Ten years ago, a group of parents and community members got together with a goal of creating a scholarship fund to support the students in Proviso Township. This small group set out to change the landscape of local support for graduates of Proviso Township High Schools with community scholarship fund.
Now that a decade has past, the group hosted a special fundraiser and event to recognize the milestone, with the theme “Harvesting the Future.” The event was held at Thatcher Woods last Friday night at the Pavilion. The cozy autumn gathering brought together residents, educators, elected officials, and civic minded champions for a special night.
The humble origins of the group came from a simple reflection from a cluster of parents and community members. “[We] were struck by the same issue — that many of the communities that surround Proviso have robust scholarship programs for their high schools and their youth and Proviso didn’t have that, at that time. So that’s why we got together,” said Ken Snyder who has been serving on the group’s board.
The 209 Scholarship has since given out $100,000 to over 70 Proviso graduates supporting students on their personal journey in college, trade schools, and other professional institutions or for supplies. Every year they proudly award first time and renewal scholarships to keep a meaningful and impactful relationship with the next generation of Proviso men and women.
“Right now, we have a goal to raise $15,000 and have a gap to fill. So, we need as much support as we can get the students what they need,” said Eileen Olivier, the president of the scholarship committee.
The event featured the Proviso graduates, Illinois Army National Guard Color Guard, reflections from the committee, musical celebration by Mama Edie and as keynote speaker, Supt. Krish Mohip.
Scholars who have benefited from the 209 Scholarship came back to the event to share their stories and the difference the scholarship made in their lives. This included Renen El-Barbarwi who shared the selection committee had helped her feel “seen” and even though she graduated over 10 years ago, she still appreciates the community investment in her education and well- being.
Harvesting was the central theme in Mohip’s keynote address. He shared a story about working one summer detasseling corn on a farm in Iowa when he was in college and it was “some of the hardest work I’ve ever done in my life.” Yet among the hard work the “farms and farmers would come together so the crop could be successful and grow.”
His three principles, “all children can learn, all children want to learn and it is up to the adults to make it happen,” are the core of his work. He recognizes that it is up to adults to create the environment, support and adopt strategies to enable all children to learn. “This cannot happen alone.” Mohip shared a personal story about being unseen as a student in early high school and having a teacher recognize him and change the course of his life.
“Our work is to adapt our strategies, and find what works for children. It is up to all the adults to make it happen, because this cannot happen alone.”
Part of his work the school district is to “help the entire child to be sure they will be successful in choices they make for their future.” He emphasized that the seed is planted and we need to tend to our children, our work and actions in Proviso to build up our community and our students.
Over the last 10 years, the 209 Scholarship Fund has worked to transform possibilities for students across the district, lifting financial weights off families and signaling to young people that their own backyards are rooting for them. Friday night proved that after a full decade, this community hasn’t slowed down one bit — if anything, the harvest is just getting started.