March 04--Larkin High School 2015 graduate Joceline Molina has a little help as she navigates Aurora University and pursues her dream to become a nurse.
Last year, Molina was among 15 graduates who received the School District U46 Superintendent's Scholarship, a $1,000 gift awarded to outstanding students who are the first in their families to attend college, according to a news release from the district.
"I was happy to win the scholarship because you have to be a leader in the community, and I felt proud that other people consider me to be a leader," Molina said. "It also took away some of the financial burden off my family, and I was really happy about that."
In 2012, Dr. Jose Torres, who was School District U46 superintendent at the time, established the scholarship fund through the district's Educational Foundation. Since then, 65 graduates have earned the $1,000 scholarships.
This year, School District U46 CEO Tony Sanders will raise funds again to support college-bound graduates.
"The families of future first-generation college students tend to be fiercely dedicated to the promise of higher education but may not have all the necessary resources to support this costly endeavor," Sanders said. "The Superintendent's Scholarship program can help ease the financial burden for these families."
The cost of college in 2015-16 averages from $20,000 annually for in-state tuition and room and board at a four-year public institution to $44,000 annually at a private university, according to the College Board. The scholarship program aims to celebrate and support the trailblazers who continue their post-secondary education with no family background.
Sanders encourages 2016 graduates to apply by 3 p.m. Friday. He's also calling on past and future donors to contribute funds toward the scholarship program.
All donors will be invited to join the scholarship recipients for an award ceremony in April that also serves as a networking event for the students.
Streamwood High School 2015 graduate Dominik Pabianczyk is on his way to becoming a firefighter. He is studying applied science/fire science at Elgin Community College, recently earned his EMT certificate and is working on earning his paramedic certificate. The first in his family to attend college, Dominik received seven scholarships, including the U46 Superintendent's Scholarship.
To current U46 students considering applying for the Superintendent's Scholarship, Pabianczyk said, "Do it. It takes 20 minutes, and it could change your life."
