An endowed scholarship has been established at LLCC as a memorial to Frank and Cinda Edwards. The Edwards Family Memorial Scholarship is funded by contributions made by family and friends.

It is designated for a Chatham Glenwood High School graduate enrolled full-time in LLCC’s associate degree nursing program.

Frank and Cinda Edwards, Glenwood High School alums, were known for their community service. Cinda, an LLCC nursing alum, was a member of the LLCC Board of Trustees from 2007-2013 and served as chair for two years. She was appointed Sangamon County Coroner in 2011. Cinda was awarded the 2015 LLCC Honored Alum Award and was recognized as the Illinois Community College Trustees Association Honored Alum in 2016. Frank served in the Illinois National Guard and worked for the Springfield Fire Department, retiring as chief in 2002. He then served as Springfield’s Ward 1 Alderman. He also served as interim-mayor from December 2010 to April 2011.

Samantha McCarrel of Pawnee has been named the first recipient of the Edwards Family Memorial Scholarship. She has worked as a certified nursing assistant in the cardiac unit at St. John’s Hospital while also attending classes full-time and maintaining a 3.82 GPA. In the last year, she has earned several awards from patients and colleagues.

“I have learned how much I enjoy helping people and working together in a team environment,” McCarrel says. She plans to continue working at St. John’s Hospital as a registered nurse after graduating from the LLCC associate degree nursing program in spring 2021. She also plans to pursue a master’s degree in nursing to one day teach.