Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 25

Brittany graduated from Gillespie High School (GHS) in 2007, earning the Carol Enrico DeLucca Scholarship for a Top Girl Graduate. She used the $500 Partnership award toward freshman tuition at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE).

Brittany majored in business marketing while at SIUE and immediately followed her Bachelor’s degree with an MBA with a focus on project management.

She also holds the title of PMP (Project Management Professional), “which I studied for and passed following graduation from the MBA program,” she says.

Today Brittany carries the title of Strategic Program Manager at a technology company in St. Louis called Big Club Digital.

“My responsibilities are to manage my company’s client relationships and programs, including project strategy, financial and resource management, and portfolio growth,” she says. “I plan to continue to grow my career.”

Brittany is a founding member of “a women’s professional group, and I am a media marketing consultant for small businesses.”

In her free time she and her husband Douglas enjoy hiking, traveling, spending time with family, and trying new restaurants. “I especially look forward to spending lots of time with my family, especially after my mother retires this year,” Brittany says.

She thoroughly enjoyed her college years, noting “my degree opened many doors for me. I met wonderful connections at SIUE in the St. Louis community. I am extremely grateful for the support that this Partnership scholarship provided,” she says. “Starting college takes a large investment, and this scholarship helped ease some of that burden.”

Brittany is the daughter of Doug and Beth Zehr of Gillespie. 

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 24

Katie Stromsland graduated from Gillespie High School (GHS) in 2013, earning a Matt and Marge Turcol Memorial Scholarship. She used the $500 Partnership award at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois.

Katie majored in biology and minored in chemistry and ethics, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2017. As a junior, Katie earned the university’s highest honor, the Scoville Prize, and as a senior she received the Senior Biology Scholar Award.

While at Millikin, Katie worked as a biology lab assistant for two years and as an anatomy and physiology teaching assistant her senior year. Her summers were spent doing research on the DNA of Slider turtles as predictors of the health of their eco-system, first as a Millikin James Leighty Scholar and then as a grant awardee from the National Great Rivers Research and Educational Center.

In her free time she coached tumbling and trampoline at an off-campus gym for three years, utilizing her past experience as a nationally ranked competitive gymnast. While a member of the Millikin soccer team in 2014, Katie traveled to France, visiting Lyon and Paris. Then in 2016 she spent her spring semester studying at Maynooth University in Maynooth, Ireland. Between classes she found time to travel throughout Ireland, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Norway, enjoying her dual hobbies of traveling and hiking..

Katie is currently a first-year medical student at the Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University in Maywood, Illinois. As part of her service obligation, she coaches underprivileged children in gymnastics.

Of her college and med school experience, Katie says: “It is allowing me to achieve my dreams while also having incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.”

She reports that The Partnership scholarship helped her family “definitely. Every penny counts in relieving the financial burdens of college.”

Katie is the daughter of Pete and Sue Stromsland of Gillespie. 

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 23

Dane Gray graduated from Gillespie High School (GHS) in 2003, earning the Tebbe Family Foundation Scholarship. The $500 award was deposited with Eastern Illinois University (EIU) at Charleston and was used toward tuition.

Dane earned his bachelor’s degree in finance in 2007 and then immediately entered the EIU Masters in Business Administration (MBA) program. He completed the MBA in 2008.

Currently Dane works for Edward Jones, an investment firm, in St. Louis.

“I am a Senior Mutual Fund Analyst,” he says, explaining that he is “responsible for recommending international equity mutual funds and ETFs (exchange traded funds) for our clients. I spend a lot of time meeting with mutual fund managers, doing quantitative analysis, and communicating our recommendations.”

Although Dane has no immediate plans to undertake additional graduate courses, he says “as my career progresses, and the types of jobs that are available evolve, I imagine I will need to seek additional training or education.

“I’ve worked at Edward Jones for two and a half years,” he notes. “I’ve spent my entire career in financial services in research. Our industry is changing so rapidly, it’s really hard to say what I’ll be doing in the next ten years. I’d like to think that I’ll still be at Edward Jones in a similar capacity with more responsibility.”

Dane and his wife Courtney have been married for seven years. They have two daughters, five-year old Natalie and two-year old Lydia.

