Palatine Jaycees Recognize 2018 Scholarship Winners

The Palatine Jaycees awarded scholarships to three area high school seniors on June 21st at their monthly general meeting at the American Legion Hall in Palatine for their accomplishments in school and for their service within the community.

Andrew Ruan from William Fremd High School and Katie Lindert and Henry Lechowicz from Palatine High School each received a $3,000 scholarship towards their college education. The students were also honored by riding in this year's Palatine Jaycees Hometown Fest parade on June 30th.

Applicants for the award were required to write a two-page essay about their leadership within the community, church and/or school. A committee of Palatine Jaycees selected the three most outstanding applicants based on their achievements and contributions. "We are always amazed at the accomplishments of some of these high school seniors and found selecting the winners a difficult task," said Jennifer Anderson, scholarship committee chair. "These three students exemplify what's best in today's youth and the qualities to which we aspire in the Jaycees. They have been active in their schools, churches and community while maintaining focus on their schoolwork."

Palatine High School graduate, Katie Lindert, is attending Purdue University with a major in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering. She spent her high school career as an AP Scholar, Student Council President, a peer leader, and captain of her volleyball team.

Graduating from William Fremd High School, Andrew Ruan is attending Vanderbilt University with a major in Economics and Sociology. He spent time during his high school career as team captain of the Debate Club, a volunteer on the Palatine Peer Jury, and a field intern for Brad Schneider in 2016.

Henry Lechowicz, another Palatine High School graduate, is attending the University of Wisconsin Steven's Point with a major in Environmental Science. He spent his high school career volunteering at Bible School, the Avon walk for breast cancer, and at the Ironman Triathlon. He is also an active member of the Boys Scouts and Palatine Promise.

The Palatine Chapter of the Jaycees, one of 50 local chapters throughout Illinois, has over 130 members and is one of the largest chapters in Illinois. The Jaycees provide individuals between the age of 21 and 40 the opportunity to develop personal and leadership skills while serving their community and have been recognized state-wide, nationally and internationally for their efforts.

The Palatine Chapter holds their monthly general meeting on the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM at the American Legion Hall on Palatine Road in Palatine. For further information on the Palatine Jaycees, membership or any of their sponsored events visit their web site at www.palatinejaycees.org, email them at info@palatinejaycees.org or call them at 847-604-0288.