A a bit of background on the scholarships and the process.

In 2014, we changed the scholarship to a $1,000 scholarship renewable for 4 years for a total value of $4000.  For LTHS winners, LTHS will handle the renewal of the scholarship directly.  For the winners from Hinsdale Central and Nazareth, please contact us directly so we can process your renewal in 2015 and subsequent years.

We awarded three LTHS students with the KJO Memorial Scholarship.  It was a difficult decision as there were 38 students that applied for the scholarship this year from LTHS.  We really appreciate the effort these students put into the applications.  We also appreciate the teachers / coaches / sponsors who take the time to write beautiful and compelling recommendations for these students.  The coaches of some of the larger teams definitely had their share of work to write recommendations for sometimes 4 or 5 students, just for our scholarship.  Again thank you to these coaches and teachers they play an important role in the scholarship selection process.

We selected two scholarships winners from a pool of applicants from Fenwick, Hinsdale Central and Nazareth.

This year we asked our three adult children to read the applications and give us their top 10 in order.  That way we received a wider perspective on the applications and lessen the influence that knowing some of the applicants might have had.  Brenda was the tie breaker in this process.  We think this process worked well.  One other note, there only 7 young men that applied out of 38 total at LT, we would like to see more young men apply in the future.  To reiterate, this scholarship is intended for both young men and young women.

This year two of the three recipients from LTHS happen to be tennis players.  This is not a requirement of the scholarship, sometimes it just happens that way.  The first year we awarded this scholarship, both recipients were from the Girls LaCross team.  So for future applicants, please apply if you meet the criteria no matter what sport you in which you participated.

Scholarship renewal information:  All recipients must maintain a 3.0 (out of 4.0) GPA to renew their scholarship in subsequent years.  Please send a transcript to cpeach100 at comcast.net.

Criteria for KJO Memorial scholarship includes:

1) Graduating senior with a GPA of 3.0 (un-weighted)
2) Plans for a post secondary education at an accredited institution
3) Participated at least three years in school sponsored athletic program at the varsity or JV level.
4) Requires two recommendations, one from an athletic coach and one from an academic teacher or community / school service sponsor (form provided).
5) Requires one essay.  Complete the following essay (500 words maximum):
How did I demonstrate my consideration and caring for others?
Special Consideration given for Community Service Work.