“Outside of my family – which comes first – my only hobby is playing golf,” says Dane. Any spare time I have outside of my work or my family responsibilities, I am probably playing golf!”

As to the importance of post-secondary education, Dane says: “Obtaining additional education after high school is a must in our modern economy.

“Four-year schools are a good option for lots of people, but trade schools and other specific job training can be viable options for those looking beyond high school,” he says. “I was fortunate enough to go to a school that was a good fit for my interests, and it provided me with a set of skills so that I could be competitive in the job market.”

Dane is the son of Kevin and Elaine Gray of Gillespie. 

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 22

Christina Niehaus Blevins graduated from Gillespie High School (GHS) in 2003, earning the Emil Borgini Commemorate Your Favorite Teacher Scholarship. The $500 award was deposited with Greenville College in Greenville, Illinois.

Christina attended Greenville College from 2003 to 2007. She earned a BS in secondary biology education. In addition, she obtained a middle school endorsement in science education and in English/language arts.

Her current plans are to begin work on a master’s degree in the next year or two.

Christina taught high school science right after college at Greenville High School for two years before returning to her hometown.

“I am currently in my seventh year at Gillespie Middle School (GMS),” she says. These years include teaching “English/language arts for five years,” she explains. “And I am currently in my second year teaching sixth grade science.”

She also coaches track and field as well as girls’ basketball at GMS and girls’ basketball at Gillespie High School (GHS).

“I married Cory Blevins (GHS 2001) in 2011, and we have a son, Eli, who was born in 2013,” she says. “We are avid Cardinals and Blues fans, and love going to games. I also enjoy spending time with family, baking cakes, making flowers, and attending Eli’s activities.”

A committed and talented teacher, Christina is a supporter of post-secondary education. “Education is a wonderful gift,” she says. “I am so glad that as a teacher I am able to give back in the classroom some of the knowledge that I have gained over the years.”

As to the benefits derived from her Partnership award, Christina reports: “Because of my scholarship from The Partnership, along with many others, I was able to pay for nearly all my freshman year of college without student loans!

Christina is the daughter of Gary Niehaus and Sheryl Niehaus, both of Gillespie.

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 21

Adam Tallman graduated from Gillespie High School (GHS) in 2003, earning the Michael Bertolino Memorial Scholarship. The $500 award was deposited with Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE).

Adam attended SIUE from 2003 through 2007 on a baseball scholarship. He majored in business administration with an emphasis in management, graduating in 2007 with a bachelor of science degree.

“Currently I am a business owner for Farmers Insurance Group in Gillespie, my hometown,” Adam says.

“My main job responsibility is to educate people about insurance to better prepare them to protect what matters most to them,” he explains. “Everyone sees insurance as ‘just another bill’. However, I love meeting with my clients and educating them on the value and importance of insurance.”

He is studying on an ongoing basis to further his education in a variety of insurance and investment needs.

Adam and his wife Trista (Link) married in 2008. Trista (GHS Class of 2002) also received a Partnership scholarship: The W.E. Schmidt Family Foundation award. They have a seven-year old daughter named Addisyn Kathryn and a three-year old son named Jaxon Kenneth.

“Outside of work I enjoy cooking, golfing, fishing with my daughter, playing superheroes with my son, and being with friends and family,” he says. “I also enjoy being a volunteer coach for GHS as well as my daughter’s team.”

“My plans for the future are to spend as much time with my kids as I possibly can. Seeing them grow and being the best dad I can be, in my eyes, is the kind of future I am looking forward to,” Adam says. “When I was young, my parents were very involved with all my extracurricular activities, and I plan to do the same with my kids.”

Reflecting on the importance of his university education and scholarship, Adam notes: “My scholarship from The Partnership helped me pay for books and other tuition-related expenses at SIUE. The Partnership, along with my baseball scholarship, helped me leave college without student loans or debt. This was a huge financial advantage, and I am grateful to The Partnership for helping get started debt-free – on the right foot.”

Adam has made the remarkable decision “to pay this gift forward to another GHS graduate by funding a named scholarship through The Partnership.” This tuition scholarship will be awarded for the first time in May 2018 to a graduate of GHS.

