Bears linebacker given award in Des Plaines

Chicago Bears linebacker Pernell McPhee was awarded the 2017 Ed Block Courage Award at the campus of Maryville Academy in Des Plaines on Tuesday.

McPhee was honored for his efforts to support victims of abuse, violence and neglect.

The Ed Block Courage Award benefits the Ed McCaskey Scholarship Fund, which donates to high school, college and vocational scholarships for the children of Maryville. The scholarship is named for Bears vice president and treasurer and longtime Maryville supporter Ed McCaskey.

"We are grateful to the Bears for their support," Maryville Executive Director Sister Catherine M. Ryan said in a news release. "This scholarship advances our mission to help children make a successful transition to adulthood, to become contributors to their communities and citizens of the world."