One of the highlights— if not the highlight— of graduation ceremonies at I.S.D. 166 is the announcement of the Lloyd K. Johnson scholarship recipients. Kids who might not have afforded college are now in school, getting an education and setting up their future because of these funds.
Rachael Forsyth, administrative support and scholarship program assistant, answered some questions for the newspaper about the Lloyd K. Foundation scholarship program for Cook County.
Q- How many scholarships has the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation given to Cook County seniors?
The board of the Foundation started the Scholarship Program 10 years ago – in 2008 – and since that time, 49 Cook County seniors have been awarded scholarships.
Q- Once granted to a senior, how long do the scholarships run?
Scholarships are awarded for one academic year. If a student meets eligibility criteria (2.0 GPA, full-time status, satisfactory academic progress) they are able to apply for a second year; and again (pending the same eligibility) for a final semester if needed to complete their course work.
Q- How much have those scholarships cost the foundation?
The Foundation has distributed over $500,000 in scholarships for Cook County students to-date.
Q- How many seniors this year have applied for them?
So far we haven’t yet received any completed applications this year, but the deadline is not until April 16. Last week, Joan and I met with 10 interested students at CCHS and we know of at least three others who have expressed interest but could not make the meeting and/or are homeschooled. We expect to receive between 8-13 applications.
Q- Do seniors have to have a certain GPA to qualify for those dollars?
Yes, seniors have to have a GPA of 2.0 (or above) as well as meet the following additional criteria to be eligible for the scholarship program:
.Graduating senior at CCHS
.Ability to demonstrate financial need
.Accepted into one or both of our partnering colleges: Lake Superior College or Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College.
“It’s truly a great pleasure to assist students in this way – and as Joan often reminds us, Mr. Johnson always wanted the board to develop a scholarship program for Cook County seniors as he clearly understood the power of education and wanted all students at Cook County High School to have the opportunity to follow their dreams,” said Forsyth.
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