L-W North seniors earn scholarships

   More than $70,000 in academic scholarships were awarded to 98 Lincoln-Way North High School seniors this week.

   The scholarships, which were offered by community members, organizations and businesses, were presented during a Scholarship Awards Night ceremony at the school on April 30.

    “Lincoln-Way North is grateful for the generosity of the community organizations and family,” said Karen Murphy, Pupil Personnel Services Director for Lincoln-Way North. “With the escalation of college costs and our declining economy, these awards assist students continuing their education in many ways.  Thank you for all the fundraising efforts and contributions to give back to the young adults in your community.”

   The evening began with a buffet dinner catered by Parmesans Restaurant of Frankfort and sponsored by Old Second Bank, LincolnWay Community Bank and GCA Services Group.

   String musicians Clare Maylone and Dana McGillivray provided the background music during dinner.

   Nearly 500 people attended the event.

   “We're very fortunate to be in a community that is committed to our students,” stated Dr. Michael Gardner, the principal at Lincoln-Way North. “I know our students understand the personal sacrifices made by those providing the scholarships.

   “This senior class is very close-knit,” he added. “I know they support each other and are happy for one another as they receive these scholarships.” 

   Among those honored at the Senior Scholarship Night were the school’s 2013 Valedictorian Christian Gorski and Salutatorian Caitlin Broderick.

   Among the 44 businesses, organizations and community members that presented scholarships to 98 students were the Frankfort Lions Club; Frankfort Square Baseball League; the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra; the Frankfort Square Park District; the Frankfort Square Wildcats Football and Cheerleading; the Tinley Park-Frankfort Rotary Club; Korean War Veterans; the Lincoln-Way Area Chorale; the Mokena Chamber of Commerce; Provisur Technologies; Summit Hill SCO; the Tinley Park Chamber of Commerce; the Tinley Park Lions Club; the Tinley Park Kiwanis Club; Aunt Nancy’s Childcare; the Frankfort Area Historical Society; the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce; the Frankfort Area Jaycees; the Lincoln-Way Foundation; the Lincoln-Way Hockey Club;  the Lincoln-Way North Athletic Booster Club; the Frankfort Car Club; Superdog Obedience Training School; the Kiwanis Club of Frankfort; and Lincoln-Way Xplosion Basketball.

   Other scholarships were presented in honor of Tom Manheim, Lincoln-Way Teachers, Marty Larson, Ron Kokal, Carrie Hudek-Chiuso, Richard Holman, Kevin Broda, Ellen Davis, Art Nelson, Also Fanti, Dr. Lawrence Wyllie, Minnie Wills, Dr. Michael Gardner and Catherine Wiesbrock Reid.

   “We had a wonderful evening sharing in the accomplishments of our students and their families,” said Lincoln-Way North counselor Mike Sieja.