A Taylorville High School graduate has been awarded a scholarship that will help pay for all four years of college.

The First National Bank of Pana has awarded the Dixon Zeigler Scholarship to Gabriella, or Ella, Appel. Appel is the daughter of Michael Appel and Julie Solliday and graduated from Taylorville High School in 2026.

She plans to attend Blackburn College in Carlinville, where she'll study physical therapy while also playing volleyball for the Blackburn Beavers.

During her time at Taylorville High School, Appel was active both in the classroom and in the community. She was a member of the volleyball team, the National Honor Society, and volunteered in numerous community activities.

The Dixon Zeigler Scholarship was established following Zeigler's death in 2015 to assist deserving Taylorville graduates who live within the former Stonington School District boundaries and meet academic requirements. The scholarship provides $2,500 per semester for up to four years, or until the recipient earns an undergraduate degree.