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'Bombers' raise scholarship money

A group of Wheeling High School graduates from the classes of 1966, '67, '68, and '69 that calls themselves "The Bombers" has been giving out scholarships for 13 years now to students who might otherwise "fall through the cracks."

"In short, we're trying to identify someone just like the Bombers, who were hardly model high school students but are now successful businessmen and contributors to our community," the group says in information it distributes to find scholarship applicants.

"We are looking for students who would not typically qualify for a scholarship."

Among criteria for winning a scholarship listed on the application are:

• A "low-B" or "C" student.

• In the opinion of the selection committee, "not working up to potential." While the committee does not promote academic underachievement, it is looking for a student who has performed at less than his or her ability in the part but is determined to improve.

• "Attitude." Somewhat of a "rebel," but with strong leadership potential. May have been punished for not following the rules, but has learned from his or her indiscretions.

• Financial need is a consideration.

The scholarships range in size from $1,000 to $7,000, depending on need and availability of funds. This year's recipients were Daniela Fernandez and Nick Mata-Zamora.

Daniela, who is attending Harper College, received $4,000, while Nick, who will attend Roosevelt University, received $2,000.

One of the Bombers is Mount Prospect attorney John Haas, the group's treasurer, who's working to publicize the upcoming fundraiser to pay for next year's awards.

For only $5, you can get into the event at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at Twin Peaks, 781 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling. You can come before, during or after the Wheeling homecoming football game and stay until closing. The location is a change from past years when it has been held at Chevy Chase Country Club. That venue was already booked this year.

"Many Wheeling alumni attend the homecoming football game and attend the fundraiser afterward," Haas said.

All also are welcome at a fundraiser picnic from noon to dusk Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Dam No. 1 Forest Preserve in Wheeling.

"We have now awarded scholarships over the last 13 years totaling $59,000 to 22 Wheeling High School seniors who would have never otherwise qualified for scholarship assistance and may not have even been able to attend school at all without our help," said the group's president, Coe Meyer.

"It is hard to believe our Bomber Bash and Picnic has had such an impact upon so many young lives."

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