Adam is the son of Dennis and Sandy Tallman of Gillespie. 

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 20

Sydney Koniak Zippmann graduated from Gillespie High School (GHS) in 2011, earning the Matt and Marge Turcol Memorial Scholarship. The $500 award was deposited with Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) in Belleville, Illinois.

“After Gillespie High School, I went to SWIC from 2011 through 2015,” she recounts. “I majored in Applied Science with a certification in Radiologic Technology (RT)

After a year employed in the medical field, Sydney returned to SWIC to specialize in Computed Tomography (CT).

“I am now certified to perform CTs and work in diagnostic radiology. My title is Radiologic Technologist/X-ray technologist and a CT technologist or RT(R)(CT),” she says.

Sydney, who is married to Cody Zippmann, now works full time at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, Illinois, and part-time at MedExpress in Alton.

“My responsibilities consist of starting IVs for CT exams and drawing lab work to check if the patient is well enough to receive the dye we inject through the IV for certain exams,” she says. “I take patient vitals to monitor patients while they are in my care; perform diagnostic scans and X-rays, including fluoro procedures; and run the C-arm machine in surgery for orthopedic cases.”

Her future plans may include returning to school for training in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

“I believe that post-secondary education is extremely important, especially in this day and age,” says Sydney.

“It is a requirement of most jobs now to have a college education of some kind,” she notes. “A college education is something that you will always have to back you and which will always provide a good income for your family.”

Regarding the role that her Partnership scholarship played, Sydney says: “I understand that college can be expensive, but thanks to all the scholarships out there, like The Partnership award, the overall cost of tuition” can be lowered, she says. “And for that I will always be grateful.”

Sydney is the daughter of Randy and Tammy Koniak of Gillespie. 

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 19

Derick Engelke graduated from Gillespie High School (GHS) in 2015, earning the John and Mark Madden Memorial Scholarship. The $500 award was deposited with Lindenwood University in St. Louis.

Derick, majoring in accounting, plans to graduate in May 2018 and follow up with a Masters in Business Administration (MBA).

"I am currently interning with Edward Jones, an investment firm, in Des Peres, Missouri," he reports. "I began my first intern position in December 2016, and have been able to secure internships in various departments over the past year. My main duties include phone details from clients about their Edward Jones investments and/or distributions. Working with such a large corporation has taught me many valuable lessons."

On the Lindenwood campus during his freshman year Derick became involved with a campus ministry which brought him many new friends. In addition, his membership in the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, has expanded his personal and professional network.

"I served as my fraternity's chapter treasurer during the 2016-17 school year," he says. "And I was recently elected to serve as chapter president during the 2017-18 year."

Studies, internships, and official posts are just part of Derick's rewarding college experience, however. "My membership in Delta Tau Delta has allowed me many exciting opportunities," he says, noting that "the most memorable one was being able to attend EVERY home Blues playoff game during the 2016 playoffs. I used my networking skills to gain this wonderful opportunity." A major highlight: "During the games when the Blues scored a goal, I was one of the people who ran up the aisles with a huge Blues' flag."

Blues hockey is a passion, but Cardinals baseball and "any level of football" also occupy

much of Derick's free time.
As his college days come to an end, Derick thanks The Partnership for the help which his

Partnership scholarship provided, noting "the money helped pay for books during my first semester at Lindenwood."

Once out of college, he plans to pursue a career in the accounting field in the St. Louis area "or wherever a great job opportunity takes me."

Derick is the son of Brian and Lisa Engelke of Gillespie. 

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 18

Taylor Gucciardo graduated from Gillespie High School (GHS) in 2010, earning the Jean Fite Memorial Scholarship. She used the $500 award at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE).

Taylor majored in accounting at SIUE and graduated in 2014.

“While in my last year at SIUE, I interned at World Wide Technology,” she says. The company is currently ranked 28th on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For,” which influenced her decision to accept a full time position there as a project accountant after graduation. Her responsibilities included setting budgets, financial analytics, and forecasting and reporting on project financials.

