Shown, from left, are Lauren Dynes-Gillespie, Abilities
Plus Director of Development, Rachel Stropes, scholarship recipient, and Marilyn
Carpenter, member of the selection committee. [Submitted photo]

Abilities Plus recently announced two new recipients of their $1,000 Jean German Academic Scholarships, which are funded by generous donations each year through the agency’s endowment program.

The scholarships are named in memory of agency founder and long-time supporter, Jean German. This year’s scholarship recipients are Kaitlyn McKeag of Geneseo and Rachel Stropes of Cambridge.

Kaitlyn is a graduate student at Bradley University and is working towards becoming a physical therapist. Rachel graduated from Cambridge High School in 2023 and is pursuing her bachelor’s at Olivet Nazarene University where she will be majoring in general psychology with a career goal of obtaining her master’s and becoming a therapist or behavioral analyst.

Shown, from left, are Sue Herridge, Marilyn Carpenter, members of the selection committee, Kaitlyn McKeag, scholarship recipient, Tracy Thorp, member of the selection committee and Lauren Dynes-Gillespie, Abilities Plus director of development. [Submitted photo]

The scholarships are given annually to local students pursuing degrees in the human service field, with career goals of working with individuals with disabilities.