Lincoln-Way East Students Awarded $100,000 in Scholarships

One hundred and sixty-one scholarships totaling $100,500 in academic scholarships plus 2 United States military academy appointments were awarded Tuesday, May 6 to 126 Lincoln-Way East High School seniors.

The scholarships, which were offered by community members, organizations and businesses, were presented during a Scholarship Awards Night ceremony in the school’s Fine Arts Auditorium.

“On behalf of all of us here tonight, I want to thank the scholarship presenters who are representing the individuals and organizations giving scholarships to our students,” said Dr. Sharon Michalak, Principal of Lincoln-Way East High School.

“We are very appreciative of all you have done as well as your generous contributions to the students at Lincoln-Way East,” she added.

The evening began with a buffet dinner for the students, their families and representatives of the scholarship organizations catered by Ambrosino’s in Frankfort. Dinner was sponsored by Old Second Bank, LincolnWay Community Bank, Town Center Bank and GCA Services Group.

Lincoln-Way East student pianist Sam Passarelli provided the background music during dinner. Senior Emily Sheetz led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Over 750 people attended the event.

“Senior Scholarship Night is a Lincoln-Way tradition that gives us the opportunity to recognize these outstanding seniors who have distinguished themselves through scholarship and service,” said Michalak.

Among those honored at the Senior Scholarship Night were the school’s 2014 Valedictorian Kasper Borys and Salutatorian Kurt Lezon.

“Our special thanks and congratulations go out to all of you exceptional students who were recipients of these awards. It is truly an honor to see the outstanding Lincoln-Way East seniors recognized for their accomplishments. It fills us with pride to learn of the prestigious colleges and universities you will be attending in the fall and the rigorous courses of study you have chosen for your future,” Dr. R. Scott Tingley, Superintendent, told the seniors at the end of the evening.

Among the 72 businesses, organizations, and community members that presented scholarships to students were: Frankfort School District 157C; Dr. Lawrence Wyllie; Aunt Nancy’s Child Care; Lincoln-Way Area Business Women; Frankfort Township Republicans; Lincoln-Way Foundation for Educational Excellence; Mokena Lions Club; Frankfort Country Market; Immanuel Lutheran Preschool; Kiwanis Club of Frankfort; Frankfort Lions Club; Tinley Park/Rotary Club; Lincoln-Way East Student Council; Sarah’s Voice; Jean Lachat Photography; Frankfort Car Club; Frankfort Teachers Association; Lincoln-Way Area Chorale; Mokena Chamber of Commerce; Lincoln-Way District Hockey Club; Griffin Times; Provisur Technologies; Hedges Clinic; Peace Lutheran Church; Frankfort VFW; Mokena District 159 Educational Foundation; Lincoln-Way East Lifeguard; Frankfort Chamber of Commerce; Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra; Frankfort Area Historical Society; Mokena PTA; Frankfort Women’s Club; Mokena Teachers Association; Frankfort Boys Baseball; Korean War Veterans; Mokena Women’s Club; Mokena Burros; Mokena Baseball and Softball Association; Xplosion Basketball; Frankfort Falcons Football & Cheerleading; Lincoln-Way East Music Boosters; Curtain Call Community Theater; Frankfort Area Jaycees; Aurelio’s Pizza and Lincoln-Way East Athletic Boosters.

Additional memorial scholarships were presented in honor of: Lincoln-Way Teachers Memorial; Peggy M. Mark; Kevin Aleck; Michele Bingham; Stephen D. Sankowski; Linda Ernat; Tommy Fagan, Jr.; Reverend William G. and Ruth R. Johnson; James Hegarty; Ralph Dralle; Doug Phalen; Patrick Mizwicki; Richard Holman; George C. Coles; Robert & Katherine Fredin; Paul F. and Charlotte G. Gilmore; Bijan Sayeed; Gregory Stinnett; John B. Novak; Marie Swast; Tom Manheim; Della Hussey; Roy Richardson; Verlydia & Alvin Harnack; Martin J. Larson; Tyler Valkema; and Ronald Tomczak.

Pictured: Carson Slager, senior,  and his family celebrated his earning an academic scholarship at Lincoln-Way East at the annual senior Scholarship Awards Night. The evening began with a buffet dinner for the students, their families and representatives of the scholarship organizations. Dinner was sponsored by Old Second Bank, LincolnWay Bank, Town Center Bank and GCA Services Group. The Slager Family includes Carson, his grandmother, parents  Nicholas and Meggan and younger sister.