Granite City High School's 2025 graduate LilyRose Cockrum has been named a recipient of the inaugural Alma Irene Aitch Scholarship for Madison County Illinois High School Seniors. The announcement was made by Madison County Regional Superintendent Dr. Robert W. Werden, along with Mannie Jackson and Dr. Ed Hightower.
The $1,000 award is given to ten graduating seniors from across Madison County who have demonstrated high academic achievement, personal drive, and excellence throughout their four-year high school careers.
The Aitch Scholarship is named in honor of Alma Irene Aitch, a former teacher at Lincoln School whose leadership and encouragement profoundly impacted her students and future generations. Created through the collaborative efforts of Jackson, Hightower, and Werden, the scholarship recognizes students who have shown hard work and commitment to success.
Cockrum served as a Student Board Member Advisor for Granite City School District Board of Education and was a four-year honor roll member. She was also selected as an Illinois State Scholar. The daughter of Rocky and Lisa Cockrum, she will attend Saint Louis University in the fall to major in nursing with a minor in Spanish.
This year's scholarship winners represent various academic and vocational education backgrounds from eight different schools out of over 50 applicants.
The following members of the Class of 2025 have been named "Aitch Scholars" as recipients of the 2025 Alma Irene Aitch Scholarship:
- Elise Berry – Roxana
- LilyRose Cockrum - Granite City
- Wren Crawford – Alton
- Jordan Ealey – East Alton-Wood River
- Jayna Halley – Civic Memorial
- Savanah Heinle – Triad
- Kameron Hildebrand–Johnson–Edwardsville
- Addyson Moore – Edwardsville
- Emily Phillips – Alton
- Tyra Wells – Alton Marquette
Those interested in contributing to the Alma Irene Aitch Scholarship Fund may contact the Madison County Regional Office of Education at 618-296-4632 for more information. Details on how Class of 2026 seniors can apply for next year's scholarships will be available this fall at local high schools.
For more information about Granite City School District #9, visit www.gcsd9.net.
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