The Pikeland Public Schools Foundation Scholarships
The Pikeland Public Schools Foundation is a nonprofit organization established to enhance the educational experience of the students in Pikeland School District #10. The Foundation was established in 1988. The board is composed of twelve volunteer business and educational leaders whose primary focus is to oversee the investment and appropriate funds as they are bestowed to the Foundation for scholarship and school project purposes. Each year the Foundation awards a number of scholarships which may be used to attend trade schools, technical/vocational schools as well as colleges and universities. They are awarded to past and current graduates of Pittsfield High School. Scholarship decisions are based on student financial need, scholastic abilities, leadership qualities, service to school and community, dignity of character, and the desire to further one’s education. This year the Pikeland Public Schools Foundation was pleased to be able to award $23,500 to be distributed to eighteen recipients through eight scholarships and are as follows:
Helen Harman
Scholarships
The Harman Scholarship is made possible through a generous bequest from Miss Helen Harman who had a long career as a history teacher at Pittsfield High School and was a very community-oriented individual.
Recipients for 2026 are: Claire Kearns, the daughter of Lance and Kayla, will be a 2026 graduate of Pittsfield High School and plans to attend Southern Illinois University, Carbondale and major in Zoology. Maxwell Bonnett, the son of Greg Bonnett and Kimberly Speckhart, will be a 2026 graduate of Pittsfield High School. He is planning on attending John Wood Community College before transferring to Oklahoma State University or the University of Illinois to pursue a degree in Animal Science. Victoria Stambaugh, the daughter of Andrew and Katherine Stambaugh, will be a 2026 graduate of Pittsfield High School and plans to attend Illinois State University and major in business while pursuing a real estate license. Karlie Patterson, the daughter of Jamie and Deanna Patterson will be a 2026 graduate of Pittsfield High School. She plans to attend Illinois College and pursue a degree in nursing. Emma Dippel, daughter of Kurt and Rachelle Dippel, will be a 2026 graduate of Pittsfield High School. She plans to attend Missouri State University and study psychology. Bodie Marable, son of David and Kate Marable, will be a 2026 graduate of Pittsfield High School. He plans to pursue a degree in Architecture, but has not decided on a college or university at this time. Erik Smith, son of Troy and Chandra Smith, will be a 2026 graduate of Pittsfield High School. He plans to attend Culver-Stockton College to earn a degree in radiology.
Gary and Linda Woods Academic Scholarship
The Gary and Linda Woods Academic Scholarship was established by the couple’s four children, Greg, Tadd, Megan and Kendra Woods. Gary and Linda worked for 42 and 19 years respectively in the Pikeland School District and both continue to volunteer their time for the betterment of the district. This scholarship is open to current PHS seniors pursuing any field of study with an emphasis on academic achievement. Recipients for 2026 are: Mason Veile is the son of Adam and Tina Veile. He will be a 2026 graduate of Pittsfield High School. He plans to attend the University of Chicago to pursue a bachelor and masters degree in psychology to become a therapist. Anna Allen is the daughter of Jake and Tracy Allen. She will be a 2026 graduate of Pittsfield High School and plans to attend Pennsylvania State University to major in Communications and Public Relations with a focus on Journalism.
Emma Reinhardt
Scholarship
The Emma Reinhardt Scholarship is made possible through a generous bequest from Emma Reinhardt. She was a teacher and an active member of the Pittsfield Business and Professional Women’s Club and strongly advocated for access to education for all. This scholarship is open to current seniors and past PHS graduates in any field of study. Recipients for 2026 are: Brook Smith, daughter of Jane Thomas and Michael Smith, is a 2016 graduate of PHS and is currently attending Chamberlain University College of Nursing. She is a registered nurse and is pursuing a degree to become a family nurse practitioner. Kamryn Riley, daughter of Scott and Kayla Riley, will be a 2026 graduate of Pittsfield High School. She plans to attend Lindenwood University and pursue a degree and career in elementary education.
Stickman Scholarship
The Stickman Scholarship is made possible by a generous donation from Ray and Marian Stickman who moved to Pittsfield in 1975 after retiring from farming. Stickman Scholarships are awarded to deserving Pittsfield High School graduates attending Illinois institutions of higher education. The 2026 recipient is Adam Hoover, son of Jason Hoover and Melisha Hoover. He will be a 2026 graduate of PHS. Adam plans to attend John Wood Community College for two years, then transfer to pursue a degree in criminal justice.
Warren and Vera Barrow Family Scholarship
The Warren and Vera Barrow Family Scholarship was established by the family and friends of Dr. Warren Barrow and his wife, Vera Barrow. They were long- time residents of Pittsfield and valued the education of their children above all else. This scholarship is open to PHS seniors pursuing any field of study. The 2026 recipient of this scholarship is Jake Oitker, son of Derek Oitker and Kendra Conkright. He will be a 2026 graduate of PHS and plans to attend Washington University in St. Louis to major in biology with a pre-med focus in order to become a trauma surgeon.
Thomas J. Johnson
Scholarship
The Thomas J. Johnson Scholarship is made possible by the family and friends of Tom Johnson who was a drivers’ education teacher at PHS. The scholarship is awarded to a PHS graduate who has high academic standards, Saukee pride, participates in extracurricular activities, possesses a drive and dedication to success in reaching his/her goals. The 2026 recipient is Taylor Graham, son of Danny and Jenny Graham. He will be a 2026 graduate of Pittsfield High School. He plans to attend Quincy University and pursue a degree in law, focusing on agriculture or environmental law.
Wally Groom
Agricultural Scholarship
The Wally Groom Ag Scholarship is awarded to one female and one male graduate of PHS pursuing an ag related major in a two or four year college, university, or ag related trade school, technical or vocational school. This is offered by the Groom family to benefit students with a strong desire and commitment to continue their education and contribute to the future of agriculture.
The 2026 recipients are: Claire Kearns is the daughter of Lance and Kayla Kearns. She will be a 2026 graduate of PHS and plans to attend Southern Illinois University and major in zoology to become a wildlife biologist. Taylor Graham is the son of Danny and Jenny Graham. He will be a 2026 graduate of PHS. Taylor plans on attending Quincy University and pursuing a degree in law, focusing on agriculture or environmental law.
Denny McCartney
Memorial Scholarship
The Denny McCartney Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who exemplifies Denny McCartney’s kind-hearted and humble approach to life as he did throughout his life and career in the Pikeland District serving as teacher, coach, and bus dispatcher. The 2026 recipient is: Claire Kearns, the daughter of Lance and Kayla Kearns. She will be a 2026 graduate of Pittsfield High School and plans to attend Southern Illinois University and major in zoology to become a wildlife biologist.
