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Founders' Memorial Scholarship We are pleased to present our 2025-2026 Scholarship Recipients: Elisabeth Drobot, Jessica Li, Isiah Thomas, and Hugh Vanek In 1951, the Founders' Memorial Scholarship was established, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the founding of The Nineteenth Century Club. In 1953, the first $500 scholarship was awarded to a young woman Oak Park and River Forest High School graduate. As the program grew, additional scholarships were given, the amounts awarded were increased, and the scholarships were made renewable throughout the student’s four years of college. Each year, four annually renewable scholarships of $2,500 per year are awarded to four graduating seniors from Oak Park River Forest High School. This provides each student with a total of $10,000 during their college careers. For the 2025-2026 school year, $40,000 in total scholarships will be awarded to 16 Scholars. Our current recipients attend
In the seventy+ years that we have provided these scholarships, we have helped nearly 350 students attain higher education. The Scholarship Committee holds interviews every March at the high school. We partner with teachers and counselors in encouraging students to apply. Applicants are chosen on the basis of financial need, academic excellence, community service, an essay, and written recommendations. The scholarships are supported through ongoing fund-raising activities and interest earned from the Scholarship Memorial Trust Fund, a designated fund at the Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation. At the end of the school year, all scholarships are presented at a special recognition ceremony at the high school. In addition, scholars and their parents and counselors are invited to a luncheon at the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association, where students receive their first checks. Members of the Scholarship Committee form bonds with the students, providing encouragement throughout their college careers. We have received many letters over the years from former recipients attesting to the importance of the financial help given to them, and the importance of the personal support provided. We hope to continue assisting the young people of the community by helping to provide the means of going to college. If you would like to support the Scholarship Fund, Donate here at any time.
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