SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships are funds meant to assist college-bound students in paying their college tuition and fees. This is by no means a complete list of scholarships that AO students can apply for. You can also do internet searches and apply for scholarships through your specific college or university. Scholarship applications can take some time, but they can be so worth it. Scholarships do NOT have to be paid back, and some are even renewable, meaning you can renew it for the same amount for the four years you're in college!

When a deadline passes, the scholarship will be moved to the bottom of this page.

Scholarship To-Do Worksheet - to help you stay organized and on-track!

2024-25 Scholarships at AOHS Overview

PEO Scholarship - "Women Helping Women Reach For The Stars"

Multiple $1000 scholarships open to young women residing in Macon County who are currently seniors in high school  graduating in the spring of 2025. Applicants must be accepted to attend an accredited two or four-year undergraduate college or university in the United States or Canada. 
Applications are due April 15th, 2025 by 6PM CDT.  Please contact Molly Berry at mberry@millikin.edu with questions.

Finalists will be notified by Wednesday April 23rd, 2025 CDT to set up an interview with the scholarship committee the week of April 28th, 2025. If you are selected as a finalist, we will ask for a copy of your high school transcript before your interview. 

AOHS Athletic Booster Scholarship

The Argenta-Oreana Athletic Boosters Scholarship seeks to recognize Bomber athletes who not only exemplify outstanding leadership and academic success, but also those who have positively impacted the lives of their fellow students and athletes while showing kindness, thoughtfulness, good character, and tenacity in all endeavors. The application is linked above and must be turned into the counseling office by Friday, April 4, 2025.

Gary C. Brandon was a 1962 Graduate of Argenta-Oreana High School.  After graduating from high school, he attended Bradley University in Peoria for a year and was also a reservist in the U.S. Army.  He then worked at Caterpillar Tractor until he moved with his family to middle Tennessee in 1981. Prior to the move, he spent hours in the Decatur Public Library researching and designing a solar home. He built the solar home, and three additional homes over the years. Cars were also a passion of his, and he could educate you on anything you needed to know, especially Fords! Gary passed away in February 2025. He was concerned that future generations were losing interest in skilled trades.  His three daughters felt that assisting an Argenta-Oreana student in attending a trades school would be the best way we could honor him. This one-time award is available to a 2025 graduating Senior of Argenta-Oreana High School who will be attending a U.S. trade school after graduating. The application is attached above and is due to the counseling office by April 15, 2025.

Junior Welfare Association Scholarship

This scholarship is open to seniors in Macon County. The flyer is linked above and you can go here to apply. Applications are due March 19, 2025.

Illinois Society of Professional Engineers Scholarship

This scholarship is facilitated by our local chapter of the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers. Seniors interested in pursuing Engineering in college should apply. The application is linked above and is due May 16, 2025. Despite the mention in the application, there will not be in-person interviews held this year.

DeWitt, Macon, Piatt Prairie Beef Association Scholarship

Open to graduating high school seniors who have been somewhat involved in the beef industry. Student must be planning to attend a 4, 2-year, Tech, or Trade program. One letter of recommendation must be sent to the email provided at the top of the application. Applications are due by April 14, 2025.

AOEA Scholarship

AOEA annually awards one or more $500 scholarships to AOHS graduating seniors with a cumulative grade point average of 4.0 (B) or higher. The funds are awarded in two $250 installments upon receipt of proof of enrollment for that semester. You must be attending a 2 or 4 year college on a full-time basis in Fall 2025. Applications can be printed from the link above or picked up from the counseling office. Applications must be turned in to the counseling office by April 10, 2025.

Betz-Holmes Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by the Betz-Holmes Trust, created in the Will of Leota P. Holmes, deceased. Gerber State Bank in Argenta oversees this scholarship. Here are the instructions and the application. You can also pick up a printed copy in the counseling office. Notice the required essay and letters of recommendation. All application materials are due to Gerber State Bank by March 31, 2025. Mrs. Mendez will turn it in for you if you bring it to her before spring break.

Bridge to Betterment Scholarship- Bridge Fellowship

This is a local scholarship through the Bridge Church of Argenta for AOHS seniors. There are no specific major requirements for this scholarship, but please be sure to read the application thoroughly to be sure and include all of the required documents. All applications are due to the address provided by April 14, 2025. If you would like Mrs. Mendez to mail it, please turn it in one week prior to the due date.

Thomas Dixon Memorial Scholarship- Kirby Auxiliary

The Thomas Dixon Memorial Scholarship was established as an endowment to honor the legacy of former CEO, Thomas Dixon. After the endowment was exhausted, the KMC Auxiliary took the initiative to continue this scholarship, funding hundreds of scholarships since its inception. This scholarship is available to students within the Kirby Medical Center service area who are pursuing careers in health-related fields. Click the link above and scroll all the way to the bottom of the page for the application and rubric. Applications are due to the address provided in the application by March 21, 2025. You can re-apply for these funds while in college, too.

BLDD- Because Life Deserves Design Scholarship

This scholarship is provided by BLDD Architects. Click the link above for more information if you're pursuing a degree related to architecture, interior design, or graphic design. This scholarship application is due March 31, 2025.

Illinois Masonic Scottish Rite Scholarship Applications (Valley of Springfield)

Above is the introductory letter for this year's scholarships through the Bloomington Masonic Lodge. Some scholarships require a Masonic relative and some do not. You can view their scholarship webpage here. All scholarships are due by April 1, 2025.

Ancient Accepted Masonic Scottish Rite Scholarships (Valley of Bloomington)

Above is the introductory letter for this year's scholarships through the Bloomington Masonic Lodge. Some scholarships require a Masonic relative and some do not. You can view their scholarship webpage here. All scholarships are due by April 1, 2025.

ROTC Scholarships

The Reserve Officer Training Corps is a wait to enlist in the military and go to college, debt-free. ROTC programs are college-specific. After graduating with a college degree, graduates fulfill a standard service commitment as a commissioned officer. Talk to Mrs. Mendez for more information.

Golden Apple Scholars Program

This is a scholarship and mentorship program for future teachers. Click above for the flyer or go to goldenapple.org for more information. The priority deadline for applications is December 1, 2024, and the final deadline April 1, 2025.

Richland Scholarships

Go to the above link to complete the universal scholarship application for Richland. You'll complete one application and you'll be applied to any scholarship for which you're eligible through the Richland Foundation. Students can apply for scholarships after they have registered for classes. Spring registration opens in March/April.

Richland Honors Program For students interested in more rigorous coursework, honors designations on their Richland transcript, opportunities for research projects with faculty, opportunities for leadership and service, and honors fieldtrips and events. consider applying to the RCC Honors Program. More scholarship money is available through the honors program as well. Eligibility for the honors program includes a 4.375/5.0 GPA. Click the link for a QR code to apply.