Professional Women in Building Council

Allison Zaiz has been awarded a $1,500 scholarship. Through her time at Belleville West High School, she was a member of the National Honor Society where she served over 50 hours of community service. Allison was also a member of the National English Honor Society, National German Honor Society, National History Honor Society, & National Math Honor Society. She participated in Little Theater and is a member of the Thespian Troupe, an honor society which members have dedicated over 300 hours to theater. Allison received the Best Technician Award and IHSA Sectional Championship in Drama for multiple years. Throughout her academic career, Allison amassed a 5.0 GPA and ended high school ranked #1 in her class. She now pursues her dream by majoring in Interior Design at Maryville University while gaining experience with a summer internship at a local designer.

Emily Reinneck has been awarded a $1,500 scholarship. Through her time at Mascoutah High School, Emily was the Student Body President, Class President, on High Honor Roll, participated in Student Council, Beta Club, Yearbook Productions, Future Business Leaders of America, Reading Across America, and a member of the National Honor Society. Emily participated in softball and golf where she was awarded a varsity letter for both. She also played for H2 Volleyball in St. Louis and Metro East Vortex Volleyball. Throughout her academic career, Emily amassed over a 4.0 GPA. She now pursues her childhood dream of becoming an Interior Designer at the Western Kentucky University.

Bailey Stambaugh has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship. Through her time at Freeburg Community High School, Bailey was an active member of the Saturday Scholars program, a math tutor, a member of the National Honor Society, and a member of the Varsity Academic Challenge team who won 4^th place overall at the State level and 3^rd in chemistry at the regional level. Bailey ended her high school career having amassed a 5.24 GPA, multiple varsity letters in softball, volleyball, and cross country as well as being an Illinois State Scholar and a Rotary Student of the Month. Bailey grew up surrounded by the construction life with her dad being a construction worker. This blossomed into the dream of becoming a civil engineer which is what she pursues now as she transitions to the University of Southern Indiana.

Virgie Jones has been awarded a $500 scholarship. Through her time at Cahokia High School, Virgie tutored other students, and was on the Honor Roll. She has participated in Introducing Girls Into Engineering at the Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville for multiple years as well as found amazing experiences in the Trio Upward Bound and SMASH programs. Virgie was also involved in Student Commerce, Interact, was a member of the National Honor Society, played softball, and was the treasurer of her class. Virgie amassed a 4.6 GPA throughout the years of high school, ending in the top 10% of her class. She now pursues her dream of becoming a civil engineer at the Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville.

Jackie Butler has been awarded a $500 scholarship. Through her time at Triad High School, Jackie was on Honor Roll, High Honor Roll, Vice President of Spanish Honors Society, awarded the Award of Excellence in English and a varsity letter for academics. Jackie was also apart of Triad’s Link Crew, were she helped incoming freshmen transition into high school as well as help tutor fellow students in all subjects. Jackie has spent the past couple years helping, part-time for the Home Builders and Remodelers Association. Here she had the opportunity to meet and learn from the local builders as well as the ins and outs of home building. This helped her receive the National Housing Endowment Student Scholarship, a $2,000 scholarship from the National Association of Home Builders. Jackie now pursues the next chapter in her life at St. Louis University where she will be majoring in biology.

Veronica Butler has won the esteemed PWB $1,000.00 Scholarship. Through her time attending Triad High School she has been involved in high honor roll, the National Honors Society and the Spanish Honor Society. Apart from these societies, she has received numerous awards in sports and academics: The Award of Excellence in Foreign Language, the Varsity Letter for academics, and the Varsity letter for Volleyball.

Veronica Butler now pursues her aspirations of studying neuroscience. She will continue her studies through Bluefield State University on a partial volleyball scholarship studying applied sciences and going into pre-med. After college she desires to attend medical school, and that is when her neuroscience journey will begin.  She wants to save people with life altering disabilities: removing tumors, birth defects, clogged arteries, she plans to do anything and everything in order to give those people the relief they need.

During her ongoing academic career, she has amassed over a  4.0 GPA, all while showing leadership in her extra curricular activities: Link Crew (helping incoming freshmen get acquainted with the school) and her unmatched volleyball reputation. With this passion for volleyball and helping out young women, after college she plans on (in her own words):   “Continuing to help and girls grow in their skills and love for the game of volleyball through coaching. I would love to coach in my free time in the future.”

