Round Lake scholars named

Twenty-three Round Lake High School freshmen have been named Schuler Scholars by the Waukegan-based foundation.

DeEnna Holohan, a school director/college counselor for the Schuler Scholar Program, said the students are chosen because of their talents, character and future leadership potential.

All scholars are required to be part of a five-day leadership camp for students, take career advancement tests and routinely meet with college counselors to determine their best career paths. They also must take part in a college preparation program to ensure they are doing all they can to get in the best universities.

"Our goal is to take primarily first-generation students to help them with enrichment programs so they can matriculate to and graduate from highly selective colleges and universities," Holohan said.

Each scholar is asked to participate in community service projects and become mentors after finishing college.

Started in 2002 by former Abbott executive Jack Schuler and his wife, Renate, the program provides a $5,000-per-year scholarships for students planning to enroll in a four-year college.

The program was introduced at Waukegan High School, then offered at St. Martin de Porres High School in Waukegan in 2004. Round Lake High School came on board in 2006.

Eligible freshmen are identified toward the end of that academic year and encouraged to apply for the program.

Those who are selected must maintain certain standards throughout their high school and college career.

Students who successfully complete the program in high school are awarded $20,000 to offset college costs. If they meet academic requirements in college, they are awarded $2,500 per semester for tuition.

The Round Lake High School students receiving the scholarship are: Samantha Danguilan, Steven Balog, Kevin Vargas, Erin McNeely, Maria Acosta, Krystal Pitts, Jennifer Sotelo, Dana Myers, Anthony Fernando, Ted Hultman, Timothy Elliott, Guenevere Figueroa, Angel Velazquez, Nataly Castro, April Barroso, Jonathan Gonzalez, Valeri Kolze, Anthony Davies, Grace Kalume, Daisy Tinajero, Hannah Driscoll, Kianna Martinez and Brenda Uribe.