Gale Scholars Inducted

The George Washington Gale Scholars Program inducted its 12th class of scholars at 11 a.m., Friday, May 9, 2008 at the George Washington Gale House, 127 E. North Street, Galesburg.

Fifteen students were inducted into the program, which provides academic support, mentoring and community service opportunities during their time at Galesburg High School, along with tuition-waiver scholarships from Carl Sandburg College and Knox College.

The induction ceremony featured remarks from Dane Bragg, Galesburg City Manager.

The students are Heavyn Babcock, Marc Cooper, Samantha Cooper, Ciera Fancher, Talia Gibbs, Jovana Hernandez, Regan Keith-Cervantez, Brooke McCoy, Kelsey Meredith, Karizma Nash, Andria Powers, Jared Rasso, Dakota Smith, Hazelee Wallace, and J-Von Watkins.

The new Gale Scholars were welcomed by Les Hunter, Gale Scholars Program Director and two current Gale Scholars -- one graduating from Knox College this year and one enrolled at Galesburg High School.

Certificates marking the induction were presented by Roger Taylor, President of Knox College; Tom Schmidt, President of Carl Sandburg College; and Joel Estes, Assistant Superintendent of Schools of Galesburg District #205.

The Gale Scholars program was created in 1996 by the school district and the two colleges, to enhance academic preparation and encourage the academic aspirations of talented young people from economically challenged backgrounds.

The program selects up to 15 eighth-grade students each year through a competitive application process. Those selected are required to maintain academic excellence, participate in community service, and take advantage of mentoring and career planning opportunities through their high school and college careers. In return, each student receives a two-year, tuition-waiver scholarship to Carl Sandburg College, and a two-year, tuition-waiver scholarship to Knox College.

The program is named after the Reverend George Washington Gale, leader of the group of pioneers from upstate New York who founded Galesburg and Knox College in 1837. The program has been designated a "Best Practice" by the Illinois Board of Higher Education and by the Illinois Association of School Boards.

The Gale House, built by Knox's founder in 1840 and the site of the Gale Scholars induction ceremony for the past several years, was acquired by the College in 2006 by a gift from Bill and Beth Suitts.

Founded in 1837, Knox is a national liberal arts college in Galesburg, Illinois, with students from 45 states and 44 nations.

Galesburg City Manager Dane Bragg; below, newly inducted Gale Scholar Brooke McCoy shows her induction certificate to her grandmother, Margaret Spry, after the ceremony; bottom, the 2008 Gale Scholars.