College Credits: Plainfield Student Hired Before Graduating College

PLAINFIELD, IL — We're keeping track of all the major higher education accomplishments of students in the area. Send your submissions to emily.rosca@patch.com.

Plainfield Central grad earns full-ride scholarship to Ripon College

Ryan Richter graduated from Plainfield Central High School May 18. He won the sole Knop Science Scholarship which is a full tuition ride scholarship to Ripon College in Wisconsin where he will be majoring in chemistry and neuroscience as well as playing DIII Mens Tennis.

At his recent senior awards ceremony, Ryan also was awarded the Associated Orthodontists Scholarship, the Marne 13 American Legion Scholarship as well as the PCHS Athletic Boosters scholarship.

Additionally, he recently became a published first author of a peer-reviewed publication based on research he completed with two peers last summer. Their article is featured in the March 2024 International Journal of High School Research entitled “One Pot Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Alkane Thiols.”

Ryan is a multi-sport athlete playing three years for the PCHS men’s tennis team at 1st doubles with his partner, Micah Ruland. Ryan also plays competitive travel soccer for Team Olympic in Plainfield and participates in competitive archery through the BowDoc Junior Olympic Archery Development program in New Lenox.

— Deanne Richter

Plainfield student performs in Augustana Choir California tour

Mattheia Rudolph, a Vocal Music Education major from Plainfield (60586), was one of 54 Augustana College students who performed in the Augustana Choir tour of California from March 21 to March 25. The choir performed at five Southern California churches, followed by a home concert on April 6 in Davenport.

Under the direction of Dr. Jon Hurty, more than 50 students performed a mix of traditional and modern choral selections from various composers. During this tour, students shared a part of the Midwest choral tradition with friends, family and colleagues in California.

Established in 1931, the Augustana Choir has been conducted by Dr. Hurty since 1996. Under Dr. Hurty's direction, the choir has performed at Orchestra Hall in Chicago, Alice Tully Hall and Carnegie Hall in New York City, as well as many major cathedrals and concert venues in Sweden, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, Austria, Japan, Korea, Spain, France and the Czech Republic.

— Merit Pages News

Student from Plainfield accepted for enrollment at Palmer College of Chiropractic

Hannah Ruane of Plainfield has been accepted for enrollment for the 2024 spring trimester in the Doctor of Chiropractic degree program at Palmer College of Chiropractic's Main Campus in Davenport, Iowa.

— Merit Pages News

Local student recognized as 2023-24 Chancellor's Scholar-Athlete

Meghan Dunning, a Communication Sciences and Disorders major from Plainfield, IL, and member of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater softball team, was one of 47 Warhawks who were recognized as 2023-24 Chancellor's Scholar-Athletes presented by Northwestern Mutual.

Dunning was recognized in a ceremony Monday at the James R. Connor University Center by Chancellor Corey A. King and Director of Athletics Ryan Callahan.

To be recognized as Scholar-Athletes, student-athletes must have maintained a 3.25 cumulative grade point average or above through the end of the 2023 fall semester. Honorees must have participated in a varsity sport for two years, must be of senior academic status and must have accumulated at least 90 degree credits.

Each Scholar-Athlete received a commemorative gift.

— Merit Pages News

Plainfield native hired before graduation by Texas Instruments

Ethan Wood, a senior pursuing a bachelor degree in Engineering from Bob Jones University, was hired before graduation as a validation engineer at Texas Instruments in Dallas, Texas.

Wood is a resident of Plainfield.

— Merit Pages News