Scholarships

Isabelle Purnell Scholarship

The Isabelle Purnell Scholarship fund was established in 2009 in memory of Isabelle Purnell. She was a descendant of the Herriott and Rayburn families from her mother’s side, and the Scott and Purnell families from her father’s side. After farming in Michigan for a few years, her family returned to Mahomet. Their farm was east of Mahomet on Route 150 where the current McDonald’s restaurant is located. Isabelle had many hobbies and interests, but one in particular, was gathering facts and writing a book on the history of Mahomet in 2000. Writing a 461-page book, An Unofficial History of Mahomet, at the age of 88 was quite an accomplishment. She also wrote the history of our church, Mahomet Methodist Centennial 1955. After retiring from teaching at the University of Illinois, she spent an extended time in Chile teaching at a mission. The scholarship was created to continue Isabelle’s commitment to education.

This annual scholarship will be awarded to a student selected by the Mahomet United Methodist Church. Recipients may reapply. The amount of the Isabel Purnell Scholarship awarded each year is based on the amount of the dividend that the Isabel Purnell Scholarship fund earns in the previous year.

Considerations:

  • Shall be an active member of the Mahomet United Methodist Church;
  • Financial need;
  • Service within the church or school;
  • Must be enrolled and in good standing as a student in an accredited program of higher education or working toward an advanced degree; and/or
  • The field of study is not stipulated, but preference may be given to education in ministry, health fields, social services, or agriculture.

 

Application Forms must be completed and returned by June 1, 2024. The Mahomet United Methodist Church Scholarship Committee will select, notify, and award the scholarship based on the information from the questions on th4 application form.

Completed applications may be returned by email to mumc@mumc.org or by mail to:

Mahomet United Methodist Church
1302 E. South Mahomet Rd.
Mahomet, IL 61853

Bob/Marilyn Sinclair Scholarship for Future Teachers

The Bob/Marilyn Sinclair Scholarship fund was established in 2022 in memory of Marilyn Sinclair. Bob and Marilyn Sinclair were lifelong educators. They wanted to encourage students who have chosen to become passionate teachers and mentors to our younger students. They were both active in the Mahomet United Methodist church using their love to help others.

The scholarship was created to help students with financial costs of gaining training to become classroom teachers.

This annual scholarship will become effective for the school year 2022-2023 and continue for as many years as the funds are adequate. This scholarship will be awarded to one student each year that is selected by the Mahomet United Methodist Church. Recipients must reapply each year with application and transcripts. A student may receive the scholarship a maximum of two years. The amount of the Bob/Marilyn Sinclair Scholarship awarded is $4,000 ($2,000 at the beginning of each semester).

Considerations:

  • Must be enrolled in a teacher certification program in the state of Illinois during their junior and senior college years;
  • Must have successfully completed their sophomore or junior year toward a teaching degree;
  • Must maintain at least a 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) cumulative grade point to continue receiving the scholarship during their senior year;
  • Must submit a new application along with transcripts of grades from the previous year (if all guidelines are still met, the scholarship will automatically be awarded for the senior year); and

In the event of multiple applicants, the decision with go to the applicant with:

  • 1st – The highest GPA during their freshman/sophomore college courses;
  • 2nd – Member of Mahomet United Methodist Church;
  • 3rd – a graduate of Mahomet-Seymour High School; and
  • 4th – a college senior over a college junior.Application forms must be completed and returned by June 1, 2024. The Mahomet United Methodist Church Memorial & Scholarship Committee will select, notify, and award the scholarship based on the information from the questions on the application form.Completed applications should be returned by email to mumc@mumc.org or by mail to:

    Mahomet United Methodist Church
    1302 E. South Mahomet Rd.
    Mahomet, IL 61853