The Springfield Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (SDCCW) has announced the names of four college-bound women who are being awarded scholarships courtesy of the SDCCW. The recent high school graduates, who were officially recognized at the Women of Distinction Mass celebrated by Bishop Thomas John Paprocki at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield June 21, each received a $2,000 scholarship. More than 50 applied for the scholarships.

Hildi Niemerg

Hildi Niemerg recently graduated from Teutopolis High School and is a member of St. Isidore the Farmer Parish in Effingham County where she actively participates in youth ministry and serves as the Instagram page coordinator. This fall, she will attend Quincy University, where she plans to major in Psychology with a minor in Theology.

She enjoys playing golf, fishing, swimming, and spending quality time with her animals. She says that she is deeply grateful for this scholarship and looks forward to the opportunities it will help her pursue. She adds, “I am excited to see where my faith and education will take me in the future.”

Anna Thies

Anna Thies plans on attending Eastern Illinois University next year to major in nursing. She graduated from Effingham High School. She is the daughter of Tim and Kim Thies and attends Sacred Heart Church in Effingham.

Some of her hobbies include running, spending time with family, and baking. “I choose nursing because I have always wanted to help others and have always dreamed of becoming an OB nurse on a labor and delivery floor after my youngest brother was born,” she said. Thies has three younger siblings Taylor, Tyler, and Luke. Her favorite Bible verse is Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walked through the valley of the shadows of death, I will fear no evil for you were with me you’re rod and your staff they comfort me.”

Addison Paige Pranger

Addison Paige Pranger is a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Jerseyville. She is a third-generation student of St. Francis/Holy Ghost School and a graduate of Marquette Catholic High School in Alton, where she completed over 200 hours of service.

During high school, she was actively involved in the Breast Cancer Awareness Club, Yearbook, Student Council, Campus Ministry, and served as president of the National Honor Society. She was also captain of her house, a group of peers within the school that met regularly to build leadership and faith. Athletically, Pranger played volleyball for one year, varsity tennis for three years, and varsity basketball for four years. She served as captain of both the basketball and tennis teams during her junior and senior years. Academically, she was a high honor roll student, a Silver Medallion recipient, and an Illinois State Scholar.

She will attend Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Ind., where she earned direct admission into the nursing program and received the Presidential Scholarship. She is the daughter of Rick and Sara Pranger and has an older brother named Jackson. Outside of school, she enjoys athletics, particularly tennis, basketball, and pickleball. During the summer, she works as a lifeguard at her local pool and enjoys babysitting. One of her favorite Bible verses is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Jenna Fraley

Jenna Fraley is the daughter of Luke and Kari Fraley and is the oldest of six children who live in rural Calhoun County. She attends St. Anselm Catholic Church and volunteers as an altar server there almost every weekend. She says, “I am blessed to live in the country and get to spend a lot of time with my immediate and extended family.” 

She will attend Southern Illinois University Carbondale and major in Accounting and minor in Agriculture Business. She currently works as a teller at a local bank. “At the bank, I get to work with money and making sure everything is balanced, which fascinates me,” she says.

Fraley also works as a farm hand on her grandfather’s farm. “This is what helped me decide on my college path,” she says. “At the farm, I get to work on the land and with my family, which helps me realize how important it is to preserve agriculture.” 

One of her favorite Bible quotes is Proverbs 3:5-6, which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

“This verse inspires me to not settle on my own thoughts but to look to the Lord for guidance for He will make everything just as it needs to be,” Fraley said.