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 a personal connection to Kelli’s legacy. While driving to her grandmother’s house, she frequently passed the bridge dedicated to Kelli, seeing the memorial cups in the fence and reflecting on the impact of a life lived with joy. This reflection blossomed into a mission to model that same compassion in her own life, particularly through her work with younger girls.
As a dedicated member of the Girl Scouts for 13 years, Emma achieved the prestigious Gold Award by addressing an issue close to her heart: body positivity. After witnessing the insecurities of a young girl she babysat, Emma researched and created a curriculum to help younger scouts foster a positive self-image. Her “affirmation mirrors” project has now become an annual tradition for Girl Scouts in Orland Park, ensuring her impact continues to grow long after her graduation.
Emma’s resilience is equally evident on the track and cross-country trails. A standout varsity athlete and two-time state qualifier, she is known for her character as much as her speed. Her coaches recall a challenging moment at a state track meet where a lap-counting error occurred while she was leading the race; rather than placing blame, Emma showed incredible grace, shifted her focus to her team, and helped lead them to the state cross-country meet the following season. Whether she is leading her team as a captain or cheering for a novice runner like her teammate Tilly at the finish line, Emma embodies a “helper” spirit in every arena.
Beyond athletics and service, Emma is a scholar of the highest caliber. She maintains a 4.3 GPA, is a member of three National Honor Societies, and was the only student in her school to earn the Seal of Biliteracy this year. She balances this rigorous academic load with roles in Swim Guard and as a staff writer for the school newspaper, The Aquila.
As Emma prepares to attend Illinois State University to pursue a career in Nursing, we are confident that her patients and peers will benefit from the same radiant kindness she has shown her community. We are honored to welcome Emma into our family of scholars and look forward to seeing the joy she will continue to spread in the world.
I knew Kelli Joy O’ Laughlin as she was in the same grade as our son Matthew Martorano at Highlands Elementary and she and Matthew were friends. Kelli was beautiful inside and out. We were all deeply shocked and saddened by her passing. We grieved then with her parents and the community and that grief continues to this day, especially by her family, and friends. .
I am very proud of Emma Kanagy as a 2026 Kelli Joy O’ Laughlin Memorial scholarship recipient. As she grew up, I have always seen Emma’s compassion, kind nature and spirit. Her mom Erin is my niece so that makes me Emma’s Grand Aunt. Congratulations, Emma!
Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your memories of Kelli. While I don’t believe we have met directly, I certainly remember Matthew from Highlands Elementary. He was such a wonderful young man, and we were always so grateful for how he stayed close to the foundation during our initial years. It means the world to us that your family is still following Kelli’s legacy.
We are equally proud of Emma! She truly embodies the spirit of the scholarship, and it’s wonderful to know she has such a supportive “Grand Aunt” cheering her on. Thank you for being a part of our community for all these years.
Warmly,
John O’Laughlin Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Foundation]
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I knew Kelli Joy O’ Laughlin as she was in the same grade as our son Matthew Martorano at Highlands Elementary and she and Matthew were friends. Kelli was beautiful inside and out. We were all deeply shocked and saddened by her passing. We grieved then with her parents and the community and that grief continues to this day, especially by her family, and friends. .
I am very proud of Emma Kanagy as a 2026 Kelli Joy O’ Laughlin
Memorial scholarship recipient.
As she grew up, I have always seen Emma’s compassion, kind nature and spirit. Her mom Erin is my niece so that makes me Emma’s Grand Aunt.
Congratulations, Emma!
Dear Peggy,
Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your memories of Kelli. While I don’t believe we have met directly, I certainly remember Matthew from Highlands Elementary. He was such a wonderful young man, and we were always so grateful for how he stayed close to the foundation during our initial years. It means the world to us that your family is still following Kelli’s legacy.
We are equally proud of Emma! She truly embodies the spirit of the scholarship, and it’s wonderful to know she has such a supportive “Grand Aunt” cheering her on. Thank you for being a part of our community for all these years.
Warmly,
John O’Laughlin
Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Foundation]