Graduate from Alton High School, Reiley Clark  has won the esteemed PWB $1,000.00 Scholarship. Through her time attending Alton High School she has been involved in two academic  societies, such as the Nation Honors Society, the Phi Theta Kappa Society. She was also apart of the President’s List at LCCC for Dual Credit Classes, became a recipient for the Rotary Student of the Month, and was awarded the Academic Excellence  award for athletes, achieving all of these feats during her entire four year high school period.

Reiley Clark now pursues her aspirations of studying Architectural Engineering at  Missouri University of Science and Technology. To prepare for her future, she spent her time  sourcing herself with construction related activities.  She took a architectural course at her high school, observed several job sites through A.R. Deahl Construction involving historical building reservations, and became an active member of the Society of Women Engineers. She even received the opportunity to speak with Tim Holland of Kaybee Electric regarding job responsibilities of a project manager.

During her ongoing academic career, she has amassed a 4.42 GPA, all while showing leadership in her extra curricular activities: Math League,  Redbird Nest, Soccer, Football Cheer, Competitive Cheer, NHS, Chamber Advanced Choir, ILMEA All district  Choir, Teacher’s Assistant, Physics Club, and Spanish Club. Apart from these achievements,  she also  made school history placing 3rd at the ICCA State, and placing top 10 for choreography skills for Xperience Chicago.

Abigail  graduated from Jersey Community High School with a 5.065 out of 5.00 GPA, proving she is willing to go above and beyond to reach her goals.   She has received many recognitions for her academics, such as High Honor Roll, FOCUS Student, Junior Rotarian, National Honor Society, and many more to make her the fantastic scholar she has become.  Abigail earned 3rd Place for 3D Modeling from the Illinois Drafting Educators Association, turning her passion for architecture and design into an amazing achievement.

Abigail’s success has not been limited to academics.  She participated in Key Club, Blue Crew, Basketball, and Volleyball, receiving titles such as Basketball Defensive Player of the Year, Volleyball Offensive Player of the Year, Most Points Freshman Track & Field, IBCA-2020 Girls All-State Basketball Honorable Mention, and was a key player in the All Mississippi Valley Conference Basketball Tournament.  She has volunteered for the Red Cross Blood Drive, JCHS Concession Stand, Angel Tree, Bell Ringer for the Salvation Army, and was also a Camp Counselor for Camp Potawotami.  To say Abigail has given back to her community would be an understatement.

Abigail was a Summer Intern at Heneghan and Associates P.C., a member of the HBR , which is  fitting considering her passion for architecture.  She will attend the University of Illinois and plans to graduate with a Masters in Architecture and minor in Sustainability.  Abigail hopes to “minimize the negative effects that buildings have on our planet.”   She has chosen University of Illinois because of their diverse student population which will provide her the opportunity to connect with many different cultures and students.  Abigail plans to remain involved with her community while furthering her education.

Lindsey graduated Alton High School with a 3.74 GPA.  During her school years Lindsey was recognized for her leadership skills, as well as her success in honors-level classrooms.  She took many Dual Credited Classes through Lewis and Clark Community College, where she earned her name on the Dean’s List in Spring of 2019.  Lindsey participated in CTE programs for Architecture Technology and Graphic Communication.  Through these classes, Lindsey learned how to draw floor plans, use AutoCAD, build models of homes, and programs such as Photoshop and Illustrator.  Her development of these skills will be a great asset while furthering her education at Indiana State University and future career as a Interior Architectural Designer.

Lindsey’s dedication was not only in the academic classroom, but to her extracurricular activities as well.  She participated in Cheerleading, Science Olympics, Gymnastics, Band and even worked for her local Dairy Queen.  It is on these teams where Lindsey learned that teamwork was vital to her own success and how to trust others.  While a member of the Alton High School Marching Band, she became Wood Wind Sergeant.  In this role, she taught Freshman the procedures and “marching orders: that she has been recognized for.  She was also able to assist band directors, run sectionals, and re-write scores in the school music library.

Lindsey is an upstanding community member, volunteering for many different events.  She has dedicated her time to local fundraising events, such as trivia events for the Alton Band and Orchestra Builders which supports her local high school’s music program.  She has also performed at the grand opening of her local Walmart in order the help raise money for school supplies.

