Myron & Laura Litwiller Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was started in December of 2023 by Drs Jonathan and Abby Litwiller, formerly of Morton, then living in San Jose, CA. The fund will generate annual scholarships to graduating Seniors from Morton High School pursuing a degree in Education, with preference given to students pursuing a degree in Special Education.

Myron Litwiller grew up on a farm south of Morton in Armington, IL.  He graduated from high school in Armington in 1968 as Valedictorian and attended Illinois State University on a basketball scholarship from 1968-1972.  While there, he met his bride, Sarah Litwiller and was married in 1972.  He also graduated in 1972 with a degree in accounting.  Myron and Sarah moved to Hopedale, IL after college.  Myron soon began his 39-year career with the Eureka Company (eventually becoming Electrolux) as an Accountant while also continuing to help his dad on the family farm. 

Myron and Sarah would have two children, Jonathan in 1974 and Laura in 1979.  Laura was born with a neurodegenerative disease that, over the course of her life, created special needs in the medical and educational world.  Many of the services Laura required for development were in Peoria.  As Myron continued to work in Bloomington for Eureka, he and Sarah made the decision to relocate to Morton in 1986.  While the move, at first, had the goals of moving to a wonderful community with a great school system for their son and decreasing the daily round trip drives to Peoria for Laura, they eventually found a Special Education system in Morton that would benefit Laura for many years.  Those who knew Laura at the Junior High and High School also know the amazing impact she had on those around her.  Although she faced unbelievable challenges on a daily basis, through her smile and attitude of "oh well!", she taught us all enduring lessons of love, caring and perseverance.  Sadly, she passed on March 27, 1999 at the age of 20.  The life lessons that she taught those around her are her incredible legacy.  Her life lessons live on. 

Myron continued to work for Eureka in Bloomington and briefly in Charlotte, NC until 2012.  He and Sarah moved to Zionsville, IN from 2012-19 upon Myron's retirement to be near their son's family.  Upon their son's relocation for work, they returned to Morton to be near family and long-term friends in a community they loved.  Myron passed on June 19th, 2023 at the age of 72.  Sarah continues to live in Morton. 

Myron always valued and was blessed by the education afforded his children in Morton...especially the special education availed to Laura.  Education is a noble mission driven profession and the need for this amazing group of individuals has never been greater.  It is the hope of Myron and Laura's family that this scholarship will help the recipient pursue this honorable profession and impact lives for years to come.

Past Scholarship Recipients:

2024 (FIRST YEAR) - Courtney Gardner

If you would like to help us grow this endowment to create more and larger scholarships by making a tax deductible donation to this endowment fund, please click the button below for online donations (fees apply). Or, you can mail a check to 135 S First Avenue, Morton, IL 61550.

HOW TO APPLY:

Morton High School students who feel they may qualify for this scholarship can pick up an application in the Morton High School counseling office beginning in mid-February each year. Applications must be filled out and submitted to the counseling office in mid-March. You may inquire in the counseling office for specific pickup dates and deadlines each year.