Labor Unions Award $7,500 in Scholarships

Top Awards of $1000 go to Madison Sapp (IBEW 146) and Maddie Prasun (UA 137)

04.05.23 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Decatur Trades & Labor Assembly is proud to announce distribution of $7,500 to thirteen recipients of the 2023 Michael E. Shampine Memorial Scholarship.

The scholarship was open to affiliate union members and their immediate family who plan to enroll in higher education, vocational trade schools or apprentice programs.  It was named after the passing of our dedicated president, Michael Shampine (Roofers 92), who passed away in 2007.  This year, thirteen scholarships were awarded.  Madison Sapp and Maddie Prasun were each awarded the maximum amount of $1,000 and eleven applicants were awarded $500.

2023 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS:

Madison Sapp, IBEW 146 ($1,000)

Maddie Prasun, UA 137 ($1,000)

Makenzie Franklin, DFTA 4324 ($500)

Jennifer Grafelman, IBT 916 ($500)

Analysa Harden, USW 7-0838 ($500)

Tera Kapraun, IBEW 146 ($500)

Dawson Kostenski, SMART 768 ($500)

Olivia Kostenski, SMART 768 ($500)

Katelyn Payne, LIUNA 362 ($500)

Alexis Shew, IBEW 146 ($500)

Riley Taylor, IBEW 146 ($500)

Kaylee Westendorf, IBEW 146 ($500)

Lamarcus Williams, IBEW 146 ($500)

Madison Prasun, $1,000, will graduate from St. Teresa High School and plans to attend St. Louis University.  Her father, Joshua Prasun is a member of the United Association Plumbers & Pipefitters (UA) Local 137.

Madison Sapp, $1,000, is a graduate of Meridian High School and attends Illinois State University.  Her parents, Josh and Mary Sapp, are both members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 146.

Makenzie Franklin, $500, is a graduate of Warrensburg-Latham High School.   Her mother, Teri Franklin, is a member of the Decatur Federation of Teaching Assistants, Local 4324.

Jennifer Grafelman, $500, is a graduate of Farmington High School and is attending Walden University.  She is employed at the Illinois Department of Transportation and is a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Local 916.

Teravena Kapraun, $500, is a graduate of Maroa-Forsyth High School and is enrolled at the Midstate Electrical Training Center (METC) as an apprentice and plans to become a Journeyman Wireman.  She is a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 146.

Dawson Kostenski, $500, is a graduate of Mt. Zion High School attending Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.  His father, David Kostenski, is a member of Sheet Metal Air Rail Transportation, Local 768.

Olivia Kostenski, $500, will graduate from Mt. Zion High School and plans to attend St. Louis University.  Her father, David Kostenski, is a member of Sheet Metal Air Rail Transportation, Local 768.

Analysa Harden, $500, will graduate Taylorville High School and plans to attend Lakeland Community College.  Her father, Todd Harden, is a member of United Steel Workers Local 7-0838.

Katelyn Payne, $500, is a graduate of Lincolnwood High School and attends Lincoln Land Community College.  Her mother, Terri Payne, is a member of Laborers Local 362.

Alexis Shew, $500, will graduate from Decatur Christian School and plans to attend North Central University.  Her father, Michael Shew, is a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 146.

Riley Taylor, $500, will graduate from Mt. Zion High School and plans to attend Elmhurst University.  His step-father, Eric Karr, is a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 146.

Kaylee Westendorf, $500, will graduate Dieterich High School and is enrolled at Eastern Illinois University.  Her father, Jeff Westendorf, is a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 146.

Lamarcus Williams, $500, is enrolled at the Midstate Electrical Training Center (METC) as an apprentice and plans to become a Journeyman Wireman.  He is a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 146.

Since its inception in 2007, $67,125 in scholarships and grants have been awarded to ninety three (93) students representing twenty two different unions.  The memorial scholarship is kept in a donor advised fund at The Community Foundation (www.maconcountygives.org).  Donations can be sent directly to: Michael E. Shampine Memorial Scholarship, c/o The Community Foundation, 101 S. Main, Suite 400, Decatur, IL  62523.  Please consider joining our union family as we invest in the next generation of workers.  All donations are tax deductible.

Decatur Trades & Labor Assembly is a central labor council of the AFL-CIO and is made up of 37 local unions. They represent approximately 13,000 union members and retirees in Macon County.  The mission of the AFL-CIO Central Labor Council is to organize in the community to promote social justice for all working people.  For more information, contact Michael E. Shampine Memorial Scholarship chair Amy Rueff at 217-433-5126.