Sophia recently graduated Waterloo High School with a 3.7 GPA and reached the degree of Super Distinction for the Academic All American Award.  While attending high school, Sophia was the captain of the Speech and Acting Team, member of the National Honors Society, part of the 4.0 Club, and graduated in the top 15% of her class!  According to Mr. John Rickert of Waterloo High School, “Sophia is a paragon of integrity, leadership, and intelligence.”  Sophia’s commitment to go above and beyond has earned titles such as student director, captain, and mentor to others.

Sophia has continuously shown her dedication to her community by giving back to others less fortunate.  She is involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, Monroe County Humane Society, and even helped at Bingo in Oak Hill.

Her family manages a renovation business and she has enjoyed working for them.  Her favorite jobs have been tearing up carpet and painting walls and trim.  For Sophia, the passion comes from seeing the property transform into a beautiful new home.

Sophia plans to attend Harding University.  After graduating, she would like to start buying and selling real estate.  She knows first hand that flipping homes is hard work, but the payoff is so rewarding.

Meredith recently graduated Mater Dei Catholic High School with a 4.0 GPA.  During her school years Meredith was an Illinois State Scholar, receiving a Theology Award, Student Ambassador’s Award, and the Secretary for the National Honors Society at Mater Dei.  Meredith  was involved in Peer Helper’s Tutoring, CARE Crew Peer Counseling, Basketball, Soccer, Pep Club, Future Business Leaders of America, National Honors Society, and ACES Academic Challenge.

Over the past few years, Meredith has volunteered to help at Confirmation Retreats, Cossgrove’s Kitchen, Vacation Bible School, Albers Grade School summer basketball camp, Mater Dei High School girls summer basketball camp, St. Damian’s Church Picnic, Operation Christmas Child, St. Damian and St. Bernard’s Thanksgiving Food Drive, Damiansville Elementary School, St. Damian’s Church, and St. Damian’s 5th and 6th Grade Faith Foundation.  Meredith’s generosity with her time has been such an gift to her community.

Meredith will be attending University of Illinois and plans to major in Civil Engineering with an emphasis on structural engineering.  She hopes to design buildings and bridges that will create a more efficient way of life.  Meredith’s late father was an alumni of the University of Illinois and worked as a metallurgical engineer.  Her and her Dad made many trips to the St. Louis Arch which sparked her passion for engineering many years ago.

Meredith plans to continue to give back to her communities, but on a much larger scale.  She has made it her life goal to contribute to those less fortunate.

Katie recently graduated Mater Dei Catholic High School with a 4.0 GPA.  During her school years Katie received awards in Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Biology, History, Theology, Pre-Calculus, Composition Honors and was also a member of the National Honor Society.  She put her advanced academic knowledge to work tutoring her peers both in and out of school.  Katie excels in English and also won an award for Spanish in 2017.

Katie has a passion for Civil Engineering and was able to take numerous high school courses to help prepare her for a career in this field.  She learned how to do land surveys, read and create construction diagrams, and how to use CAD programs that are essential in the Engineering industry.  In her Junior and Senior years of high school, Katie competed in the STEM competition, advancing to sectionals, and then on to state.

Outside of school, Katie is very involved with her community.  She has volunteered as a Vacation Bible School Leader, donated her time for the Blood Drive, participated in the Urban League St. Louis Thanksgiving Meal program, and has decorated her parish for the holidays year after year.

After high school, Katie will be attending SIUE with a major in Civil Engineering, where she hopes to specialize in structural engineering.  Her ideal job after graduating would put her to work for a construction or architectural firm assessing the safety of bridges, building, and other structures.

Claire honorably graduated Alton High School with a 4.625 GPA.  During her school years Claire received the Principal’s Award, Silver Medallion Recipient, Platinum Alpha recipient and Rotary Student of the Month along with academic recognition in the National Honor Society and an Illinois State Scholar.  Claire was driven towards success throughout high school leaning toward a career in the medical field.  After taking higher level science and math classes such as physics and calculus her goals changed toward engineering.

During her high school years, Claire found time for many extracurricular activities including National Honor Society, Swim Team, MU Alpha Theta, Physics Club, Spanish Cub, Scholar Bowl, Ping-Pong Club and Redbird Nest.

Outside of school Claire is a member of the Alton area Sierra Club where she has spent many weekends helping restore cabins in Marquette Park. Giving back to the community was another strong suite for Claire volunteering for endless school events, earth day, tutoring math and other causes near to her heart.

