KANKAKEE – On Thursday, April 12, 2018, Mayor Chasity Wells-Armstrong honored four local students selected as the recipients of the inaugural African American Civic Leaders Scholarship.

 

The scholarship was open to African American students attending Kankakee High School, Bishop McNamara High School, and Kankakee Trinity Academy. Criteria for earning the scholarship included maintaining a minimum 2.0 GPA, writing an essay about one’s record of civic engagement, and taking part in an interview with a panel of community leaders.

 

Scholarship recipients included two students from Kankakee High School: Breia Barry-White, who would like to study physical therapy, and Jaylin Schreiner, who would like to study nursing.   Additionally, two students attending Bishop McNamara earned the scholarship: Tywan Hollis, who plans to study accounting, and Jarred Fulford, who plans to study cardiology.  There were no scholarship applicants from Kankakee Trinity Academy.

 

"This scholarship was created to offer hope, remove barriers, and create access for students who have significant challenges that would restrict their ability to further their education," said Mayor Wells-Armstrong. “It was clear from the application process that these students are talented, dedicated, and poised to make a difference in our community and beyond. They make Kankakee proud – and we are thrilled to support them as they keep learning, growing, and making a positive impact,” the Mayor said. 

 

"I was particularly impressed with the screening process, and commend the Mayor's investment in the young people of this community who are committed to being future leaders and making contributions to the City of Kankakee," said Alderman Fred Tetter, who served as a panelist during the applicant review process for the scholarship.

 

Each student recipient will receive a $2,000.00 scholarship. Funds for the scholarship were raised through contributions by community leaders, local banks, and vendors. No taxpayer funds were used to support the scholarship.

 

For more information, contact the Mayor's office at 815-933-0500.

 

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