“In January 2017, however, I changed jobs and now work for the family business, Gucciardo CPAs” at its Edwardsville location, she reports. “My current title is tax accountant with my responsibilities including bookkeeping, payroll, and individual tax returns. Living and working in Edwardsville has been great. Plus I get to bring my dog Kona to work with me!” she says.

In her free time, Taylor enjoys “riding my horse, Doc, playing coed soccer, and spending time with Kona. In the future I would like to stay in the Edwardsville area, working for Gucciardo CPAs and continuing to grow our newest location.”

Reflecting on the importance of education, Taylor says, “I think post-secondary education is only becoming more vital in the workforce. Not only did I learn necessary accounting skills, I learned other problem solving skills that have helped me in my daily activities.”

As to The Partnership scholarship, she says: “When paying for college, any help was greatly appreciated. I hope that The Partnership is able to continue to support students like me.”

Taylor is the daughter of Bob and Gina Gucciardo of rural Plainview. 

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 17

Matt Olmsted graduated from Gillespie High School (GHS) in 1996, earning a Partnership for Educational Excellence Scholarship. He used the $500 award at McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois.

Matt earned two full degrees at McKendree: a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus on marketing and a Bachelor of Arts with a focus on music history. He graduated magna cum laude in both and commencement speaker at his 2001 graduation.

During his McKendree years, Matt studied off campus as an exchange student at Letterkenny Institute of Technology in Donegal, Ireland, and as a cultural exchange student for one summer at the Japan Technos Institute in Tokyo.

Two summers were spent at an internship with Walt Disney World’s College Program in Orlando, Florida, and a third summer was spent in Singapore doing an internship with Allied Pickfords, an international moving firm.

Currently Matt is director of sales for Donnelly Financial Solutions in Hong Kong, China.

“We develop and grow business within the global capital markets industry specific to financial printing and financial communication solutions,” he says. “My clients are investment banks, law firms, and corporations who tap the global capital markets through debt and equity issuance as well as mergers and acquisitions.”

He routinely visits clients in Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. “I also often travel into mainland China, pitching for new business,” Matt says.

Calling himself “Single and Available,” Matt spends his spare time entering 10 to 15 kilometer races in Hong Kong, traveling occasionally to races in Cambodia, North Korea, and

Australia. He also does trail runs: the latest a night run of 30 kilometers to a peak in Hong Kong of 1,000 meters.

He also enjoys leisure travel, movies, reading, water skiing, and socializing with friends.

Next on his agenda: “To see where life takes me. Life is not about the destination; it’s about the journey, as they say!”

As to the role of post-secondary education in his life, Matt says, “If it were not for post- secondary education, I would not be where I am today. My education gave me exposure to both personal and professional development. Coming from a small rural community in southern Illinois, it is unimaginable to think that I have traveled to more than 30 countries around the world! These global experiences have opened doors to amazing people, ideas, and opportunities.”

Along the way, his Partnership scholarship “absolutely helped,” he says. “I feel strongly about education and support any person or organization that supports this endeavor. For me, The Partnership gave me opportunities and self-confidence that I may not have otherwise developed. Throughout life, many things can be given and taken away. However, no one can take away the value of an education.”

Matt is the son of Karen Ogden of Titusville, Florida, and Rich Olmsted of rural Mt. Olive near Eagarville. 

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 16

Lyn Kravanya Boyett graduated from Gillespie High School (GHS) in 2001, earning a W.E. Schmidt Family Foundation Scholarship. She used the $500 Partnership award toward freshman tuition at Millikin University in Decatur.

Lyn earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Millikin in 2005 and immediately pursued a Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS). She graduated in 2007.

“While I was growing up, I was always taught to respect people of all walks of life,” she says, “so while I was in high school and college, I knew I wanted to pursue a career where I could help people.”

While studying for her MBA in Springfield, Lyn began to help her parents with the family business, Kravanya Funeral Homes.

“It wasn’t until after I had graduated from UIS that I developed an increased interest in my family’s business,” she says. “I decided that I wanted to live in my hometown where I could serve the people of my community.” In addition to the Kravanya locations in Gillespie and Benld, Lyn is involved with their Bunker Hill facility and the new Ideal Cremations in Benld.

