Scholarship created to honor slain Naperville teacher

Friends say Shaun Wild had such a passion for learning and sharing his knowledge with others that creating an academic scholarship in his name is only fitting.

The Shaun Wild Memorial Scholarship has been set up through Wild’s alma mater, Brown Deer High School, to “inspire future generations of student athletes.”

Friends said the decision to honor the former second-grade teacher at Naperville’s Spring Brook Elementary School with a scholarship aimed at helping student athletes was easy, considering his brief career as an educator and his reputation as a former stand out punter and kicker for the North Central College football team.

Wild was stabbed to death Feb. 4 during an altercation at a downtown Naperville club.

“Shaun had a passion for learning and a drive to inspire others to be reflective leaders,” said Wild’s former baby-sitter and family friend Ellen Gaffrey. “He was all about learning and making the best of what you’re given. This scholarship will hopefully plant a seed for some to take and grow with.”

Several details about the scholarship, in terms of whether it will be shared between Naperville and Wild’s native Brown Deer, are still being ironed out by the family.

Locally, the Buffalo Wild Wings at 1279 Rickert Drive, has pledged to donate 15 percent of all Feb. 24 sales to the fund.

Financial contributions can be sent to Brown Deer High School to the attention of Shaun Wild Memorial Fund, 8060 N. 60th Street, Brown Deer, Wis. 53223.