Two Taylorville High School (THS) seniors were awarded the Dr. George Ferry Memorial Scholarship administered by the Taylorville Memorial Foundation during an awards ceremony at the high school.

Luke Markwell and Tucker Tippitt were each awarded $2,500 scholarships to assist them as they pursue careers in health care. The scholarship is awarded each spring to two THS graduates who plan to pursue a career in health care.

Markwell will be a student at Illinois State University, where he is pursuing a nursing degree.

Markwell’s letters of recommendation described him as a “meticulous” student, “an example of all the ideals society holds dear” and praised Markwell’s work at his part-time job as a pharmacy technician at Walgreens. He is the son of Stephen and Beth Markwell of Taylorville.

Tippitt will be a student at Southern Illinois University, where he will seek a bachelor of science degree in exercise science. Inspired by his own journey overcoming physical limitations, Tippitt plans to pursue a doctorate degree in physical therapy.

A “stand-out” member of the THS baseball team, Tippitt has known for quite some time that he wants to help athletes through medicine, wrote Christine Rivecco, THS math department chairperson and National Honor Society adviser in a recommendation letter.

Tippitt is the son of Brad and Carla Tippitt of Taylorville.

The late Dr. George Ferry contributed a lifetime of service, dedication and commitment to his family, his practice, his community and Taylorville Memorial Hospital.

Organized in 1995, the Taylorville Memorial Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The foundation accepts financial donations to help further the mission of Taylorville Memorial Hospital. For more information, contact the foundation office at 217-707-5271 or visit memorial.health/tmf.