Pictured above (left to right): Adilyn Stich, Lillian Walster, Drake Meister, Ashlyn Cathcart, Bailey McBride, and Randy Short (President & CEO of PSGC).
On Wednesday, July 15, Prairie State Generating Company (PSGC) awarded five students with $1,000 scholarships through the annual PSGC Scholarship Program.
The PSGC Scholarship Program has awarded $72,000 in scholarships since its inception in 2015, with the goal of encouraging employees’ children and grandchildren to pursue their career goals through higher education. All applicants are anonymously evaluated by a panel of judges based on academic achievement, work ethic, community service, extracurricular involvement, and career goals.
Congratulations to this year’s PSGC scholars and their families!
More About the 2026 PSGC Scholars
Ashlyn Cathcart is the daughter of Ryan and Crystal Cathcart of Marissa, and her intended major is Business Marketing at Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville. Ashlyn is an active member of the basketball and volleyball team, Beta Club, Math Team, and is a Class Officer. She volunteers at the Mobile Market and Frieden’s United Church of Christ. Ashlyn will begin her freshman year this fall.
Bailey McBride is the daughter of John McBride and Valerie Legereit of Nashville, and her intended major is Nursing at Southeast Missouri State University. Bailey was an active member of the Student Council holding the position of Secretary, Lifesavers, Kindness Club, Pep Club, and Science Club. She also volunteers at the Tilden Food Pantry. Bailey will begin her freshman year this fall.
Drake Meister is the son of Joseph and Amanda Meister of New Athens, and his intended area of study is to be an Electrician. Drake is an active member of the baseball team, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Future Farmers of America. He also volunteered for the New Athens Fire Department BBQ Fundraiser. Drake will begin his senior year this fall at New Athens High School.
Adilyn Stich is the daughter of Kathy and Kelly Stich of Dahlgren, and her intended major is Biology Pre-Med or Radiology. Adilyn is an active member of the Beta Club, WCHS Math Team, Wayne City TPSUA, History Club, and the FFA. She volunteers for Feeding the Kids of Wayne County, Angels on Assignment Food Drive, Meals of Heartland, and several other benefits. She will begin her senior this fall at Wayne City High School.
Lillian Walster is the daughter of Kimberly and Chris Walster of Red Bud, and her intended major is pre-med. She is an active member of the football and basketball cheer team, competition cheer team, Student Council Executive Board, National Honor Society, FFA, Yearbook Co-Editor, Spanish Club, Renaissance performer and choreographer, Spanish Honor Society, and is the Class of ‘27 Historian. She also volunteers for Floraville Grange, WHS Booster Club, Adopt-A-Resident for Monroe County Nursing Home, and is a volunteer CPR Assistant. Lillian will begin her senior year this fall at Waterloo High School.