SDCCW honors four young women with scholarships
By DIANE SCHLINDWEIN
Managing Editor
Once again, the Springfield Diocesan Council of Catholic Women has announced the names of four young women who are being awarded scholarships to go toward their educations. The recent high school graduates will be recognized at the 2023 Women of Distinction Mass celebrated by Bishop Thomas John Paprocki at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, which is followed by a luncheon, on Saturday, June 24.
These college-bound women were selected from 64 applicants and will receive $1,500 each from SDCCW, said Shirley Dallmier, scholarship chair. “These young women are chosen because they best represented the young Catholic women of today,” she said. “Tribute goes to their parents and local parishes for their formative roles. May they continue to set high examples and inspiration. Thank you to all the Christian and holy persons who played a part in molding these young women in being an example of our faith today.”
The 2023 recipients are:
Gabrielle DeWerff is the daughter of Michael and Danielle DeWerff of Nokomis and is a member of St. Louis Parish. She is a recent graduate of Sacred Heart-Griffin High School in Springfield. She is an active member of her parish and is a eucharistic minister, frequent altar server, and a member of the choir. In high school she was one of the Kairos retreat leaders and was a member of the St. Louis Ministry Evangelizers. Gabrielle’s future goal is to become a pediatric neurosurgeon, beginning with her studies at St. Louis University this fall.
Allison Kirts, the daughter of Jeff and Martha Kirts of Newton, is a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Sainte Marie. She recently graduated from Newton Community High School. She serves the Church by leading younger children in prayer. She has assisted in her community at the homeless center and helps the elderly with odd jobs. She also prays outside of an abortion clinic and recently attended Catholic HEART Workcamp. Allison hopes to become an elementary school teacher and will be attending Olney Central College, followed by transferring to Eastern Illinois University.
Shelby Seiler, the daughter of Jeff and Carrie Seiler of Auburn, is a member of Holy Cross Parish. She recently graduated from Auburn High School. She considers her faith in God as her most prized gift, which she tries to honor any chance she gets. She is active in both church and community organizations. She has been especially active in BLAST, which helps fifth-graders stay aware of the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Shelby will be attending Illinois College, majoring in pre-med. She said she is grateful to her family and church community for installing solid Christian values in her.
Laney Wright is the daughter of Jeremy and Pamela Wright of Mattoon, where she is a member of Immaculate Conception Parish. She is a recent graduate of Mattoon High School. She is extremely active and well-regarded in her church community. Her list of activities in the Mattoon area include volunteering with Special Olympics, the food pantry, the animal shelter, and at Salvation Army, and fund-raising for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. Laney plans to pursue a career in marketing following her studies at Eastern Illinois University.