Covenant Living at the Holmstad in Batavia announces scholarship recipients

Student employees from Covenant Living at the Holmstad were recently awarded
scholarships from the senior living community. Pictured are: (Front row L to R) Adele St. Onge, Meredith
Peterson, Julia Gato, and Olivia Dowd. (Back row L to R) Matthew Rempert, Nathan Sieng, and Kyle Galis.
Not pictured, Audrey Smith.

Covenant Living at the Holmstad’s Resident Association named eight scholarship recipients from among the graduating seniors who are employed at the senior living community in Batavia.

According to a news release, the major source of scholarship funds is proceeds from the sale of merchandise at the community’s Bazaar held each fall.

Applicants submitted applications detailing their work experience, school and community involvement and future goals. Each of the eight students was awarded $1,000 to be used for continuing their education.

“Residents at the Holmstad are so proud of these young men and women who are moving on to the next phase of their lives by pursuing their education,” Sue Gately, scholarship committee chair, said in the release. “Even while working in dining services, they’ve been active at school and in the greater community. We wish them the very best and are happy to provide some assistance with their educational expenses.”

Those receiving scholarships in 2023:

• Olivia Dowd completed 40 hours of clinical training to achieve CNA certification while attending West Aurora High School. She will attend Aurora University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Dowd also plans to work toward advanced degrees in nursing.

• Kyle Galis graduated from Batavia High School and plans to study mechanical engineering at Iowa State University.

• Julia Gatto graduated from Rosary High School. She plans to major in biology at Carthage College in Wisconsin and become an optometrist.

• Meredith Peterson was home-schooled and received her diploma from Greenhouse Christian co-school. Peterson is seeking a degree in ministry or social work and will attend Grove City College in Pennsylvania.

• Matthew Rempert graduated from Batavia High School and will enter basic training with the Army. Upon completing basic training, Rempert will take online classes from Waubonsee Community College and eventually complete his bachelor’s degree at Northern Illinois University. His goal is to become a freelance public speaker and news anchor.

• Addy St. Onge graduated from Batavia High School and will attend Aurora University. She plans on a career in animal-assisted therapies or advertising.

• Nathan Sieng graduated from Batavia High School. He plans to attend Illinois State University to major in business or economics.

• Audrey Smith graduated from Kaneland High School. She received CNA certification through Fox Valley Career Center while in high school. Smith will take courses at Waubonsee Community College and eventually transfer to Purdue University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing.