Waukegan Park District Awards Academic Scholarships

The Waukegan Park District awarded five $1,000 scholarships to local students who demonstrated exceptional academic achievements and community service. Known as the Waukegan Park District Memorial Endowment Fund Scholarship, the 2024 recipients are: Fabiola Aguilera-Tenorio, Selene Cruz, Sophia Cruz, Claire Venisnik, and Deena Westby.

Scholarship applicants go through a thorough application review process and are required to be a resident of the Waukegan Park District; a student enrolled at a college, university or trade school; and pursuing a field related to parks and recreation.

The 2024 scholarship recipients will be attending the following colleges and universities:

• Fabiola Aguilera-Tenorio: Lake Forest College

• Selene Cruz: Lake Forest College

• Sophia Cruz: Lake Forest College

• Claire Venisnik: Butler University

• Deena Westby: North Carolina Central University

“Education is a cornerstone of personal and community development,” Anton L. Mathews, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, said. “With these scholarships, the Waukegan Park District is investing in the future leaders of the community. Fabiola, Selene, Sophia, Claire and Deena have so much potential to make a difference in the world. They should be proud of their achievements, and I look forward to seeing them make their dreams a reality.”

“The Waukegan Park District Memorial Endowment Fund Scholarship was created to support local students who excel in the classroom and demonstrate a commitment to serving their community,” Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, said. “With so many achievements, this year’s scholarship recipients are students who have already shown leadership both in and out of school. Congratulations to all of them!”

More information about the Waukegan Park District Memorial Endowment Fund Scholarship is available at waukeganparks.org/scholarship.