Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

The Springfield Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (SDCCW) has announced the recipients of its annual scholarships. The three recent high school graduates were officially recognized at the Women of Distinction Mass, celebrated by Bishop Thomas John Paprocki at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield on June 15. Each recipient received a $2,000 scholarship.

The selected scholars are Ingrid Bakeman from Decatur, Aleah Higgs from Newton, and Kaitlyn Washburn from Greenville. They were chosen from a pool of 54 applicants from across the diocese.

"Competition was very steep this year," said Shirley Dallmier, scholarship chair. "They have set themselves forward as an example of solid Christian values and provide pride and hope for a shining future not only for their communities but for the entire Catholic Church."

Ingrid Bakeman is the daughter of Tom and Angela Bakeman and a member of Holy Family Parish in Decatur. She graduated with high honors from Mt. Zion High School and has distinguished herself in music. She performs with the Millikin Symphony Orchestra and Decatur Youth Orchestra and has participated in multiple church and community presentations. Bakeman plans to attend Belmont University in Nashville to major in Music Business.

"I feel God’s presence and guidance in music and plan to be a leader in reshaping the industry," Bakeman said, citing Johann Bach as her inspiration. "I play the notes as they are written, but it is God who makes the music."

Aleah Higgs, daughter of Jeff and Julie Higgs, is a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church and graduated from Newton Community High School. An active parish member, she serves as a lector, assists with routine church cleaning, and participates in mission trips. Higgs has been involved in FFA, Student Council, sports, and is also recognized as a barrel racer by the Illinois High School Rodeo Association. She plans to attend Eastern Illinois University to pursue a master’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology.

Kaitlyn Washburn is the daughter of Michael and Dorothy Washburn. She attends St. Lawrence Parish Catholic Church and graduated from BCCU #2 High School in Greenville. Described as quiet yet respectful and charming, she has shown strong leadership in both school and church activities. Although not raised Catholic from birth, she embraced her faith during her teenage years.

"Simply believing and putting trust in God," Washburn said, "He will lead you to a life of love and service." She plans to attend the University of Maine at Orono to major in Environmental Sciences.