The A.C.E. Award is The Exchange Club's scholarship program.  A.C.E. stands for Accepting the Challenge of Excellence.  The A.C.E. Award program recognizes high school seniors who have made a dramatic change in their attitude and performance during their high school years.  These changes have enabled the students to overcome adversities and prepare for graduation.  These “at risk” students have overcome great physical, emotional, or social obstacles, yet few receive recognition.

This is a positive program with two key objectives.  First, it helps encourage students to overcome their hardships and get back on track toward a high school diploma.  Second, the award recognizes those students who are often overlooked for their accomplishments.  This special recognition serves as a powerful example to all students that hard work and perseverance really do pay.

Our 2010 A.C.E. Award Winner        Miss Tori Higgason           from East Alton - Wood River High School

      Presenting the Award are President Roger Queen  and A.C.E. Award Chair  Audrey Stewart

Tori was presented the award at a dinner held in her honor at Carver's Restaurant in Godfrey

Student Eligibility 

 Application is open to any high school senior who has overcome a great physical, emotional, or social obstacle during their high school years and is now eligible for graduation.  The winner will be required to speak about the obstacle and his/her triumph over it at an award banquet held in his/her honor.

Sponsor Eligibility

The sponsor must hold a professional capacity in a close relationship with the candidate such as teacher, counselor, minister, tutor, or other person of authority.  The sponsor mush have direct knowledge of the physical, social, or  emotional obstacles overcome.  Parents, guardians, or relatives may not be sponsors.  

Application Process

Obtain the application form from and Exchange Club Member, Riverbend Area High Schools or Hayner Library.  They are generally available February and March of each year.  The first part of the from is to be completed by the applicant's sponsor.  The sponsor must complete a narrative (not to exceed 275 words) explaining the obstacle the applicant overcame and the implications for the future.  The form also requires that a school official certify that the applicant will graduate in the award year.  The applicant must complete two narratives.  The first should describe the event or events in their lives for which they are most proud.  The second narrative should explain the applicants plans for the future to make their community and the world a better place in which to live.  Both naratives may be no more than 250 words in length.

Winner Information

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The winner will be presented the A.C.E. Award and a $500 scholarship at a dinner held in their honor.  The club submits it's winner to the Lincolnland District Exchange A.C.E. Award competition. District winners receive an additional scholarship and recognition at the District convention.  Winners at the district level then have an opportunity to compete for the National A.C.E. Award and an additional $10,000 scholarship.