Connie B. Christiansen Memorial Scholarship
To support current and future teachers in the Northern Illinois community.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicant must:
- Be a graduate of or current senior at Hononegah or Harlem high schools, or a teacher currently employed by the Kinnikinnick School District.
- Intend to pursue a degree in education, or an advanced degree or certification in the field of education.
Specifications
Preference may be given to applicants who have already completed at least one year of teaching-related collegiate coursework or are pursuing additional certifications.
Written Prompt
Each CFNIL scholarship is created with a specific purpose in mind. As you complete the application, the system automatically matches you with every scholarship for which you are eligible and will present you with a specific written prompt for each. You're encouraged to craft a unique response to each prompt to show the reviewers why you're the best candidate for that scholarship.
Scholarship Background and Intent
Connie grew up on their family farm and graduated from Rushville High School in 1960. She attended Western Illinois University, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Education, and later pursued her Master's degree in Education at National Louis University, Chicago.
Connie met her husband, Chuck Christiansen, in college. They were married on August 2, 1964, in Rushville, Illinois. Together, they moved to Machesney Park, Illinois, where both started teaching in the Harlem School District. Connie taught at Harlem for three years before their daughters, Cheryl and Beth, were born.
Throughout her teaching career, Connie made a significant impact as a Math Teacher in Harlem and Kinnikinnick School Districts. After teaching, she was a Technology Coordinator and led in-service staff training. Connie was known for her focus on working with each student as a whole person by relating math skills to everyday life and through her relentless pursuit to bring out the best in every student. She cared deeply that each of her students performed to the best of their abilities, often meeting with them before or after school if needed. She received the Governor's Master Teacher Award, State of Illinois, in 1984 for her leadership and instructional effectiveness in the teaching profession.
Connie attended Roscoe United Methodist Church, where she was an active member and volunteer for over 50 years. Connie was a woman of deep faith, and she found great joy in serving God through teaching Sunday School and Confirmation Class, as well as holding a variety of leadership roles in which she made a profound impact. She developed rich and meaningful friendships with many members and found joy and gratification in leading retreats and other church events to deepen her connection with others and their faith. She was also part of the team establishing the Hilltop Ministry Center in Machesney Park.
In her free time, Connie coached volleyball, sponsored the student council, held various leadership roles at church and within the school district, tutored students, and spent much quality time with family and friends. Connie volunteered countless hours at Roscoe United Church as a tutor in the Rockford School District Parent and Community Engagement Department (PACE). Connie also enjoyed golfing, gardening, cooking, baking, and hosting gatherings at their home.
Connie passed away on October 2, 2023. Her family created this scholarship to honor her memory and legacy as an educator.
Would you like to support the Connie B. Christiansen Memorial Scholarship? You can make a donation directly to this fund, to help grow its impact and ability to provide educational resources for students in our community — forever!