“There is very little time for hobbies,” she says. “I spend most of my free time with my family, my husband Chris and my two energetic children, four-year old daughter Lucy and 2-year old son Dillon.”

As to the importance of post-secondary education, Lyn says: “Today I am able to use the knowledge and experience that I have learned. To me, learning is a valuable tool, and a good education is something that has definitely helped me in life.”

She concludes, “I will always be grateful to all the scholarship organizations like The

Partnership for Educational Excellence for giving me the opportunity to attend a four-year university and advance my education.”

Lyn is the daughter of Tony and Marilyn Kravanya of Gillespie. 

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 15

Josh Heltsley graduated from Gillespie High School (GHS) in 2006, earning a W.E. Schmidt Family Foundation Scholarship. He used the $500 Partnership tuition award at the University of Missouri (Mizzou) at Columbia.

Josh earned a Bachelors of Science in 2010, having majored in biochemistry and minored in biological sciences.

He is currently working as a chemist at the Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery at Roxana, Illinois. “My responsibilities include ensuring finished petroleum products – including jet fuel, diesel fuel, gasoline, benzene, and odorless mineral spirits – meet federal, corporate, and customer specifications and standards,” he says.

In addition, he monitors crude oil for feed into distilling units and does “method development and certification of all products that leave the refinery gates.” Josh is also involved in statistical analysis of data and technical support and special testing for all operating units.

Josh and his wife Nicole have a son, Tucker. His favorite leisure activities are spending time with family, hunting, fishing and boating. In addition, Josh volunteers with the Mt. Olive Volunteer Fire Department and coaches boys’ and girls’ track and field (hurdles and sprints) at Mt. Olive High School. He’s proud that the school has produced three state qualifiers in hurdles since 2015.

Reflecting on the importance of higher education, Josh notes: “All of the post-secondary education that I received has positioned me well inside this company to succeed,” he says. “In the 21st century, a high school education just isn’t enough to set you up to live comfortably. You may be able to find a job, but post-secondary education will help you discover a career path for your future where you can enjoy what you do every day.”

He adds, “The education I received at GHS and Mizzou has made me who I am today. The cost of a four-year university education is high, but the experience is one that is unforgettable and worth the investment to anyone who is willing to put in the work to succeed.”

In regard to the value of his Partnership award, Josh says: “Across the U.S. employers continue to increase the minimum requirements to be eligible for positions within their companies.” Meanwhile the price of the necessary post-secondary education continues to rise.

“For a lot of young people just starting out in the world this [cost] can be discouraging,” he says. “It is important to have programs like The Partnership’s to help set up young adults for success. I am forever grateful to have been a scholarship recipient of The Partnership.”

Josh is the son of Roger and Brenda Heltsley of Eagarville. 

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 14

Allison Goldasich graduated from Gillespie High School (GHS) in 2013, earning a Carol Enrico DeLucca Scholarship for a Top Girl Graduate. She used the $500 Partnership award at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC).

Allison attended SIUC from 2013 through 2017, majoring in health care administration and minoring in accounting. She graduated in May 2017 Summa cum Laude.

“Currently I am pursuing a master’s degree in health administration at Saint Louis University (SLU). I started the program in August and plan to graduate in May 2019,” she says. “At some point in my studies, I plan on earning my Green Belt through the Lean Six Sigma certification process that SLU offers. Lean Six Sigma works to improve quality and reduce defects in organizational processes.”

In addition to her course work, Allison is a graduate assistant for student organizations at the Student Involvement Center. “I oversee day-to-day operations of over 180 student organizations. My responsibilities include managing the SLU Groups web site, reviewing event submissions, approving procurement card requests, reallocating funds, mentoring students, and developing leadership events.” In addition, Allison is the faculty advisor for the honor society on campus: Omicron Delta Kappa.

In her spare time, she plays intramural sports and likes trying new foods and restaurants. Her avocation, she says, is emceeing trivia nights for local St. Louis bars.

After graduation, Allison plans to start her career in St. Louis, “in operations, strategic management, or human resources in a physician practice or hospital setting,” she says.
“Speaking long term, becoming a professor of health care management is something I’d consider, once I acquire the experience to do so.”

