Posted - April 18, 2011

Eureka College Names Ronald Reagan Leadership Fellows

six added to leadership program

Eureka College has selected six incoming freshmen as Reagan Fellows in the Ronald W. Reagan Leadership Program.

The award, based on leadership, service and academic excellence, includes a full-tuition scholarship over four years. The students were selected from a field of 95 semifinalists in a competition held on campus in February.

They are:

Luana Dumitru, a daughter of Adiel and Silvia Dumitru of Peoria. Dumitru attends Peoria Christian School, where she is co-president of the Student Outreach Club, which organizes community service projects and supports Christian ministries. She also is president of the school’s chapter of National Honor Society. She teaches in the Sunday school at her church. Dumitru plans to major in accounting and pre-medicine.

Sarah Hall, a daughter of Douglas and Anne Hall of Peoria. Hall attends Richwoods High School, where she is secretary of the senior class and is a member of Student Council, the speech team, the newspaper staff, the choir and theater productions. She participates in the International Baccalaureate college preparatory program, which involves community service work. She is a leader of the youth group at her church. Hall plans to major in communication and theater.     

Cody Hendricks, a son of Chris and Kimberlie Wainscott of Pekin. Hendricks attends Pekin Community High School, where he is president of the senior class and a member of the Peer Advisement Committee and a group that promotes teen safe driving. He founded the Pekin High School Teenage Republican Club. He recently was elected to the Pekin City Council. He is chairman of the Illinois Teenage Republicans and formerly was a member of the executive committee of the Tazewell County GOP. Hendricks plans to major in history with teacher certification and political science.

Ethan McPherson, a son of Leroy and Robin McPherson of Fairbury. McPherson attends Prairie Central High School, where he is president of the Student Senate, captain of the Scholastic Bowl Team and has been class treasurer for four years. He also participates in band, chorus, National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is a mentor at the Boys and Girls Club, and he participates in the youth group at his church, which includes community service work and mission trips. McPherson plans to major in business administration and mathematics.

Samuel Parks, a son of Chris and Lisa Parks of Neosho, Mo. Parks attends Neosho Senior High School, where he is co-founder and chairman of the Neosho Youth Board, which performs community service projects in the city. He also is a member of the school’s Link Crew to assist freshmen with the transition to high school and to promote good character in students. He participates in the youth group at his church, which includes operating a summer day camp for children. Parks is undecided about a major.  

Eleanor “Ella” Stewart, a daughter of Troy and Marla Stewart of Holyoke, Colo. Stewart attends Holyoke High School, where she is vice president of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America chapter, which includes community service work. She is a leader in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, is a member of the choir and has been the lead character in six school dramatic productions.  She has held offices in local and district 4-H groups. Stewart plans to major in biology and pre-medicine.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome these six Reagan Fellows to this distinguished leadership program,” said Eureka College President J. David Arnold. “All of them have made excellence in learning, service and leadership among their own personal goals.”                                             

Besides receiving full tuition, Reagan Fellows participate in workshops and retreats throughout the school year. During the summers of their sophomore and junior years, Reagan Fellows have mentorships with leaders in their field within the United States and abroad. The program pays for travel and living expenses for the mentorships.                                                                                                             

The Reagan Leadership Program is in its 28th year. The program is named for Ronald W. Reagan, 40th president of the United States and a 1932 graduate of Eureka College.

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Contact:

Michele Lehman

Media Relations Coordinator

mlehman@eureka.edu

(309) 467-6318