After high school, Claire will attend Missouri University of Science and Technology for Engineering with plans to continue her volunteer work through participating in “Engineers Without Boarders” serving underdeveloped areas by providing access to clean water, alternate power sources and safer living environments.

Kelli graduated Belleville East High School as Valedictorian, ranking first out of 561 students, with a 5.0 GPA. Among Kelli’s academics, she was First Team All-Academic in the Southwestern Conference in 2017 and 2018. She was a National Honors Society inductee in 2018 as well as MU Alpha Theta, Beta Chi Pi, Rho Kappa, English Honors and the Spanish Honors Society 2018. Kelli also receive the Outstanding Engineer Design Presentation in 2017 and the HITES12 Engineering Design Award in 2018.

Kelli tutored over 50 overs including mentoring with the Big Brothers Big Sisters. Kelli helped begin a chapter of the “Summer Sack Lunch” program at her church six years ago. During the summer Kelli helped to assemble and deliver sack lunches to children throughout the Metro East. Kelli served as President of the Octagon Club and volunteered at nursing homes and food pantries within the community. Kelli was also apart of the Shriners 5k Race as a committee member that helped raise approximately $20,000 for the Shriners Hospital.

Kelli plans to complete her electrical engineering degree to pursue a career as a circuit designer. Kelli hopes to, through working with other s, design and create projects to get electricity to consumers at a cheaper and more efficient rate. Her overall goal is to open her own engineering firm with a strong focus on promoting women engineers.

Elise has graduated in the top 15% of her class, was on honor roll all 4 years of high school along with being Treasurer of the National Honor Society, the Vice President of the Art and Design Club, and editor of the year book. Elise has already taken college courses to focus on her intended Architecture path, which runs in her family.

During her high school years, Elise found time for many extracurricular activities including club and school volleyball, Spanish Club, a member of World Wide Youth and Science, Model United Nations, the Engineering team and volunteering at the Labor and Industry Museum.

Sydney’s many impressive accomplishments in high school include: High Honor Roll, Outstanding Spanish Student (Top 1% in a school of 2700 students), Edwardsville Rotary Club Student of the Month January 2018 (Science), and Silver Medallion Winner. She also received first place in a bridge design contest in 2017 and the Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering 2nd Place Physics in 2018.

During her high school years, Sydney also found time for many extracurricular activities including Basketball, Orchestra, Edwardsville Peer lnfluence Club (EPIC), Classical Ballet, Saturday Scholars Program, Math Team, Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering, and National English Honor Society President.

Melissa has received 20+ achievements and awards during her high school experience. Some of the highlights were her three awards from the VFW, which included essay and art contests, her Southwestern Illinois College 1st place poetry award, the United States Presidential Recognition for Youth Volunteerism, and the Southern Illinois Regional Leadership Scholarship.

During her 4 years of high school, she has also found time for many extracurricular activities including Spirit Squad, Church Youth Group, Concert Choir, National Honor Society, Prom Decorating Committee, Yearbook Staff, Spring Play and Musical, Scholar Bowl, Girl Scouts, and Newspaper Assistant Editor. She also committed her time to participate in the 2018 High School Summer Tour to Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.

Marcella’s academic awards, leadership and recognition include: National Honor Society, Illinois State Scholar, Silver Medallion Award Winner, St. Louis Post Dispatch Scholar Athlete, Academic Letter all 4 years, High Honor Roll all four years, Class rank – 1st.

During her academic career she has also found time for many extracurricular activities including high school softball, select softball, volleyball, basketball and track.

She also committed her time as a volunteer for Salvation Army Bell Ringer, Snack with Santa, Special Olympics, St. Michael’s Octoberfest, High School rummage sale and football clean up team.

Marcella plans to receive her Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and earn her Professional Engineering License.

Brittney plans on earning a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management where she will then obtain her Professional Land Surveying License.

Her academic awards, leadership and recognition include: Construction and Land Surveying Program, Honor Roll, along with SIUE Construction and Surveyors Club.

She has participated in the ACE Mentor Program working with many Architecture, Engineering and Construction firms. Her experience has provided her with two internships that included her working as an office assistant to managing her own solo crew in the field.

During her academic career she has also found time for many extracurricular activities including being Captain of the Varsity Lacrosse team, Alpha Phi and Certified Animal Care Support at Metro East Human Society just to name a few.

