from across Madison County were selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship based upon their applications that detailed their high school careers and future plans. The winners were chosen from over 50 extremely qualified applicants.

The scholarship is named after Alma Irene Aitch, a former teacher at the Lincoln School in Edwardsville.

It was funded through a collaboration between Mr. Mannie Jackson, Dr. Ed Hightower, and Dr. Robert W. Werden, and was designed to reward hard work and excellence in education.

The scholarship will continue in the future and will continue to be open to all Seniors in any Madison County high school who will be continuing on to a university, college, or trade school.

The Madison County Regional Office of Education joins Jackson, Hightower and Worden in congratulating this year’s winners and in encouraging all who qualify to apply next year.

Provided photo.