Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation Awards a Record $141,200 in Scholarships
In a full Rock Island High School Auditorium, the Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation
(RIMEF) awarded $141,200 to the Class of 2023 at its Austin Academic Achievement Awards
and RIMEF Scholarships Night on May 9. 57 accomplished Rock Island High School (RIHS)
seniors received $36,000 in Austin Academic Achievement Award (AAAA) scholarships and
$105,200 RIMEF Named scholarships at the annual ceremony. The RIMEF also recognized the
academic accomplishments of the Top Ten from each class with certificates and gift bundles. In
all, 119 Rock Island High School students were celebrated during this special night for recipients,
parents, family, and friends.
The Rock Island Milan School District 41 logo.
20 AAAA Departmental Award Scholarships were awarded in 10 individual academic areas. 1st
place students in each area received $2,000 and 2nd place received $1,500.
The RIMEF Scholarships range from $500 to $8,000 and are awarded for academics, athletics,
community involvement, etc. RIHS students completed just one application for the 49 separate
named scholarships providing over 70 individual scholarship opportunities.
Among those presenting scholarships at the event were former Rock Island Mayor Mark
Schwiebert (RIHS Class of 1968,) Ascentra Credit Union President Linda Andry, and political
consultant/author John Shallman (RIHS Class of 1982.) Chuck Austin’s daughter, Julie Hansen,
presented the Charles O Austin Leadership Scholarship awarded in memory of her father and
grandfather – all three generations having taught in the RIMSD.
The AAAA program and RIMEF Scholarships are made possible through the generosity of nearly
300 individual/family and business contributors/benefactors.
