The Unit Five Education Association annually awards multiple $1,000 scholarships to current Unit 5 high school seniors, including students pursuing a career in education, the child of a UFEA member, and a student in need of financial assistance who plans to continue their education at a 4-year college, 2-year college, trade school, or in the military.
Phyllis Rosenbaum Scholarships
The Phyllis Rosenbaum Scholarship is awarded to two high school seniors — one at Normal Community and one at Normal West — who will pursue a career in education. The 2025 Phyllis Rosenbaum Scholarship winners were Bradley Jackson from NCHS and Addison Brown from NCWHS.
Bradley is looking to pursue a career as a teacher of Black History at the high school or collegiate level. Bradley thanks Mr. Bryan Thomas for teaching him the importance of being adaptable, flexible and willing to change. In his recommendation letter, Mr. Thomas stated that Bradley “is truly selfless and is always asking how he can help others….Bradley is a very positive and diligent young man with an extremely bright future.”
Addison will be attending Illinois State University in the fall, with a focus on Family and Consumer Science Education. Someday she hopes to be able to teach future educators as she was able to learn so much as she earned her Education Pathway Endorsement. Kimberly Boehm, Orchestra Director at NCWHS, had this to say about Addison, “her dedication, skills, and positive attitude make her a standout individual who will undoubtedly continue to excel in all her future endeavors as an educator.”
UFEA Scholarship
The UFEA Scholarship is awarded to the child of a UFEA member who is a high school senior. The 2024 UFEA Scholarship winner is Zach Rumps from NCWHS.
Zach plans on attending Iowa State and pursue a degree in Construction Engineering. One of his career goals is to “make a genuine and positive impact on the world and the people around me.” He would like to especially thank Mrs. Tomlin (NCWHS-Biology) for recognizing his potential when he didn’t even know it himself. The lessons and conversations they had shaped and will continue to shape his work ethic and determination to be the best student he can be.
The Impact Scholarship
The Impact Scholarship is awarded to a Unit 5 senior from either Unit 5 high school, who plans to continue their education after high school at a 2 or 4 year college, in the military or at trade school. This year’s Impact Scholarship winner is Blake Meyer from NCHS.
Blake plans on attending college to pursue a bachelor’s in biochemistry with a minor in civic engagement. This is just one step in his larger goal of eventually becoming a doctor and helping kids with craniofacial differences at Shriners Hospital for Children. Receiving this scholarship will allow him to spend more time on engaging in service-learning, participating in student organizations that are focused on helping the university, its students, and the community.
About the UFEA Torchbearer Fund
UFEA has historically provided a number of scholarships to students graduating from Unit 5 schools. In 2024, UFEA’s Representative Council launched the UFEA Torchbearer Fund, an endowment which will continue to provide student scholarships and member grants. Learn more about the Fund.
About UFEA Scholarships
Applications for UFEA Scholarship are available each spring. Eligible students are encouraged to apply, and applications are scored on a rubric. The UFEA Torchbearer Fund Committee, led by the Torchbearer Fund Chair, scores the applications and determines the recipients.
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