September 28, 2022 – Collinsville High School 1956 graduate Pat Adams announced her intention to provide a scholarship designated for a Lady Kahok scholar athlete.
The Pat Adams Lady Kahok Scholar Athlete Scholarship was established for a graduating CHS female student athlete who plans to attend college after graduation. There will be one $5,000 scholarship awarded a year.
Adams attended Illinois State Normal University (today Illinois State University) and became a physical education teacher. She earned a master’s degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She taught elementary and junior high PE for 34 years – 31 in East Alton School District #13. She officiated softball, field hockey, basketball and volleyball throughout the area for many years.
Pat has been interested in sports her entire life. When she was a student at Collinsville High School in the mid-1950s, female athletes were limited to intramural volleyball, basketball and softball, where they did not compete against other schools; and were members of the gender-specific Girls’ Athletic Association (GAA). She is pleased with the opportunities afforded today’s Lady Kahoks and wanted a way to reward those who successfully balance the demands of athletics with academics.
“I want this scholarship to reward someone who has worked hard to be a good student,” said Adams.
Her desire to pay it forward comes from an anonymous cash donation given to her when she was a young student teacher. “I received assistance and I want to pass it along,” she said, “Young people need to be encouraged. If we have the capacity to help someone, we should go ahead and do it.”
Adams moved back to her Collinsville hometown and reconnected with the Kahoks when she retired in 1994. She admittedly “bleeds purple” and is a superfan cheering at countless Kahok men’s and women’s athletic competitions. “Ms. Pat” gets to know students, coaches and families. She often shares stories and the history of Title IX with today’s athletes to build a bridge between her generation and theirs.
CHS Athletic Director Clayton Smith said, “Pat Adams is a Kahok! Her support for our Kahok Student Athletes and coaches is greatly appreciated. Pat is a pioneer for female athletics, and her generosity in providing scholarships for our student athletes to attend college is a fantastic opportunity.”
“I was planning to put something in my will to set-up a scholarship,” said the 84-year-old Adams, “When I read about giving through the Collinsville Area Community Foundation, I decided now was the right time to do it. I can make a difference and meet people benefitting from my scholarship.”
She wants her generosity to be an inspiration to others: “People need to see this happening. It doesn’t have to be a huge amount. Anyone can make a difference.”
“Pat exemplifies the love and support our students receive from our community regarding academic and extracurricular success,” said Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich, “Her generosity will positively impact our future graduates for generations to come.”
The Pat Adams Lady Kahok Scholar Athlete Scholarship application must be submitted by April 3, 2023 for consideration. Information will be posted soon on the CHS Counseling Department’s scholarship webpage.
Support Local Scholarships
To support or create a scholarship for Collinsville High School students, visit the Collinsville Area Community Foundation website. CACF is a public charitable organization as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All contributions and gifts are tax deductible. Donations and bequests are accepted from and disbursed to individuals, groups or businesses.