Chicago students win Illinois College scholarships during annual Illinois History Expo

SPRINGFIELD - Students from Chicago high schools Providence-St. Mel and Mt. Carmel won partial scholarships to Illinois College in Jacksonville during the annual Illinois History Expo held May 3 in Springfield.

 

            "Illinois College awards partial scholarships at Expo each year to the students submitting the best essays on the theme, ‘Illinois in the Civil War,'" said Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IHPA) Director Robert Coomer.  The Agency sponsors Expo in cooperation with the Chicago Metro History Education Center.

 

            Sean Collins of Providence-St. Mel High School won a partial scholarship for the essay, "Panacea Venom:  Chicago's Copperheads."  Sean's teacher is Joe Broccolo.  Frank Pucci, a student at Mt. Carmel High School, wrote "Rumble in the Wigwam:  Republican National Convention" as his scholarship-winning essay.  His teacher is Mary Bellmar. 

 

            Illinois College provides an environment for today's students to become tomorrow's leaders.  Since its founding in 1829, the College has adhered to a liberal arts philosophy designed to instill values of self-reliance and lifelong learning.  It is one of 12 colleges and universities in Illinois, and 260 nationwide, authorized to grant membership in Phi Beta Kappa.  Students are enrolled in programs leading to Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees.  The College also enjoys close ties to the Presbyterian Church and the United Church of Christ.   

 

            More than 1,400 junior and senior high school students from across the state participated in the May 3 Expo.  The students were winners selected during regional history fairs held earlier this year.

 

            The regional fairs and the Illinois History Expo are coordinated by the IHPA's Education Services Program, which also publishes the on-line student history magazine Illinois History, and Illinois History Teacher, which contains teaching materials.  For more information on the program, visit www.Illinois-History.gov.