The Ace Hardware Stores in Central Illinois, with locations throughout the Abraham Lincoln Council has honored its past company president by creating the George T. Preckwinkle Eagle Scout Scholarship. Mr. Preckwinkle was a long time Scouter who has served in many volunteer postions in the community, including president of the Abraham Lincoln Council Board of Directors in 1976 and 1977.

Mr. Preckwinkle lives his life according to the Scout Oath and law, and believed in the principles of Scouting until his passing in 2009.

The award is a $1,000 college scholarship to one member of the Abraham Lincoln Council's previous year's "Class of Eagle Scouts." This year it will go to an Eagle who completed his board of review in 2011, applies and is selected by the committee. Applicants do not need to be graduating seniors in 2012.

The Abraham Lincoln Council will hold the award until such time as the Eagle is in college or until his 25th birthday. Checks will be issued to the Eagle Scout and their college. Unused scholarships will revert back to the Scholarship Fund for future distribution. Applications must be submitted to the council by January 16, 2012. It will be awarded at the Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner on February 27, 2012.

Established in 2007, the Jean H. Goff Scholarship will continue for at least the next few years. Jean Goff was born in Beardstown and lived most of her adult life in Springfield. While she did not have a college education, she was charged with administering the scholarship programs at the old Marine Bank in Springfield.

Mrs. Goff was a strong advocate of Scouting and the values learned through it. She served as a Den Mother in Pack 35.

This award is for a $1,500 college scholarship for a youth member of the Abraham Lincoln Council who is graduating from high school during the 2011-12 academic year. In addition to the form, applicants must submit an essay and three letters of recommendation: a teacher, a Scout leader, and one other adult (religious leader, neighbor, etc) describing your leadership abilities, scholarship and character. The essay must include our hopes and ambitions, the impact Scouting has made on your life, what your interests are, and how this scholarship will make a difference.

The Abraham Lincoln Council will hold the award until such time as the recipient is in college or until his 25th birthday. Checks will be issued to the recipient and their college. Unused scholarships will revert back to the Scholarship Fund for future distribution.