Virginia Graham Scholarship

Virginia (Beckley) Graham was born and raised on a farm in rural Rossville, Illinois, on February 1, 1928.  She graduated from Illinois State Normal University in 1949. After teaching for five years, she devoted her life to raising a family. She went back to teaching in 1974. She taught fourth grade at Clara Peterson School for over 20 years. After her retirement, she continued to work with children as a volunteer and substitute teacher at Clara Peterson. She died in February, 2003. 

Previous Winners:
2009:  Kara Johnson (see story below)
2008:  Tiffany Apland
2007:  Tim Knilands
2006:  Blake LeClair
2005:  Staci Burklund
2004:  John Pacey

Scholarship Information

In memory of her and her love for children, Virginia's family along with the Paxton Education Foundation have provided a $500 scholarship to a Paxton graduate pursuing a degree in education or child development.

Eligible applicants include PBL graduating high school senior students.  Applicants must be ranked in the top 50% of their graduating class and must plan to enroll full time at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or trade/vocational school.  (Proof of enrollment will be required for release of scholarship payment after the award is announced.)

The recipient will be selected on the basis of these three weighted selection criteria:

1. Academic achievement as evidenced by grade point average (seventh semester), class rank, and test scores. (1/4)

2. Participation and leadership in community, school, and work experience activities. (1/4)

3. Written narrative essay. (1/2)

Financial need will be a criteria for selection.

Applicants must submit a typed application form, consisting of four parts: Cover Sheet/Student Information; Academic Information; Extra-Curricular Activities; and Essay.

The PBL Education Foundation Scholarship Committee will evaluate finalist applications and select the winner.

Interested applicants may use the following links to print the information sheet and application blanks for the scholarship:

Virginia Graham Scholarship Information Sheets in Print Version

Virginia Graham Scholarship Application Blank in PDF Format

Virginia Graham Scholarship Application Blank in Microsoft Word Format

This Year's Winner

Nancy Baird, Vice Chairman of the PBL Education Foundation, presented the Virginia Graham Scholarship to Kara Johnson at the 2009 PBL Senior Academic Awards Night.  Kara, daughter of Kammy Johnson and the late Dale Johnson, will be majoring in Elementary Education at Illinois State University.  She was active in a variety of activities during high school and maintained a 3.98 grade point average.  Kara played basketball for four years and was Captain her senior year.  She was also in softball, cross country, and track.  Other activities included math team for three years, National Honor Society, Student Council, and many leadership roles in FFA.