Macie Marie Carroll receives a $1,000 award in recognition of her outstanding academic achievements, leadership, and community involvement. Carroll is a resident of Mount Carroll, Illinois, in Carroll County.

Carroll graduated from West Carroll High School. She will attend Lakeland Community College, where she will study communications beginning in the fall. She plans to transfer to Iowa State University upon completing her associate's degree, with the goal of earning a major in Agricultural Communications.

A lifelong advocate for agriculture, Carroll has been active in the cattle industry since the age of eight, an experience that has shaped her career aspiration to become an agricultural communicator who bridges the gap between producers and consumers. Her leadership extends beyond the farm: she served as President of the West Carroll FFA Chapter, held membership in the National Honor Society, reigned as Illinois Angus Queen, and served as Secretary and Director of the Northern Illinois Junior Angus Association for more than eight years. A multi-sport athlete, she also played basketball through her senior year, mentoring younger players along the way.

Carroll was nominated for the scholarship by her grandmother, Patricia Hiher, Carroll County Circuit Clerk.

Kallie Johnson receives a $2,000 award in recognition of her academic excellence, musical dedication, and outstanding service to her school and community. Johnson is a resident of Marshall, Illinois, in Clark County.

Johnson graduated from Marshall High School. She has been accepted to Indiana State University to pursue a degree in Music Education. She plans to be a music teacher.

A musician for more than eight years, Johnson has participated in choir and band throughout her school career and has taken piano lessons outside of school as well. Her commitment to music extends beyond the classroom, where she also sings and serves as an altar server at St. Mary's Church and participates in the school's Ukulele Club and Drama Club.

Johnson has been an active member of her school community throughout her high school career, participating in the National Honor Society, PALS (Peers Actively Leading and Serving), Interact Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Teen Teachers, Women's Empowerment, Drama Club, and the Marshallettes. Her contributions to the Marshallettes were recognized with three awards — the Spirit Award, Miss Congeniality Award, and Athlete of the Week. Outside of school, she has been involved in community service through St. Mary's Church, where she participates in youth group, choir, and altar serving, and has contributed to fundraising efforts in the Marshall community.

Johnson was nominated for the scholarship by her grandmother, Kimberly R. Kannmacher, Clark County Treasurer.

Paige Meier recieves a $1,000 award in recognition of her outstanding academic achievements, certifications, and dedication to a career in healthcare. Meier is a resident of Pontiac, Illinois, in Livingston County.

Meier graduated from Pontiac Township High School. She will attend Heartland Community College, where she will complete the nursing program prerequisites with the goal of becoming a Registered Nurse.

Already well on her way to that goal, Meier has built an impressive foundation of credentials while still in high school. She earned her Certified Nursing Assistant certification through the Livingston Area Career Center in 2025, followed by her EKG Technician certification, and is currently working toward her CMA certification. She has been employed at Evenglow Senior Living since June 2025, where she assists residents with daily living activities and patient monitoring gaining hands-on experience that reflects both her readiness and her commitment to compassionate care.

Beyond her professional development, Meier has been an active contributor to her school and community. She is a member of the National Technical Honors Society, an Honor Roll student, and a 2024 State Softball Championship athlete who competed in high school softball, track, and travel softball. She has also volunteered with the Salvation Army, the Red Cross Blood Drive, and the Humane Society.

Meier was nominated for the scholarship by her mother, Nikki N. Meier, Livingston County Treasurer.

Cora Waters-Trojniar receives a $2,000 award in recognition of her exceptional academic achievement, musical talent, and remarkable breadth of leadership and involvement throughout her high school career. Water-Trojniar is a resident of Macomb, Illinois, McDonough County.

Waters-Trojniar graduated from Macomb High School and has been accepted to Western Illinois University, where she will pursue a degree in Music Education and Mathematics. Her long-term goals extend beyond the classroom: She aspires to earn her PhD in music and ultimately become a music professor, while also pursuing a career as a high school teacher.

A High Honor Roll student and AP Scholar, Waters-Trojniar was also named November Senior of the Month, selected by a council of teachers for high achievement, merit, and character. Musically, she has held First Chair in the Quincy Area Youth Orchestra since 2023, earned Third Chair in the ILMEA All-State Orchestra, and served as a soloist, student section leader, and founder of a student-led Pep Band that grew to more than 30 members. Beyond music, she earned State Qualifier and Regional Champion honors in both Science Olympiad and Math Team, served in leadership roles in Scholastic Bowl and Thespians, and volunteers weekly tutoring students in both horn and mathematics.

Waters-Trojniar was nominated for the scholarship by Ian A. Fischer, Circuit Clerk of McDonough County.