A group of Illinois State University alumni established the Fell Hall Friends, Class of 1961 Endowed Teaching Scholarship in 2009. The award supports students pursuing the outstanding education program that Illinois State provides for future teachers. This fall, the scholarship was awarded to Sydney Apgar and Samantha Simmons, two Redbirds who share the same appreciation for Illinois State’s education community as the Fell Hall Friends.
A mathematics teacher education major, Apgar enrolled at Illinois State because she was aware of the diverse and immersive experience the College of Education provides. “What I love most about my major are the professors and the students in the classes with me,” she said. “Everyone is always so helpful and kind.”
In addition to receiving the Fell Hall Friends scholarship, Apgar also received the Dr. Edna Bazik Endowed Mathematics Teaching Scholarship. The scholarship was created by lifelong teacher Dr. Edna Bazik ’69, who died in 2021. After growing close to Bazik, Apgar said receiving the Fell Hall Friends award was her way of making Bazik proud.
Upon graduation, Apgar hopes to return to her hometown to teach at Carbondale Community High School. She is also looking forward to potentially adding a physics education endorsement, and even hopes to pursue a master’s degree in math education.
Apgar expressed gratitude for the Fell Hall Friends.
“I am truly honored to receive this award. This scholarship has allowed me to continue my journey here at ISU without having to bear the burden of my financial state,” she said. “Thank you all for supporting and continuing to support students going into the education field.”
A second recipient, Samantha Simmons, found comfort in music throughout her education. From joining the marching band in high school to enrolling at Illinois State to study music education, Simmons knew she wanted music to be a constant in her life.
Receiving the Fell Hall Friends scholarship provided Simmons with recognition and a sense of accomplishment.
“I am so thankful for this scholarship and all I will be able to accomplish through it,” she said. “It is a true blessing, and my hope is to create a safe space for children where they don’t have to fear being different or an outcast—they are just known and loved by their name—and this scholarship is allowing me to reach this goal.”
