Murphy-Wall State Bank and Trust Company Recognizes Tania Onate and Ella Keene as February Students of the Month

Tania Onate

Tania Onate will be heading to Southern Illinois University in Carbondale after graduation, where she plans to pursue a double major in Elementary Education and Automotive Technology. Throughout high school, she involved herself in a wide range of activities, including the Green Team, Junior Class Congress, Beta Club, and the band, where she played the bass clarinet.

Beyond her school commitments, Tania also gives her time to the community through volunteer work with local churches and the Pinckneyville community center.

We are excited for her as she moves on to SIU and continues working toward her educational and career goals.

Ella Keene

After graduation, Ella Keene will attend John A. Logan College, where she will join the softball team while focusing on her academics. She plans to spend two years at JALC before transferring to a four‑year university to continue her education in either radiology or cardiac sonography.

During her high school years, Ella stayed active in several sports and groups, including softball, volleyball, Junior Class Congress, and Science Club.

We wish her the best as she takes the next steps toward her future and continues pursuing her goals.

About the Award

At the start of the school year, PCHS seniors were invited to apply for the Murphy-Wall State Bank PCHS Student of the Month by submitting a personal essay of at least 500 words. From twenty-six applicants, in total 12 students including, Eliza Heisner, Lia Farlow, Arryn Overturf, Mackenna Wesseln, Gavin Helton, Reed Marlow, Tania Onate and Ella Keene along with 4 yet to be named students will be selected to receive the Student of the Month title along with a $50 award. At the end of the school year, one of these twelve will be named Student of the Year and awarded a $1,000 scholarship, while another will be honored as the President’s Scholar, also receiving a $1,000 scholarship.

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