Teddy Beauchem of Chana awarded a University of Illinois Springfield scholarship

Teddy Beauchem, a resident of Chana and biology/pre-med major at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded the Mabel and Harvey Lynn Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Beauchem, a first generation college student, said she chose UIS because of the similarities to her hometown.

“I definitely benefitted a lot from living in a small town, making friends, which ultimately led to my decision,” she said. While in high school, Beauchem was active in 4H and Future Farmers of America (FFA.) She is currently participating in the collegiate 4H program. She said that horses have always been a part of her life, which made veterinary medicine the perfect fit for her future.

“I have always said I could not imagine my life without a career based around them, which is why my goal is to become a large animal veterinarian specializing in equine general practice and dentistry,” said Beauchem.

Beauchem understands the path to her future has approximately eight years of higher education schooling. The scholarship will hold her accountable.

“This scholarship proves that I will not be able to use money as an excuse to give up when things get hard,” she said.

The Mabel and Harvey Lynn scholarship award was established in honor of the parents and in-laws of Dr. Robert Lynn and former UIS Chancellor, Dr. Naomi Lynn. Lynn was the first Hispanic woman president of an American public university, and served during the transition of the university from Sangamon State to the University of Illinois.

To qualify for the Mabel and Harvey Lynn scholarship, freshmen or sophomore students must be enrolled full-time and be in good academic standing.