(From left) Optimist Craig Rathgeb, Anna Scoggins, Matt Maag, Nigel Harris, Optimist Dr. Jennifer Sebold, Christian Porter, Lauren Godfrey, Rachel Hanson, Optimist Joanne Curvey, Kaylee Bowen, Optimist Brad Gentelin, Emily Brandt and Optimist Mark Cappel.
ALTON — The Alton Area Optimist Club held its annual scholarship banquet Tuesday, April 28, for graduating high school seniors at the Riverbender Community Center.
For more than 30 years, the club has annually selected Alton High and Marquette seniors to receive scholarships to help offset the cost of college. There were more than 50 applicants this year and eight were selected to each receive a $500 scholarship.
In addition to the individual scholarships, Dr. Sean Hill was present to receive a $750 scholarship for Lewis and Clark Community College to distribute to a deserving student. The high school scholarships are just one of the many ways that the Alton Area Optimist Club helps children in the community. To become a member of the Alton Area Optimist club, contact the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/altonoptimist?fref=ts or drop by a meeting at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at Johnson’s Corner restaurant, 2000 State St.
Scholarship recipients include Anna Scoggins, Matt Maag, Nigel Harris, Christian Porter, Lauren Godfrey, Rachel Hanson, Kaylee Bowen and Emily Brandt.