The selection of the ISWCDEA Scholarship is based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, community service and an essay.  This year's essay question was, "If you were asked by your respective school to sit on a committee tasked with finding alternative energy sources to run the school's facilities, what sources would you suggest and why have they not been used already?"

From the 8 applications received, Nicole Rollins was selected as the 2007 ISWCDEA Scholarship Recipient.  Nicole is the daughter of Anne Rollins, AC for Knox Co. SWCD.  This fall Nicole will be a sophmore at Illinois State University majoring in Finance. 

Sharon Matson, AC for Henry County SWCD was honored during the 59th Annual Meeting and Illinois Land & Water Resources Conference as Outstanding Employee for Illinois.

Sharon has been employed with the Henry County SWCD for the past 8 years.  She is extremely organized, keeping on top of several projects at one time and completing them all on time.  Through Sharon's continued efforts and accomplishments, the Henry County SWCD is stronger and well organized.

Congratulations Sharon.

After 32 years, 10 months & 19 days - Betty Gorman will be retiring.  Betty is in a very elite class of SWCD employees - those that have worked over 30 years with SWCD's and retire.  She has seen many changes of policy, technology as well as employee faces through out her 32 plus years.  While Betty was an asset to the Peoria Co. SWCD - she was also a huge part of beginning the ISWCDEA.

Betty served as Chair of the AC Committee and worked dilligently to get the AC & RC Committee to come together and form the ISWCDEA.  She also served on the Insurance Committee to gain a group health insurance for the Illinois SWCD Employees.

We wish her the best in her retirement, but encourage her to not be a stranger.  Enjoy your new pink rod & reel.  Come back soon and tell us some good fish tales.  Congratulations Betty!