Danville, IL. – June 26, 2026 – The Greater Illiana Sports Foundation (GISF) proudly
announces area scholarship recipients for 2026. It is the goal of the GISF to award $500
scholarships to Male and Female Senior Student-Athletes of the Year graduating from
schools in the Hall of Fame coverage area. The recipients must use the scholarships to further
their academic pursuits at the college, junior college, or trade school of their choice. This year
GISF will award 6 scholarships.
Nominees are submitted to the GISF by each school and then reviewed by the Foundation
scholarship selection committee. Winners are chosen based on three categories: athletic
accomplishments, academic achievements, and community service. This year’s scholarship
recipients are: Tinley Parkerson – Armstrong, Ryan Edwards – Armstrong, Payton Cox – Salt
Fork, Charles Medlin – Schlarman Academy, Easton Barney – Westville, and Jazmyn Bennett –
Westville.
The Foundation raises funds each April through the “Big Hole” golf tournament held at Turtle
Run Golf Course in Danville, Ill. The GISF thanks Mike Smith, Scot Medlin, and the staff at
Turtle Run for all the work they put in to help the Foundation with this annual endeavor. The
Foundation would also like to thank our tournament sponsors for their support: Beef House
Restaurant, Myers Carpet Weavers, Heartland Ford, Classic Homes Realty, First Farmers Bank
and Trust, Hall of Fame Plaques and Signs, Iroquois Federal, Kelly Signs, and Curt Ellis State
Farm.
View the GISF Hall of Fame at www.greaterillianasportshof.org, or onsite at the Danville Family
YMCA, where a display highlights each member and his or her contribution to area sports.