JOSEPHINE MARLEY BECKWITH FUTURE LEADERS
Since 1991, YWCA Southwestern Illinois has awarded scholarships to high school senior women who demonstrate leadership and a sustained commitment to bettering their community. YWCA is able to distribute these scholarships primarily through the generosity of the over 300 plus Women of Distinction Academy members.
Two outstanding women will be honored with a $1,000 award this year. Applications are due or postmarked by February 23, 2023. To obtain an application, please contact your local high school guidance counselor or call/email YWCA for an application at 618.465.7774.
In addition, you can download the application forms on this page.
This scholarship is open to high school senior women attending high school in Madison County, IL.
Please note: As a recipient of the Josephine Marley Beckwith Future Leader Scholarship, you are eligible for a renewal for your sophomore, junior and senior years of study if you meet renewal criteria and community service requirements. Your application package is due or postmarked no later than March 24, 2023.
The Josephine Marley Beckwith Future Leader Scholarship (JMBFL) winners and renewals will be acknowledged at the Women of Distinction event scheduled for May 4, 2023 at Julia’s Banquet Center in East Alton.
2023 Scholarship Application Package
Follow this link to donate to this scholarship fund!
Josephine Marley Beckwith Future Leader Scholars (2021)
Samantha Evanoff
Samantha Evanoff graduated from Triad High School and plans to major in biology and French at Washington University with the intention to become a trauma surgeon at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. She is one of the founding members of the Students for Systemic Solutions club that identifies issues and solutions for issues in the community. She also received an AP Scholar Award with Honor from the College Board for her high AP test scores and has been on High Honor Roll all four years. She graduated as Triad’s Class of 2021’s Valedictorian.
Tristan Johnston
Tristan Johnston graduated from Marquette Catholic High School in Alton and plans to major in political science at University of South Carolina. She has around 451 total community service hours completed with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the Hardin American Legion Auxiliary, and the American Red Cross. She received many awards during her time at Marquette including the DAR Good Citizen Award, the Rotary Student of the Month, 2 Time Top Fundraiser at St. Baldrick’s Events, the Principal’s Scholarship, the St. Louis Post Dispatch Average “A” Students, and the Theatre Service Award.
Kathleen Botterbush (Renewal)
Kathleen Botterbush is entering her senior year at St. Louis University, majoring in Biomedical Engineering, Pre-Medicine. During the 2020-2021 academic year she volunteered as a Lead Emergency Department Ambassador which involved training volunteers in the new ER. She was also inducted into four honor societies: Alpha Epsilon Nu (Pre-Health), Tau Beta Pi (Engineering), Omicron Delta Kappa (Leadership), and Alpha Sigma Nu (Jesuit). As a member of the Medical Scholars program, she had the opportunity to apply to St. Louis University School of Medicine a year early and she was conditionally accepted into the class of 2026.
Taryn Geiger (Renewal)
Taryn Geiger attends the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa. She is a Biology and Psychology Double major in the Honors college on the Pre-Medical track. In her first year on campus, she became involved in various leadership positions and non-profits including being a Director for Beat Auburn Beat Hunger, Student Government Association Senator, Project Health Peer Educator Intern, Delta Gamma Sorority, University of Alabama Dance Marathon Miracle Maker, and other various societies.