Erin graduated High School with a GPA of 5.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Her academic awards, leadership and recognition include: Treasurer of National Honor Society, Treasurer of Math National Honor Society, Straight A Honor Roll, Gateway East Young Achiever, Belleville East Outstanding Achievers Aware, and Lancer Medallion Winner.

During her academic career she has also found time for many extracurricular activities include Student Council, School Newspaper, Interact Club, Science Olympiad, Theater Tech Crew, National Honor Society, English, German, Math and Science National Honor Society along with many others. She also committed 250 hours of her time to the community through volunteer work at many local churches, schools and clubs.

Erin plans to explore the engineering world with plans to participate in the Engineers Without Borders that combines her love of engineering and volunteering. She will travel to less fortunate countries and improve people’s everyday living conditions and quality of life.

Morgan graduate High School with a GPA of 4.6 on a 4.0 scale.

Morgan’s academic awards, leadership and recognition include: Saturday Scholars Program, Tiger Choice Award, Illinois State Scholar and Silver Medallion.

During her academic career she has also found time for many extracurricular activities including tennis, softball, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Spanish club, and Edwardsville Peer Influence Club. She also committed her time to a tennis program where she teaches tennis to children and adults with special needs as well as the Holiday Helpers Program that helped a local family in need.

Morgan has show an interest in the Architect field since 5th grad and has chose specific courses to prepare her for her future. She will continue her path to become a Licensed Architect.

Allison, a senior at O’Fallon High School, is an incredible student who has a 4.127 GPA.

Allison’s academic awards, leadership and recognition include: National Honor Society, Letter of Commendation for the National Merit Scholarship Program, Illinois State Scholar, Nomination for Student of the Month.

She has also participated in many extracurricular activities including future Science Professionals, Saturday Scholars, Spanish National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Culture Mix, Wellness Club, Friends of Rachel (FOR) Club, Spanish Diploma of Merit, Commendation Toward Bi-literacy just to name a few.

Allison plans to become a residential architect with her determination and drive there is no doubt she will reach any goal she sets.

Heather plans to become a certified architect specializing in sustainability with her determination, drive and experience in rebuilding homes, being a part of the set crew for plays and musicals and designer for the homecoming parade float there is no doubt she will reach any goal she sets.

Heather’s academic awards, leadership and recognition include: Noon Chorus Award, Student of the Quarter, Theology Award, National Honor Society for 3 years, High Honor Roll for 4 years, Placed 3rd in Engineering Graphics at the World Youth in Science & Engineering, Student Ambassador for 3 years, Student teacher in Operation Safe Kids Program and Class Representative in Student Council. She also participated in many extracurricular activities including 4 years of Soccer and MVP her Junior year, Head Captain of Club Soccer Team, Dance Team, Future Business Leaders of America and School Choir just to name a few.

Heather, a senior at Mater Dei Catholic High School, is an incredible student who has a 3.98 GPA and ranked 17th in her class.

Linette Warnecke with TheBANK of Edwardsville, Beth Jacob with Jacob Sunroom & Exteriors, Andrea West with Fulford Homes and Dr. Tricia Blackard with C.A.V.C. Director attended the groundbreaking for the Collinsville Area Vocational Center – Building Trades Department on July 30th. Members of the council presented a check for $500 to help with the construction of their 1,200 square foot, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home located at 400 East Church in Collinsville.

Morgan is an amazing student and a member of the following clubs: National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Student Council, Principal’s Advisory Committee, Spanish Club and volunteers at many community activities. She is very active in many soccer teams in which she was the Captain her Junior and Senior year. Morgan has been on the honor roll every semester and has a 5.15 GPA making her the highest ranking female in her class. She has been recognized as an Illinois State Scholar by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. Her plans are to earn a degree in Engineering.

Julie is an incredible student and a member of the following clubs: Science Club, National Honor Society, Vice President of Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish National Honor Society, Treasurer of the Student Council, Editor-in-Chief of the School Newspaper and volunteers on many mission trips and community activities. She participated in 4 years of Soccer and 4 years of Volleyball which she was the Varsity Coach for two seasons and received two Eagle Pride Awards all while maintaining over a 4.0 GPA. Her plans are to earn a degree in Civil Engineering and in hopes to create and build a successful and useful bridge or building.