The Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Foundation is proud to introduce our 2026 scholarship recipient from Hinsdale Central High School, Audrey Araujo. For some, leadership is about taking the spotlight. But for Audrey, true leadership is about making sure no one is left on the sidelines, ensuring that every single person she meets feels seen, valued, and completely safe to be themselves.

Carrying the “Helper” Spirit

At the heart of our mission is keeping Kelli’s light bright by finding students who share her “helper” spirit—those who notice the person on the sidelines and make it their mission to bring them into the heart of the group. Audrey is a bridge-builder who leads with that exact same heart. Recognized for her deeply intentional kindness, her fierce advocacy for others, and a radiant warmth, she beautifully mirrors Kelli’s enduring legacy.

Building Bridges of Belonging

At the center of Audrey’s high school journey is her profound commitment to the neurodiverse community at Hinsdale Central. As a dedicated leader in both the Peer Buddies club and the Adaptive PE program for the past two years, Audrey didn’t just show up to assist; she showed up to build genuine, life-changing friendships.

In her beautiful scholarship essay, Audrey shared the story of her close bond with her friend Jayda. While others sometimes misunderstood Jayda, Audrey saw her light. Tuesdays became their favorite days, spent pedaling side-by-side on adaptive bikes while blasting songs from Wicked. Fridays were for yoga, corner laughs, and talking about weekend plans, and Thursdays were strictly for dancing to Taylor Swift. By walking side-by-side to her next class every single day, Audrey turned a school routine into a sanctuary of trust and joy.

Leadership in Action at Hinsdale Central

✨ Peer Buddies & Special Olympics: Coaching Special Olympics basketball and fostering an atmosphere of profound inclusion and respect on campus.

✨ Evolve & Operation Snowball: Serving as a student leader to facilitate vital conversations surrounding mental health and peer well-being.

✨ Athletics: Anchoring her teams as a four-year varsity softball athlete and a standout leader on the inaugural varsity flag football team, earning IHSA Scholar Athlete honors.

Resilience Formed in the Fire

Audrey’s capacity to lift others comes from a place of deep personal strength. Her journey hasn’t always been smooth, but she has consistently met life’s hardships with transparency and grace. Instead of hiding her own struggles, Audrey openly shares her experiences with her peers, breaking down barriers and encouraging others to ask for help when they need it most. Her positive attitude and determination have repeatedly served as the ultimate emotional anchor for her teammates and peers during times of struggle.

A Compassionate Path Forward

As the oldest of five children—including a twin sister—Audrey’s nurturing spirit comes naturally. She balances a demanding schedule with remarkable grace, working as a lifeguard and swim instructor, volunteering dozens of hours for the Gower PTO, and supporting vital causes like St. Jude and the ChadTough Foundation. Her professional school counselor, Oscar Guzmán, describes her blend of empathy, ambition, and quiet confidence as both joyful and intentional, leaving a lasting impression on the entire faculty.

This fall, Audrey will take her incredible drive and passion for healthcare into college, where she plans to major in Nursing with the ultimate dream of becoming a pediatric oncology RN. There is no doubt that her future patients will find immense comfort in the same steady, compassionate presence she has gifted to her high school community.

Investing in the Future

The Foundation is incredibly proud to support Audrey’s journey as she continues to uplift others and expand the circle of inclusion wherever she goes. We are thrilled to step alongside her as she takes her joyful, purpose-filled spirit to the next level.

Congratulations, Audrey! Welcome to the Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial family of scholars.