Virginia Graham Memorial Scholarship

Virginia (Beckley) Graham was born and raised on a farm in rural Rossville, Illinois, on February 1, 1928. She graduated from Illinois State Normal University in 1949. After teaching for five years, she devoted her life to raising a family. She went back to teaching in 1974. She taught fourth grade at Clara Peterson School for over 20 years. After her retirement, she continued to work with children as a volunteer and substitute teacher at Clara Peterson. She died in February, 2003.

Scholarship Information

In memory of her and her love for children, Virginia’s family along with the Paxton Education Foundation have provided a $1,000 scholarship to a PBL graduate pursuing a degree in education or child development.

Eligible applicants include PBL graduating high school senior students. Applicants must rank in the top 50% of their graduating class and must plan to enroll full time at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or trade/vocational school. (Proof of enrollment will be required for release of scholarship payment after the award is announced.)

The recipient will be selected on the basis of these three weighted selection criteria:

  1. Academic achievement as evidenced by grade point average (seventh semester), class rank, and test scores. (1/4)
  2. Participation and leadership in community, school, and work experience activities. (1/4)
  3. Written narrative essay. (1/2) Financial need will be a criterion for selection.

Applicants must submit a printed application form consisting of four parts: Cover Sheet/Student Information; Academic Information; Extra-Curricular Activities; and Essay.

Applications must by submitted by mail with a postmark dated no later than March 2, 2018. Any application not postmarked by March 2 will be ineligible for consideration for the scholarship.

The PBL Education Foundation Scholarship Committee will evaluate finalist applications and select the winner.

Interested applicants may use the following link to print the information sheet and application blank for the scholarship:

Virginia Graham Scholarship Information and Application(LINK TO APPLICATION)