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Abel and Castillo Named Admiral's Scholars at Monmouth College

Full-tuition scholarship recognizes first-time Monmouth freshmen who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and leadership, includes educational enrichment fund.

by Duane Bonifer

MONMOUTH, Ill (02/26/2020) — A visit to the Monmouth College campus helped this year's Admiral's Scholars decide that the liberal arts college was the right place for them.

Janice Abel of Galesburg, Ill., and Luis Castillo of Chicago have been named Admiral's Scholars in Monmouth's incoming freshman class.

The Admiral's Scholarship recognizes first-time Monmouth freshmen from across the nation who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and leadership in their schools and communities. Admiral's Scholars receive a full-tuition award renewable for up to four years and a $5,000 educational enrichment fund.

Awarded to up to two students annually, each Admiral's Scholar has the opportunity to participate in the Honors Program, research with faculty, experience special internships and lead community service projects. Recipients are required to participate in the James and Sybil Stockdale Fellows.

Although Abel grew up in Galesburg, she did not know a lot about Monmouth until she made a visit to the campus.

"I just fell in love, just completely, with the college," said Abel, who is a senior at Galesburg High School and is the daughter of Mark and Donna Abel. "I loved the atmosphere, the people I met and how beautiful the campus is."

Abel is involved in several school and community groups, including serving as editor of her high school paper, the GHS Budget. She also participated in Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities, a program created by the Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development and the Galesburg Community Foundation to teach entrepreneurial skills to high school juniors and seniors.

Abel, who is leaning toward majoring in communication studies, said she is looking forward to taking the wide diversity of Monmouth classes.

"There are such interesting classes offered," she said. "I follow the college on social media and I'm like, "Man, I get to do that or take that class when I'm there.'"

Castillo, who is a senior at Amundsen High School, also became interested in Monmouth after a campus visit.

"I enjoyed how the campus looked, how the campus felt," said Castillo, who is the son of Jose and Irelis Castillo. "I also enjoyed hearing about how connected and close everyone is at the college."

Castillo, who is interested in Monmouth's neuroscience major, is a four-year member of his high school baseball team, and he served as captain his junior year. He also is involved with his school's National Honor Society and volunteers in the community to work with youth baseball and softball players.

"In college, I want to get the most out of my education. So having small classes like they do at Monmouth will allow me to have a one-on-one connection with my professors," he said. "I also like that it's a liberal arts college, which allows you to experience different subjects and opportunities outside of your major."

Founded in 1853, Monmouth College is a nationally selective liberal arts college. Affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the birthplace of the women's fraternity movement, the college offers 38 majors, 42 minors and 17 pre-professional tracks.

Media Attachments

Janice Abel of Galesburg, Ill., who is a senior at Galesburg High School and is the daughter of Mark and Donna Abel, has been named one of two Admiral’s Scholars in Monmouth College’s incoming freshman class.

Luis Castillo of Chicago, who is a senior at Amundsen High School and is the son of Jose and Irelis Castillo, has been named one of two Admiral’s Scholars in Monmouth College’s incoming freshman class.

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