Allison concludes, “I would like to thank The Partnership for Educational Excellence for its dedication to the success of the young adults in our community. I was able to use the my DeLucca scholarship to purchase books for my studies. The Partnership’s generosity has provided me financial stability and peace of mind during my undergraduate career.”

As to the role of post-secondary education in her life, Allison notes that college provided her with “great opportunities, friends, and memories that will stay with me always. I truly appreciate the foundation’s interest and contribution to my academic journey.”

Allison is the daughter of Mark and Amy Goldasich of Mt. Clare. 

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 13

Adam Schmidt graduated from Gillespie High School (GHS) in 2012, earning a Jim Rosentreter Memorial Scholarship. He used this $500 Partnership award toward tuition at Lewis and Clark Community College (LCCC) in Godfrey, Illinois, to begin his studies in civil engineering.

After Adam completed his associates degree in 2014, he transferred to Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE). There he achieved his goal by earning a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 2016.

He was immediately able to find employment in Springfield with the Illinois Department of Transportation. Adam is putting his newly acquired skills to work by inspecting “state-owned bridges for structural adequacy and adherence to national and state design codes,” he says.

While currently helping to keep Illinois’ infrastructure safe, Adam is also committed to enhancing his professional qualifications. “My plans for the future include becoming a licensed professional engineer,” he says. He’s also considering obtaining an MBA (Masters of Business Administration).

When he isn’t on the job checking bridge safety, Adam says he enjoys golf. He is engaged and will soon be married.

Reflecting on the role that post-secondary education played in his life, Adam says: “My college education has helped me gain the knowledge that I have today. In turn, that knowledge led to current employment status.” In addition, he says, “college has led me to some great friendships.”

As to the Partnership scholarship, which was paid directly to the bursar at LCCC, Adam notes that the college allowed the money to be used to pay for textbooks.

Adam is the son of Weye and Nancy Schmidt of Gillespie. 

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 12

Beth Bauer Capocci graduated from Gillespie High School (GHS) in 2002, earning a W.E. Schmidt Family Foundation Scholarship. She used the $500 Partnership award toward tuition at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois.

Beth earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics from Millikin in 2006 and immediately pursued her Master’s Degree, also in mathematics, at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), graduating in 2008.

“I then worked for nine years teaching high school mathematics in Los Angeles,” she recounts. These years included three years at a charter school in downtown LA and then six years at a private all-girls Catholic school. “I also served as an academic advisor and the math department chair” at the Catholic school, says Beth.

In June 2013 Beth married Matthew Capocci. They welcomed their son Milo in 2016.

Currently “I am taking a pause from teaching to spend time with Milo,” she says. “Aside from work and my family, I enjoy hiking, baking, and playing with my dog, Ash.”

A committed and talented educator herself, Beth very much values her post-GHS college years.

“I absolutely cherish my post-secondary education,” she says. In addition to providing her with an interesting and challenging career, her six years of college shaped her as a person, “letting me enrich myself. I truly feel those years allowed me to take advantage of opportunities to learn about myself and the world around me,” says Beth.

Beth concludes: “My scholarship from The Partnership certainly helped me to be able to attend the college of my choice.”

Beth is the daughter of the late Tom Bauer and Evelyn Bilyeu of Gillespie. 

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 11

Jason Stromsland graduated from Gillespie High School (GHS) in 2014, earning a Matt and Marge Turcol Memorial Scholarship from The Partnership for Educational Excellence. He used the $500 award toward tuition at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Jason is in his senior year at Eckerd, majoring in marine science with a biology focus. Jason’s primary interest is shark conservation research.

As part of his Eckerd experience, Jason spent his 2016 “winter break” on a three-week class in the Galapagos Islands and the Ecuadoran rainforest. Highlights were swimming with white-tipped sharks, being stung by a man-o-war, and being surrounded by a herd of peccaries in the rainforest. During spring break in 2016 he was accepted as a volunteer researcher at the Bimini Shark Lab where he helped capture, evaluate, and tag various species of sharks. In January 2017, Jason spent three weeks in Cuba at the University of Havana’s Isle of Youth where he worked on coral reef population and health. He also helped with removal and dissection of lion fish, a destructive invasive species in Caribbean waters.

