Photography by Keith Welsh

The Mary E. Cowan Memorial-Scholarship was founded in 2019 by her children Marcellus, Lawanda, David, and Christopher and the Marcellus Sommerville Foundation.

Mary was a passionate mother, grandmother, and friend who had a love that was infectious. She knew how important education was in helping people, families, and communities succeed. She had to drop out of high school early at 16 due to pregnancy when she gave birth.

Mary later went back to earn her GED (General Education Diploma) and became a working mother. Through her journey, Mary encouraged the importance of education to her children and others.

It’s with great honor that we continue promoting her values in education by offering support through the Mary E. Cowan Memorial-Scholarship fund.

This scholarship is available to Peoria County High School Seniors pursuing a college education.

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