Covering the Land of Lincoln

Pat Adams, a Collinsville High School alumna, sets up a scholarship to benefit female student-athletes.

Pat Adams, a 1956 CHS alumna, created a scholarship dedicated to female student-athletes. From left are: Jenna Scheller, Sophia Kiefner, Lily Jurgena, Adelyn Johnson, Pat Adams, Kameron Tune, Gracie Smith and Alina Hernandez.

Collinsville School District

Pat Anderson, a 1956 Collinsville High School graduate, has announced her intention to provide a scholarship designated for Lady Kahok scholar athletes.

The Pat Adams Lady Kahok Scholar Athlete Scholarship was established for a graduating CHS female student athlete who plans to attend college after graduation. There will be one $5,000 scholarship awarded a year.

Adams attended Illinois State Normal University (Illinois State University today) and became a physical education teacher. She earned a master’s degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She taught elementary and junior high physical education for 34 years – 31 in East Alton School District #13. She officiated softball, field hockey, basketball and volleyball throughout the area for many years.

Adams has been interested in sports in his entire life. When she was a Collinsville High School student in the mid-1950s, female athletes were limited to intramural volleyball, basketball and softball, where they did not compete against other schools; and were members of the Girls’ Athletic Association (GAA). She is pleased with the opportunities afforded today’s Lady Kahoks, and wanted a way to reward those who successfully balance the demands of athletics with academics.

“I want this scholarship to reward someone who has worked hard to be a good student,” said Adams.

Her desire to pay it forward comes from an anonymous cash donation given to her when she was a young student teacher. “I received assistance and I want to pass it along,” she said, “Young people need to be encouraged. If we have the capacity to help someone, we should go ahead and do it.”

Adams moved back to her hometown and reconnected with the Kahoks when she retired in 1994. She admittedly “bleeds purple” and is a superfan, cheering at countless Kahok men’s and women’s athletic competitions. “Ms. Pat” gets to know students, coaches and families. She often shares stories and the history of Title IX with today’s athletes to build a bridge between her generation and theirs.

“Pat Adams is a Kahok! Her support for our Kahok Student Athletes and coaches is greatly appreciated,” said CHS Athletic Director Clayton Smith. “Pat is a pioneer for female athletics and her generosity in providing scholarships for our student athletes to attend college is a fantastic opportunity.”

“I was planning to put something in my will to set-up a scholarship,” said the 84-year-old Adams, “When I read about giving through the Collinsville Area Community Foundation, I decided now was the right time to do it . I can make a difference and meet people
benefitting from my scholarship.”

She wants her generosity to be an inspiration to others: “People need to see this happening. It doesn’t have to be a huge amount. Anyone can make a difference.”

“Pat exemplifies the love and support our students receive from our community regarding academic and extracurricular success,” said Collinsville Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich, “Her generosity will positively impact our future graduates for generations to come.”

The Pat Adams Lady Kahok Scholar Athlete Scholarship application must be submitted by April 3, 2023 for consideration. Information will be posted soon on the CHS Counseling Department’s scholarship webpage.

Comments are closed.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More