ILLINOIS LICA ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Reinforcing its commitment to supporting members and their relatives in pursuing post-high school education, Illinois LICA proudly launched its scholarship program in 2025. The Ladies’ Committee was thrilled by the overwhelming number of exceptional applications received from students across the state, making the selection process especially challenging. After careful deliberation, the committee awarded three outstanding individuals with $1,500 scholarships:

Paige Kocher (Flat Rock, IL) – University of Evansville, Biology

Paige, daughter of Jeff & Holly Kocher and granddaughter of Norm & Mary Jane Kocher, is a junior at the University of Evansville, where she has earned Dean’s List recognition every semester. She obtained her associate degree from Vincennes University in 2024 and plans to apply to medical school after graduation. With a passion for medicine and forensic pathology, Paige has gained hands-on experience through her work as a lab phlebotomist at multiple hospitals and participation in autopsies with local coroners. She is also an active volunteer with the Ronald McDonald House, Ark Children’s Crisis Center, Mesker Zoo, and the Arthritis Foundation.

Isabella Bunting (Emington, IL) – Dwight Township High School

Isabella, granddaughter of Lee & Marie Bunting and daughter of Jason & Tasha Bunting, is a senior at Dwight Township High School, maintaining a 4.045 GPA while excelling in academics, athletics, and leadership roles. She has been actively involved in volleyball, basketball, track and field, FFA, Spanish Club, and Student Council. Isabella serves as class President, President of the Dwight FFA Chapter, President of the Tractor Wheels 4-H Club, and Co-President of the Spanish Club. She plans to attend Joliet Junior College and later a university to pursue a career in agriculture, working to bridge the gap between producers and consumers.

Briley McDowell (Elizabethtown, IL) – Hardin County High School

Briley, granddaughter of Chris & LaRae Harner and daughter of Melissa McDowell, is a senior at Hardin County High School, where she is dual enrolled in both high school and college credit courses, maintaining an impressive 5.42 GPA. She has been deeply involved in volleyball, basketball, and FFA, serving as President of her local FFA Chapter. Outside of school, Briley plays volleyball, volunteers at her church, and works for her family’s trucking business and farm. Inspired by her personal experience overcoming a sports injury, Briley plans to attend Southern Illinois University, majoring in Biomedical Sciences, and continue to Physician’s Assistant school to pursue a career in orthopedics.

Illinois LICA is honored to support these outstanding scholars as they work toward their future goals. Their dedication and passion exemplify the values of our association, and we look forward to seeing all they accomplish!