Glendale Heights Chamber of Commerce honors 2026 Kathy Guzlas Scholarship recipients
On Wednesday, June 3, the Glendale Heights Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual scholarship luncheon, celebrating the recipients of the Kathy Guzlas Scholarship.
Established in 2000, this scholarship fund supports graduating high school seniors from Glendale Heights — or those whose parent or guardian belongs to a Chamber member organization in good standing — who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, volunteerism, and academic achievement.
Inspired by Kathay Guzlas, who championed the effort to ensure local graduates had scholarship opportunities within their own community, the chamber renamed the fund in her memory and has awarded tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships over the years.
This year, four remarkable students were selected from a competitive group of applicants.
• Zainab Ahmed of Glenbard East High School is going to Northern Illinois University to pursue studies to become a speech language pathologist/therapist.
• Gavin Breede of Glenbard West High School is going to Michigan State University where he plans to study engineering.
• Juan Pablo Pazos of Glenbard East High School is going to University of Illinois Chicago where he plans to study medicine.
• Luis Trejo of Glenbard North High School is going to DePaul University where he plans to study finance and international business.
The luncheon brought together scholarship recipients and their guests, chamber members, local officials, and community supporters.
Attendees enjoyed lunch and a heartfelt program, which included remarks from Glenbard District 87 Superintendent Jessica Santee and a touching remembrance of Kathy Guzlas delivered by Village President Rebecca Giannelli.
Each recipient was introduced by a member of the Chamber executive board and awarded a $1,000 scholarship check to support their college education. The students then shared brief, inspiring remarks about their journeys and future aspirations.
At the end of the event, attendees expressed their pride in these bright and talented individuals who represent the promise and potential of the Glendale Heights community.