Gale Scholars Program Inducts 15 Students

Fifteen Galesburg public school students were formally inducted as George Washington Gale Scholars on Monday, May 2, in a ceremony at Knox College's Alumni Hall.

Created by Knox College, Carl Sandburg College and Galesburg District 205, the program includes academic enrichment and community service activities through high school, and free tuition scholarships toward the completion of an associate's degree at Carl Sandburg College and a bachelor's degree at Knox College.

This year's inductees are, from Lombard Middle School: Brendon Allen, Mateo Bailey, Hannah Brown, Tyler Ferris, Noah Jacobs, Paige McCleary, Alexandria Roden, Monica Rodriguez, Leticia Shumpert and Jazmin Zavala; and from Churchill Junior High School: Hannah Flaherty, Mason Martinez, Giarmondo Parker, Johnet Stipp and Gabrielle Walters.

Speakers at the induction ceremony were Gale Scholars Program Director Steven Cheesman and Knox College President Teresa Amott; current Gale Scholars Kyran Blissett of Galesburg High School, Stephen McAllister of Carl Sandburg College and Shakisha Grays of Knox College. Inductees were greeted by Amott, Galesburg District 205 Superintendent Ralph Grimm and Carl Sandburg College President Lori Sundberg.

The program annually inducts up to 15 academically promising, first-generation, income-eligible students from within District 205. They participate in summer enrichment and academic preparation, community service, and special skill-building experiences.

The Gale Scholars program has been recognized by the Illinois Board of Higher Education as an exemplary "best practice" to help students overcome socio-economic barriers to academic achievement, community engagement and career success.

Below, Gale Scholars speaking at the induction: Kyran Blissett of Galesburg High School, Stephen McAllister of Carl Sandburg College and Shakisha Grays of Knox College.