“Being a marine biology student, I have learned the importance of educating those around me with scientifically proven facts rather than misleading people with ‘alternative facts’,” he says. “Honesty was a value I learned to respect at GHS. It’s a value that has been reaffirmed ever since.”

Back on campus Jason has spent the last three summers teaching wakeboarding and basic-to-advanced saltwater fishing skills at Eckerd’s Summer Youth Camp.

In his spare time Jason has earned his deep sea SCUBA rating and enjoys spear fishing, shark conservation outreach, and fossil diving. He has participated in the annual St. Petersburg Triathlon and a number of half-triathlons. Currently he is also enjoying volunteer work at a private sanctuary, caring for retired circus animals.

After graduation Jason is considering grad school or a career with the U.S. Coast Guard.

His Partnership scholarship “was a big help,” says Jason. “I was the second child to graduate from GHS in two years; that meant that my parents were attempting to pay for two college students at one time.”

Jason is the son of Peter and Susan Stromsland of Gillespie. 

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 10

Brenden Engelke graduated from Gillespie High School in 2013, earning a Henry Marcacci Memorial Scholarship from The Partnership for Educational Excellence. He used the $500 award toward tuition at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE).

Brenden earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from SIUE in December 2016 and immediately began work on a master’s degree in accounting. “While attending SIUE as an undergrad, I worked in the business office,” says Brenden. “Now I am working in the business office as a graduate assistant.”

In the immediate future, Brenden plans to earn his CPA license. And his career has received a jump start as the result of an undergraduate opportunity.

“In the spring of 2017 I worked at RSM Accounting in St. Louis as an auditor during an internship,” he says. “I was offered a full-time position upon completion of my master’s degree. In the fall of 2018 I will begin working at RSM on a full-time basis.”

In addition to an accelerated path through undergraduate studies, Brenden had an opportunity to spend 10 days in Germany in May 2017 as part of an SIUE class. “It was a great experience,” he recalls.

In his free time Brenden enjoys listening to music, hanging out with friends, and watching Cardinals baseball and Blues hockey.

Brenden thanks The Partnership for helping with first semester college tuition and counsels future Partnership scholars: “Enjoy your time in college – it goes FAST!”

Brenden is the son of Brian and Lisa Engelke of Gillespie. 

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 9

    Kendra Lubrant Liedtke graduated from Gillespie High School in 1995, earning a scholarship from The Partnership for Educational Excellence.  She used the $500 award toward tuition at the St. Louis University (SLU).

    Kendra graduated from SLU in 1999 with a double major in social work and French and immediately moved to Denver, CO, to pursue a master’s degree in social work.  By 2002 she had obtained her license in clinical social work, and by 2014 she became a certified EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapist.

    “I have been working in the field of adult mental health, both community mental health and now the private sector, as a licensed clinical social worker for more than 15 years,” she says.  She worked four years as a clinical case manager with the Mental Health Center of Denver, providing therapeutic services for adults diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness.

    She then transitioned to providing individual and group psychotherapy to adults, first at the Aurora Mental Health Center’s Adult Outpatient Clinic for nine years and then at the Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Center in Castle Rock for two years, Kendra recounts. 

    “In 2014 I opened my own private psychotherapy practice in Castle Rock, CO” she says.  “I am the sole owner/therapist for this practice called In the Moment Counseling LLC.  I focus my work on individual adults seeking assistance with a wide variety of mental health needs, specializing in trauma-focused work using EMDR therapy to help adults resolve and heal from a variety of distant and recent past traumas that continue to impact their current-day lives.”

    Kendra has been married since 2005 to Mark Liedtke; they have two children, Sydney, age 9, and Marshall, age 7.  In her free time, Kendra enjoys time with family and friends, cooking, traveling, going to concerts and enjoying nature in the Colorado mountains on hiking, biking, camping, and skiing trips.  

    “My post-secondary education provided me with invaluable opportunities and stepping stones to engage in a career that is both challenging and rewarding,” she says.  “I am often able to make a meaningful difference on a deep personal level to others.  In addition, the ability to become a business owner has provided me with greater work-life balance: I can remain active in my career and also be present for my family.”

