Ten more Galesburg School District 8th graders have the chance to go to Knox and Carl Sandburg Colleges tuition-free if they keep their grades up and meet other requirements during high school. That’s because they’re the newest inductees into the George Washington Gale Scholars program, with a ceremony held Thursday at Knox College.
And, if you think about it, who wouldn’t want free college these days. Galesburg High School Senior Tavian James, about to take his free ride, tells the new class he can’t say no.
“I watch as some of my peers show their concerns about paying for college, and whether or not they’ll actually be able to make it,” says James. “It’s times like these that I’m truly grateful to be a part of this program.”
Even Knox College president Teresa Amott admits college isn’t cheap.
“It’s expensive because there’s a lot that we are giving — a lot that we are offering,” Amott tells the inductees. “And to be able to offer the kinds of experiences that Carl Sandburg offers and that Knox offers, we actually have to charge for that. You will not be charged for that tuition.”
Assuming all ten students are successful, they’ll enter either Knox or Carl Sandburg Colleges starting in 2023.
THIS YEAR’S INDUCTEES:
Javier Campos-Claeys
Faith George
Miah Johnson
Mary Avery Ketterman
Hilary Marvine Molomangi
Jason Ponciano
Sariah Simmons
Jordan Sperry
Mackenzie Temple
Kaidence Wilson
Watch this year’s induction ceremony in its entirety below.
