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, …
The “Lighthouse Lounge” on the fourteenth floor of a senior living community isn’t the typical place you’d expect to find a high school student spending his Friday nights. But for Jack Michaelson, a senior at Lyons Township High School, it became the birthplace of a profound mission. What started as helping his grandmother’s friends pair …
For an ambitious freshman, earning a starting spot on a varsity athletic team is a dream come true. But when Ava Jacklin stepped onto the varsity softball field at Lyons Township High School in the spring of 2023, she quickly realized that athletic talent alone doesn’t automatically guarantee a sense of belonging. Separated by campuses …
Some scholarship recipients learn about Kelli’s legacy through their schools or community flyers, but for Sean Tilles, that connection is woven right into the fabric of his childhood. Growing up in Western Springs, Sean laced up his running shoes to participate in the Run for Kelli twice during his youth. Years later, those early footsteps …
The Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Foundation is proud to introduce our 2026 scholarship recipient from Nazareth Academy, Elena Garcia. Our selection committee was unanimous in choosing Elena, struck by a rare sense of self that honors her roots while looking boldly toward her future. Carrying the “Helper” Spirit At the heart of our mission is …
We are proud to introduce Emma Kanagy from Carl Sandburg High School as a 2026 Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Scholarship recipient. Emma’s journey is defined by a remarkable blend of athletic discipline, academic excellence, and a deep-seated commitment to uplifting others—qualities that beautifully mirror the spirit we strive to honor. For years, Emma has felt …