    Kendra adds: “ I have much gratitude to The Partnership for assisting me along the course of my academic career and helping me gain opportunities that otherwise would not have been available.  The Partnership has done this for me and many others.”

    Kendra is the daughter of Ed and Brenda Lubrant of Gillespie.

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 8

Linsey Manalia Blythe graduated from Gillespie High School in 2008, earning a Michael Valenti Memorial Scholarship from The Partnership for Educational Excellence. She used the $500 award toward tuition at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).

Linsey completed a bachelor’s degree in educational psychology in 2012 at UIS and then undertook the study of diagnostic medical sonography at Sanford-Brown College in Fenton, Missouri, graduating in 2014.

Today Linsey is a Maternal and Fetal Medicine (MFM) Sonographer at the perinatal center of Mercy Hospital in St. Louis and at its off-site location in Maryville, Illinois.

“I perform high risk obstetric (OB) ultrasounds,” she says. “The patients I see are usually experiencing high risk pregnancies due to maternal and/or fetal complications. The exams I perform throughout the day range from first trimester ultrasounds to anatomy scans to weekly follow-up ultrasounds on patients in their third trimester.”

Linsey says that one of the reasons she loves her job is “because every patient, every baby, every situation is different. I never know what my day will be like.”

She plans to further her career by becoming “a more specialized OB sonographer.” Specifically, Linsey will become certified in the Fetal Echocardiography Registry.

Linsey is the daughter of Lonnie and Rhonda Manalia of rural Plainview. They are the proprietors of Fema’s Catering in Benld. 

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 7

Travis Gucciardo graduated from Gillespie High School in 2008. He was awarded the Jim Masterson Memorial Scholarship. (Jim was the chair of The Partnership’s Citizens Advisory Committee and the beloved “spark plug” of the organization.) Travis used the $500 Partnership for Educational Excellence award to attend Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE).

“During my time at SIUE, I earned my bachelor’s degree in accounting,” he recounts. After he graduated in 2012, Travis began studies to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) while working in his mother’s firm, Gina Gucciardo CPA, at its Gillespie office.

He earned his CPA license in 2015. Subsequently, Travis began working at the company’s second office in Edwardsville.

“My responsibilities include tax return preparation and review for individuals and businesses, bookkeeping, payroll and sales tax services for businesses, and general office upkeep,” he says. Travis will continue to take courses in order to renew his CPA license.

Currently living in Edwardsville, Travis keeps busy spending his free time with family and friends and playing soccer. “In the near future, I plan to keep working in the family business and help the new location in Edwardsville grow into a successful office,” he says.

“I greatly appreciate receiving a scholarship from The Partnership for Educational Excellence. If not for my post-secondary education, I would not be where I am today,” he says. “Not only did college prepare me for my career, but I also gained experience in finding a balance between working hard and having fun. I am hopeful that The Partnership will be able to continue helping other GHS graduates for many years to come,” concludes Travis.

Travis is the son of Bob and Gina Gucciardo of rural Plainview.

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 6

Brittany (Ranger) Stoecker graduated from Gillespie High School in 2009, earning a W. E. Schmidt Family Foundation Scholarship. She used the $500 award for tuition at Lewis and Clark Community College (LCCC) in Godfrey, Illinois.

Brittany studied nursing at LCCC and later transferred to Benedictine University in Springfield, Illinois, where she earned her BSN, RN degree in 2012.

She is currently a surgery nurse at St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield where she "admits surgical patients and cares for recovering patients post-operatively."

Brittany and her husband Jeff Stoecker married in 2009. They have a four-year old daughter named Makenzie. She and Jeff "enjoy spending time with family, watching our little girl grow too fast!" says Brittany.

On the horizon are more studies. She plans to continue her education to earn a master's degree in nursing.

"My career in nursing has given me the opportunity to work in many different areas and to gain more experience and knowledge," she says. These experiences make her want to grow in her career. "I look forward to many more years of patient care and helping those in need."

Brittany says she appreciates the Partnership's W.E. Schmidt Family Foundation Scholarship because it "helped with the cost of buying books for my nursing degree."

Brittany is the daughter of Mike and Laura Ranger of rural Wilsonville.