HCWC-GERALYN M. REHKEMPER MEMORIAL FUND

Geralyn Rehkemper moved to Highland from Collinsville with her family in 1991. She joined HCWC in 1993 to get to know people and get involved in the community. During her membership she served as historian and art department chairman for several years as well as served on committees too numerous to name here. In the summer of 1996 Geralyn discovered a lump during a breast self exam. She had surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments in the summer of 1996 and her prognosis seemed to improve. Then in the summer of 1997, her hand/arm swelled with lymph edema. She told her doctor she just didn't feel right, and he implied lots of women worry around their 1 year anniversary. She continued to be an advocate for her health insisting that she didn't feel well. That is when they discovered the breast cancer had spread to her liver and may have been there all along. She left her children in late August to go to Zion, IL to the Cancer Treatment Center for therapy. Geralyn died Sept. 1997 from breast cancer. She was survived by her husband and 3 small children.

Geralyn Rehkemper was a devoted wife, mother, and HCWC member. She was always generous with her time and talents. Geralyn fought the battle to live and be with us all. Geralyn was an example of what every club woman strives to be, dedicated, courageous and proactive.

The HCWC-GERALYN M. REHKEMPER MEMORIAL FUND, through the Highland Area Community Foundation, is an ongoing memorial fund that serves as a tribute to Geralyn and her civic generosity to the Highland Civic Woman's Club and the community of Highland. She will always be remembered.

Applications are due MARCH 31, 2010 for next year’s award. For more information, or to obtain an application, call 618-980-1782.

ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Additional scholarships offered through GFWC including, but not limited to (in alphabetical order):

• Arthur Grant Smith Drama Scholarship
• Centennial Library Scholarship
• Hamilton Ridge Music Scholarship
• Illinois Cottage Park Ridge Scholarships (Vocational for girls)
• Lincoln Lodge Scholarships (Vocational for boys)
• Lorado Taft Art Scholarship
• Vina A. Miller Memorial Scholarship (International affairs 2009; Public Affairs 2010)

For more information, or to obtain applications for any of these scholarships, please use the form on the left to send us an email.