Crystal Lake Strikers award 6th annual Althoff Memorial Scholarship

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. - The Crystal Lake Strikers Drumline is pleased to introduce Michael Novak, a senior from Prairie Ridge High School, as the recipient of the sixth annual Tim Althoff Memorial Scholarship.

The Strikers created the scholarship in honor of Timothy Althoff, the late husband of state Sen. Pamela Althoff. Althoff was a devoted family man and community servant who died unexpectedly from a heart attack at a young age. Althoff was widely recognized for his commitment to the community and public service having spent many years as a volunteer firefighter in McHenry. Given his many contributions to the area, the Strikers proudly named this annual scholarship in his honor.

The scholarship is available to participants in any of the Strikers student ensembles. The Strikers ensembles include the All-Star marching drumline, the All-Star percussion ensemble and the Convergence winter color guard with over 40 students from area high schools. Novak plays snare drum in the All-Star marching drumline.

Jameson Higgins, German teacher at Prairie Ridge High School, highly recommended Novak, "Over the past four years, I have had the privilege to teach Mr. Novak, and he has proven to be an inquisitive and hardworking student who continually improves the classroom environment. Outside of the classroom, I have also found that Michael has been an exceptionally engaged person who seeks opportunities to engage."

Novak has performed with the Prairie Ridge marching band for four years and was selected as drumline section leader during his senior year. He has continued his performing outside of school, taking part in the 1st Battalion Civil War re-enactment as a duty drummer and field musician. Last summer, he was invited to participate in the Crystal Lake Strikers adult line where he performed in multiple events.

The Crystal Lake Strikers Drumline is a group of adult drummers who play fun beats and cadences along to popular music in parades and shows throughout the area. The Strikers were founded by Aaron Shepley, Brett Hopkins, and Tom Kundmann in 2008, and added the All-Star marching line in 2009 and the ensemble and color guard in 2014. Georgio's Pizza, Home State Bank, Althoff Industries, Sage Products and Phoenix Woodworking sponsor them.

Dan Chamberlain, scholarship committee chairman, said, "We are excited with the continued growth of the educational part of our organization. The talent and commitment these students exhibit is remarkable. Honoring Tim Althoff with this scholarship is one way to give back to the community that supports us. Michael's performance and leadership stood out as the best embodiment of the spirit of Mr. Althoff."

For information, contact Dan Chamberlain at (815) 236-8615 or danc0969@comcast.net. To learn more about the Crystal Lake Strikers Drumline, visit www.clstrikers.com or follow the group on Facebook or Twitter.