Criteria: 2.0 GPA, 2 Letters of Recommendation, Essay Prompt, Completed Application
Deadline: 4/30/2026
A. Mike Jones Scholarship
Mike Jones graduated in the class of 1973. He played baseball and basketball. After high school, Mike married his high school sweetheart, Debbie Adams, and they had 3 wonderful children together. While working on a job at Blaine Sumner School in 1987, there was a fiery explosion that engulfed the bathroom where Mike was working. Mike was burned over 90% of his body. Unfortunately, after 2 weeks, he passed away. Mike was a proud father of his 3 children: Chad, Jackie, and Justin. All of his children have degrees in education. Mike’s family has been very blessed and would like to give other students the opportunity to fulfill their dreams in education. They want to remember Mike in a positive way through the Mike Jones Memorial Scholarship.
B. Karen Clark Memorial Scholarship:
Karen Clark was a graduate with the Class of 1969. While at Manual High School, Karen was a proud member of the cheerleading team every year, which showcased her nature as a person that could be counted on for encouragement. A proud Manual Ram her whole life, the color orange was her signature costume choice. The focus for this scholarship is on a student going into education who are also cheerleaders with pride in their role as a Manual Ram. The family wants to honor a senior in her memory each year with a $300 scholarship.
C. Richard Echard Scholarship:
The Dick Echard Scholarship was established in recognition of Dick Echard who exhibited high scholastic and student leadership at Manual High School and graduated with honors in his class. His accomplishments as a naval aviator entitled him to become a naval test pilot. He was killed in an airplane crash in October 1964. In memory of his contribution to Manual and his country, the scholarship is made for a graduating senior who most exemplifies the qualities of scholar, athlete, and student leader.
D. Edward Stoneboch Scholarship:
Coach Stoneboch made sure that those around him were always striving to improve by practicing self-discipline, maintaining unquestionable character, knowing one’s goals, knowing the rules, knowing the game and giving 100%. This scholarship was established to help remember Edward’s tenacious spirit in urging others to reach their best efforts. It is given to a graduating senior who most exemplifies the characteristics and standards which Coach Stoneboch held for all.
E. Charles David Lentz Scholarship:
Chuck Lenz was a member of Manual High School’s graduating class of 1973. A scholarship in his memory was established to recognize a student with an exemplary attendance and discipline record, who also elevated school spirit by attending games and supporting peers.
F. Burt Harker Scholarship:
This scholarship is given to a graduating senior who is selected based on the recommendation of the Manual counseling department.
G. Heidi Bowles Kenney M. D. Memorial Scholarship/Community Foundation of Central Illinois:
The Fund was established to provide scholarships to graduating seniors from Peoria Manual High School who will attend an accredited 2- or 4- year institution with plans to study science, technology, math, social justice, or advocacy for women and children. Applicants must be graduating seniors from Peoria Manual High School who will attend an accredited 2- or 4- year institution with plans to study science, technology, math, social justice, or advocacy for women and children.
Two letters of recommendation: one from a teacher and one from a member of the community. An essay of 500 words or less. Describe a time when you reached out to help someone in need. Discuss the qualities you possess that empowered you to do that and what you learned from that experience.