Steelville High School’s (SHS) class of 2026 was presented with scholarships from local organizations, businesses, boards and memorial funds on May 13 during the Senior Awards Ceremony. In total, the students earned nearly $72,000 in money that can be allocated toward their future endeavors.

“Looking around this room, I see more than just academic success. I see dedication, character and the hard work that defines our school,” SHS Principal Jeff Gibson said. “Whether you’re headed to a university, a trade school or a new career, remember that you carry the spirit of this community with you.”

Seniors graduating with Latin honors were also announced during the ceremony. There are six students graduating Magna Cum Laude, meaning “with great praise,” including Audrina Quiroz, Sela Bell, Aaleigha Decker, Kylie Wishon, Andrew Johnson and Trishelle Damo. There are four students graduating Summa Cum Laude, meaning “with highest praise,” including Elivia Pryor, Natalie Orick, Aiden Retkowski and Lauren Bumba.

Elivia Pryor was the recipient of the Principal’s Leadership Award for her hard work and dedication throughout her time in the district.

“Your presence here today is a powerful reminder that Steeleville is a community that believes in its school,” Gibson said to the donors in attendance. “By investing nearly $72,000 in these young men and women, you aren’t just funding an education, you’re fueling the future of our community. So I say thank you.”

Scholarships that were awarded included:

• Steelville Alumni Association Scholarship, presented to Braden Dicus and Marley Eilert in the amount of $250 each.

• Chymiak Vocational/Trade Scholarship, presented to Peyton Brooks, Trishelle Damo, Aaleigha Decker, Elivia Pryor and Kady Todd in the amount of $2,000 each.

• Chymiak Family Foundation Scholarship, presented to Aiden Retkowski in the amount of $2,000.

• Steelville Community Foundation Scholarship, presented to Bella Cardoni and Flint Harmon in the amount of $1,000 each.

• Shelter Insurance Scholarship, presented to Bella Cardoni in the amount of $1,500.

• C&E Memorial Scholarship, presented to Aiden Retkowski, Braden Dicus and Flint Harmon in the amount of $1,500 each.

• Steelville Community Civic Foundation Scholarship, presented to Peyton Brooks in the amount of $500.

• Crawford County Cattlemen’s Association Scholarship, presented to Bella Cardoni and Flint Harmon in the amount of $500 each. 

• Crawford County Fair Board Scholarship, presented to Bella Cardoni and Flint Harmon in the amount of $250 each.

• Steelville Ag Supporters Scholarship, presented to Bella Cardoni, Flint Harmon and Kylie Wishon in the amount of $500 each.

• Steelville Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship, presented to Peyton Brooks in the amount of $300.

• Steelville Presbyterian Church Scholarship, presented to Sela Bell in the amount of $500.

• Gabriel Peak Memorial Scholarship, presented to Bella Cardoni in the amount of $500.

• Mary Major Healthcare Scholarship, presented to Aaleigha Decker, Trishelle Damo, Kady Todd,

• Elivia Pryor and Peyton Brooks in the amount of $1,000 each.

• Paul E. Simmons Memorial Scholarship, presented to Elivia Pryor and Aiden Retkowski in the amount of $500 each.

• L.J. “Tick” and Lucille Baloun Perkins Scholarship, presented to Bella Cardoni and Malakai Bruno in the amount of $500 each.

• Sharlene Henry Real Estate Scholarship, presented to Elivia Pryor, Hunter Starbeck, Braden Dicus and Aaleigha Decker in the amount of $500 each.

• Steelville Organization of Staff Kaeding Scholarship, presented to Landon Rutledge in the amount of $1,200.

• Steelville Organization of Staff Scholarship, presented to Mia Case and Bella Cardoni in the amount of $200 each.

• Steelville Missouri State Teachers Association Scholarship, presented to Bella Cardoni in the amount of $500.

• S&P Trade Scholarship, presented to Elivia Pryor in the amount of $2,000.

• S&P Business Scholarship, presented to Malakai Bruno in the amount of $2,000.

• SHS Loyalty Scholarship, presented to Bella Cardoni in the amount of $300.

• Geraldine Gibbs Memorial Scholarship, presented to Aaleigha Decker, Kady Todd, Trishelle Damo, Elivia Pryor and Kylie Wishon in the amount of $2,500 each.

• Kathryn Diane Carr Memorial Scholarship, presented to Bella Cardoni in the amount of $500.

• Cuba Lions Club Scholarship, presented to Aaleigha Decker in the amount of $500.

• Crawford County Farm Bureau Scholarship, presented to Flint Harmon in the amount of $500.

• Peoples Bank Scholarship, presented to Elayna Vehrs, Sela Bell and Flint Harmon in the amount of $500 each.

• Steelville Sports Club Scholarship, presented to Bella Cardoni, Malakai Bruno and Aiden Retkowski in the amount of $250 each.

• Steelville Athletic Booster Club Scholarship, presented to Aiden Retkowski, Malakai Bruno and Elivia Pryor in the amount of $250 each.

• Hollie Chasen Memorial Scholarship, presented to Malakai Bruno in the amount of $250.

• Stephan R. Bass Memorial Scholarship, presented to Braden Dicus and Flint Harmon in the amount of $500 each.

• Lebanon Lodge #77 Scholarship, presented to Flint Harmon in the amount of $500.

• Crawford County Foundation Scholarship, presented to Aiden Retkowski in the amount of $500.

• Katherine Howald Kenagy Memorial Scholarship, presented to Aiden Retkowski in the amount of $1,000.

• Covenant Praise Church Scholarship, presented to Braden Dicus in the amount of $500.

• McDonald’s Scholarship, presented to Anna Brame in the amount of $1,000.

• Steelville Community Development and Care Corporation Scholarship, presented to Bella Cardoni and Mia Case in the amount of $500 each.

• Jason Martin Memorial Scholarship, presented to Flint Harmon in the amount of $2,500.

• Steelville Telephone Trade Scholarship, presented to Peyton Brooks in the amount of $1,000.

• Steelville Welcome Center Trade Scholarship, presented to Elivia Pryor, Trishelle Damo and Peyton Brooks in the amount of $500 each.

• Knights of Columbus Council 8920 Scholarship, presented to Aiden Retkowski and Nick Hoss in the amount of $500 each.

• Chris White Memorial Scholarship, presented to Flint Harmon in the amount of $500.

• Meramec Valley Disabled Veterans Association Chapter 65 Scholarship, presented to Elivia Pryor in the amount of $500.

• Steelville Manufacturing Company Paul Bell Memorial Scholarship, presented to Marley Eilert in the amount of $8,000.