Every year, the Effingham County 40 & 8, V-1439 presents Nurse’s Training Scholarships to select Effingham County high school seniors.
This year, Chef de Gare (Commander) Ralph Rounds presented the scholarships to Altamont Community High School senior Hope Roedl and Dieterich High School senior Jacey Hayes. The scholarships are normally $1,200 over three years, but due to a donation from the Effingham County Marine Corps League, the scholarships are now $3,000. The 40 & 8 also received some funds from the Patrica West and Elaine Ashley estates.
Each year scholarships are named “Memorial Scholarships” to honor the deceased members of the Effingham Co 40 & 8.
Roedl’s scholarship was named in honor of George Lybarger, who had served in the United States Navy and retired from the service. While with the 40 & 8, Lybarger was Chef de Gare and enjoyed the Flags for First Graders program.
Hayes’ scholarship was named in honor of Richard Niebrugge, who served in the National Guard. He too supported the 40 & 8 programs and assisting fellow veterans. Niebrugge was a member of the 40 & 8 for many years.
Roedl, the daughter of Hona and Robert Roedl, will be attending Lake Land College to become a third-generation nurse. Her mother served as a nurse for many years, while her grandmother, Bert Siebert, served as a nurse for 48 years.
Hayes, the daughter of Jason and Mary Hayes, will also be attending Lake Land College and following other family members into the nursing field. Her sister, Alix Hayes, will be receiving her nurse certification this year, while her dad is currently a nurse.
Roedl and Hayes are the 121st and 122nd recipients of the Nurse’s Training Scholarship.