May 23, 2008

Ashley Bates and Ben Blair were selected by the Sparta Rotary Club to each receive $1,000 C.S. Henderson Rotary Scholarships for 2008. Dr. Victoria J. Willingham, O.D. presented the scholarships to Bates and Blair at May’s Evening Rotary Club meeting at the World Shooting Complex.

Ashley Bates is the daughter of Tom and Sharon Bates of Tilden. After graduating from Sparta High School with the class of 2008, Bates is headed to Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau to major in Accounting. She has also participated in another Rotary Club event, Rotary Youth Leadership Association, which teaches leadership skills to the participants that help youth become more interactive in clubs and organizations by becoming leaders. Bates also played on the Sparta High School Volleyball team and played for the Marching Bulldogs for four years; she is also a member of National Honor Society, Math Club, WYSE and is a 2008 Illinois State Scholar. Bates also has volunteered for a variety of community events from Marissa to Tilden to Sparta. Eris McBride, who recommended Bates, stated, "Ashley has a wonderful attitude and is always eager to participate in any activity that needs her help. She is a cheerful giver."

Ben Blair is the son of William and Kathleen Blair of Sparta. Blair is off to Southern Illinois University-Carbondale to major in Engineering after graduation. While at Sparta High School, Blair was named a 2008 Illinois State Scholar, a member of National Honor Society, the IHSA Honor Band, Math Team, Scholar Bowl, WYSE, Skills USA, Track, Pep Band, and the Marching Bulldogs Band. Blair also made time to mentor younger children at Sparta Lincoln Middle School; he said, "It was a great experience; it was like being a big brother."

Annually, the Sparta Rotary Club offers students the opportunity to apply for the C.S. Henderson Rotary Scholarship. For any additional information regarding the scholarship, contact Dr. Victoria J. Willingham, O.D., who will become the 2008 -2009 President of Sparta Rotary Club.