William C. Deem (1924-2001) devoted his life to the betterment of primary, secondary and higher education and the exploration of all fields of science. His family wanted to perpetuate his name in both areas.

The WILLIAM C. DEEM/KIWANIS SCIENCE AWARD was conceived in June of 2001. This award is given annually to the top science student in the graduating class at Jacksonville High School in Jacksonville, Illinois. The Science Department faculty selects the recipient based upon criteria established by the school. The family's only requirement: the recipient must be college bound with a declared major in any science field.

The Deem Family selected Jacksonville High School for this award because of Bill's lifelong commitment to its mission, including eight years on the Jacksonville School District #117 Board of Education and two as its president. Applicants are not limited to engineering majors because Bill, though a mechanical engineer by trade, was a student of all sciences. This is demonstrated by his 40-year career as Best of Exposition judge and administrator for the Illinois Junior Academy of Science.

At its June 5, 2001, Board of Directors meeting, the Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville voted unanimously to accept the responsibility of administering the award in perpetuity. A fundraising campaign was conducted that summer and fall by the family and the award account established through the Kiwanis Club.

The first presentation of the award was made in the spring of 2002. Each winner receives a scholarship check, a commemorative plaque and this packet of background information about the award. Recipients are invited to a Kiwanis meeting in the spring where the award is presented by Club officers, representatives of Jacksonville High School and members of the Deem Family.