2026 Scholarship Information

Jackie lives in District 204 and attends Neuqua Valley High School.  She plans to attend the University of Alabama to study Nursing with a career goal of becoming a Pediatric Oncology Nurse.

Jackie is a volunteer cheerleading coach for special needs athletes through the I.C.E. All-Stars organization as well as a coach to these athletes who represent our country in the World Championship competition as a part of the USA Cheerabilities team.  Being a coach to special needs athletes allows Jackie to combine two important aspects of her life: her passion for cheerleading and her strong belief in inclusion and respect for individuals with mental and physical disabilities. Seeing the progress the athletes make and knowing that she is contributing to a positive environment where they can succeed is particularly meaningful to her.  Being a part of their journey has reminded Jackie that success is not just about trophies or awards, but about growth, joy, and the impact we have on others.  

Jackie is the President of the local chapter of Best Buddies, an organization that supports individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities as well as an active member of the Peer Partners PE program at her high school.  James Kennedy, Best Buddies Sponsor and Adaptive PE Teacher at Neuqua Valley High School states:  “What truly sets Jacqueline apart is her selflessness and her passion for helping others.  She does not seek recognition for her efforts, but instead focuses on making a difference in the lives of those around her.”

Jackie has also participated with her church group in serving people experiencing homelessness as well as repairing homes on a mission trip to Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota.  

Megan Jensen, Jackie’s Early Childhood Teaching Lab instructor.  states that “what stands out most about Jackie is her genuine love for working with others.  She doesn’t just go through the motions - she truly cares about making a difference.”

Congratulations, Jackie!

 Bailey is a senior at Waubonsie Valley High School and plans to attend Olivet Nazarene University to pursue a degree in Marketing Management. 

Bailey is very active at Grace Pointe Church in Naperville.  She is the youth social media manager and on the student leadership team.  She volunteers with the AWANA kids program and helps with Vacation Bible School in the summers.  She is a small group leader for 9th - 12th grade girls.  She has been on four mission trips including trips to California, Tennessee, and Spain.  Her mission trip to Knoxville was particularly meaningful because she was able to show God’s love to strangers and learn about the realities of homelessness. The trip helped change her perspective on the homeless, showing her that they are regular people who deserve love and care.  As a result, she has become passionate about helping those in need.  

Daniel Hooper, Student Pastor at Grace Pointe, describes Bailey as a “steady and focused leader”.  He states that she has “learned how to anticipate needs more clearly and has become a strong communicator in doing so.  She can clearly execute on tasks, exceeding expectations…and doing so with creativity…When responsibility is in her hands, she listens first, creates space for others secondly and balances the tension of grace and truth well.  This speaks to her heart but also her character.” 

Dorothy Foster, Director of Children’s Ministries, shares that Bailey has “demonstrated exceptional dedication to service at Grace Pointe Church and has made tangible impact on all the children she has worked with…She is a great team player, communicator, and creative problem-solver….She possesses remarkable character traits, including optimism, compassion, and trustworthiness.”  Bailey has a “commitment to serving combined with her passion for children”.  

Congratulations, Bailey!

Hita is a student at Waubonise Valley High School and plans to attend the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.  She plans to study marketing and supply chain management with a goal of pursuing a career in business in order to create a meaningful impact on her community.  

Hita is involved in several organizations including Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) and Sewa International.  She won the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service award in 2024 for having completed over 100 hours of volunteer service.  She was also the recipient of the MLK Service Above Self award in 2024, being recognized for her commitment to volunteer service and embodying Martin Luther King Jr.’s values of leadership and selflessness.

Hita is the co-founder of Waves of Wellness, a mental-health initiative focused on supporting teens and adults.  She co-authored a book titled, “16 Ways to Overcome the Tides of Life”, which is filled with effective and engaging mental health strategies to reduce stress and lead to an overall improvement in health.  Hita has seen how impactful open conversations about wellness have been in making people feel less alone.  This initiative has shown her the importance of using her skills to address real issues in her community, strengthening her leadership and empathy, and inspiring her to keep creating initiatives to make a difference. 

“What distinguishes Hita is her character”, states Mahesh Chintakunta, Executive Associate Director - Sewa within the  HSS Naperville-Aurora Chapter.  “She is dependable, organized, and follows through on her commitments.  She interacts with others in a respectful and considerate manner, listens attentively, and contributes positively to group settings.  Rather than seeking recognition, she focuses on doing her part well and supporting those around her.”  Hita reflects “a desire to extend the impact of her experiences to a broader community.”

Nags Rajaram, Coordinator of the Sewa International Chicago Chapter, describes Hita as “very caring and empathetic toward the community as evidenced by her volunteering for hundreds of hours.”  She has a “keen sense of leadership and emphasis on giving back.”

Congratulations, Hita!