May 11, 2022 – Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 announced the Collinsville High School Class of 2022 students who will receive inaugural Kahoks Teaching Kahoks scholarships.
Kahoks Teaching Kahoks is the district’s new “Grow Our Own” Future Teacher Program to encourage current high school students to become educators and return to teach in Collinsville CUSD 10. When the districtwide Kahok Diversity & Equity Committee was formed in 2019, their initial task was to discuss ways to recruit more minority teachers. This led to the district’s concerted effort to “grow” teachers by encouraging current students to pursue careers in education.
The Kahok Diversity & Equity Committee established the Future Teachers Scholarship program for Collinsville High School seniors. Upon selection, scholarship recipients will be awarded $1,000 per year toward their college expenses for four years.
Kahoks Teaching Kahoks scholarships are supported by corporate donations, payroll deduction from Collinsville CUSD 10 employees, memorials and personal contributions from alumni and community members. The funds are managed by the Collinsville Area Community Foundation.
2022 Kahoks Teaching Kahoks Scholarship Recipients
- Nicholas Fowler will attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, major in Sociology/Social Sciences
- Monica Gomez will attend Southwestern Illinois College, major in Early Childhood Education
- Sydney Shimchick will attend Eastern Illinois University, major in Elementary Education
- Bailey Terveer will attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, major in Early Childhood Education
“Our students are fortunate to have unwavering support from our staff and community members, Unit 10 is a special place!” said Collinsville Community Unit School District Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich,“The Diversity and Equity Committee is excited about the initial scholarship recipients and their potential to positively impact future generations. Over the next four years, the district is eager to provide professional resources to each scholarship recipient, as well as financial support, as they complete their undergraduate studies.”
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.
2022 Scholarship Recipients with Donors
Donors who support Kahoks Teaching Kahoks were invited to the announcement. Those who attended represent corporate donations (Ameren Illinois), personal donations (Marilyn & Doug Huber and Richard Mark), and CUSD 10 staff who give through payroll deduction.
Front Row L to R: Monica Gomez, Sydney Shimchick, Bailey Terveer, Nicholas Fowler Back Row L to R: Assistant Superintendent Brad Hyre, Superintendent Dr. Brad Skertich, Social Studies Teacher Heather Johnson, Mrs. Marilyn Huber, Mr. Doug Huber, Ameren Illinois President Richard Mark, Assistant Principal TaRael Kee, Renfro Elementary Principal Laura Bauer, Music Teacher Emily Thoman, CAVC Director Joe McGinnis, Human Resources Director Kevin Robinson