Established by the Illinois State University Foundation, the Robert G. Bone Scholarship is recognized as the highest-level award a student can receive. The scholarship was created in memory of former Illinois State University President Robert Bone and celebrates students who demonstrate high academic achievement and frequent and dedicated community involvement.
Hannah Johnson ’22 graduated with a major in nursing and minor in Spanish. She was a member of Illinois State’s track and field team competing in the shot put and hammer throw. Johnson said receiving the Bone Scholarship validated her work and alleviated financial stress.
A Bloomington-Normal native, Johnson became highly involved in many volunteer opportunities during her time as a student. She volunteered with Unit 5 Recess Buddies and participated in track and field camps. Johnson most valued the ability to work within the Latinx community, where she applied her nursing knowledge and Spanish language skills. Johnson has since accepted a position within the Surgical Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit at the University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics.
Another recipient, senior history-social sciences education major Xavier Lee has enjoyed serving as treasurer of Illinois State’s table tennis team, and working as a substitute teacher and tutor for schools in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.
“(The scholarship) allowed me to focus on my student teaching during the fall 2021 semester and become the best teacher I could be for my students,” Lee said. “Instead of worrying about how I would secure funds, I was able to completely devote myself to creating and implementing engaging, culturally responsive lessons to a diverse group of students.”
Lee recently accepted a position as a full-time social studies teacher at the school where he had previously student taught. He is most looking forward to working with some familiar faces.
“I aim to provide my students with relevant 21st century skills to become civically engaged citizens in a globalized and changing world,” he said.
To qualify for the Bone Scholarship, students must have a GPA of 3.7 or higher and have a minimum of four undergraduate semesters completed at Illinois State. Qualifying students must demonstrate clear academic and community excellence, supplemented with nomination letters.
