May 20th, 2016. <3 Last Presentation 2016 KJO Memorial Scholarship <3
Like Kelli, Claire liked to encourage people and make them smile – in the case of this young woman, through competitive cheerleading. She was a senior captain who also won a sportsmanship award this year and made the all-Academic Team for cheerleading. She was a member of the soccer team for two years as well.
While her success on the field and in school — where she had a strong grade point average — is impressive, this student caught our eye because of her essay.
Her spirit of giving to others is captured in her worlds. As she said in her opening line, “Sometimes, our most meaningful relationships are made in seemingly insignificant moment and perhaps with the most unexpected people.”
This young woman was referring to her friendship with a fellow student, a member of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at Hinsdale South. Their friendship taught her the importance of patience, compassion and unconditional love – something that struck a chord with us because it reminds us of how our Kelli Joy approached life and friendships, too.
Claire Cvengros is this year’s Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Foundation Scholarship at Hinsdale South. Pictured with Claire is her fellow student-Cori. We wish her nothing but the best in her next chapter of her life. Claire will be attending Washington University, MO.
The Board of the KJO Foundation- Bridgette Douglas, Doug Porter, Rick Heinz, John O’Laughlin & Brenda O’Laughlin congratulate the entire 2016 Scholarship Recipients. We are extremely proud to know that you will continue to carry and spread the “JOY” in Kelli’s memory and to be able to follow your “Dream”!! <3 With the 2016 Graduating Class the KJO Foundation has given out since 2012— 47 scholarships totaling $295,500.
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