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The Unit 1 Educational Foundation annually awards scholarships to assist high school seniors with their future studies. Along with the foundation scholarships, the organization oversees a number of personal scholarships presented by and in memory of alumni, friends of the district, and local businesses.
In 2025, the foundation will present the Unit 1 Scholarship to students planning to attend a college or trade school. The number of recipients and the financial assistance varies from year to year.
Through the foundation, several scholarships are available to graduating Coalers:
- Coal City Firemen’s Association provides a financial award to a student pursuing a career in fire science, emergency medical, or the medical field.
- A $1,000 scholarship will be presented in memory of Josh Cumming to a student enrolling at Illinois State University. A short essay on the applicant’s future plans is required.
- Seniors entering the field of mortuary science or health science are encouraged to apply for the $500 Reeves/Baskerville Scholarship presented annually by Matt Baskerville, owner of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes.
- The Rick Darling Memorial Scholarship provides $500 to a graduating senior who played baseball for the Coalers.
- Graduating seniors continuing their studies in agriculture or education are eligible to apply for the Floyd and Norma Calcaterra Family Scholarship. Two $1,000 awards will be presented and are renewable for four years as long as the recipient maintains a C average or higher.
- Established in 2022, the Matt Vignocchi Memorial Scholarship will assist graduates planning to attend an institution of higher learning. Selection will be based on moral character and passion for their field of study. Applicants must include a short essay on why they have decided to continue their education and their career goals. The scholarship provides up to $1,000 annually.
- Students interested in a career in real estate are encouraged to apply for the Lori Bonarek Scholarship, a $1,000 award that will go to one or two applicants.
Applications for scholarships presented through the foundation are due by April 21.
Additional information on local scholarships and application due dates can be found on the district website at www.coalcityschools.org. Visit the student link on the high school page and click on local scholarships within the student services tab.
