Mount Prospect Woman's Club Awards 2016 Scholarships

The Mount Prospect Woman's Club recently awarded $1,000 scholarships to three graduating high school seniors. Congratulations to these very accomplished students!

Liam Benson is a Prospect High School graduate who will attend the University of Illinois - Urbana, Champaign to study civil engineering. Liam played basketball, volleyball and soccer in high school and was active with DECA Business Club and Branches Religious Youth Group. Liam also worked as a manager at his part-time job. His boss said, "Without exception, every job he spearheads is a huge success." Liam's goal as a civil engineer is to help the environment through his work and to do some work in a developing country. During a trip to Costa Rica, Liam realized he could be a driving force as a civil engineer to improve roads, buildings and other infrastructure in poor, developing areas.

Pooja Patil is a Rolling Meadows High School graduate who will be attending Illinois Wesleyan University to prepare for her career as an astrophysicist. Pooja was involved with the spring musical, show choir, math team, French club and the Rolling Meadows newspaper. She has also served as a pediatric volunteer at Lutheran General Hospital and as a Sunday school teacher. Pooja's high school advisor attests to her ability to "inquire deeply, think independently and form logical conclusions based on models and data without having to be explicitly taught difficult material." Pooja describes physics as her true passion and hopes to become a respected and knowledgeable physicist.

Julia Niklewicz is a John Hersey High School graduate who will attend Bradley University to become a special education teacher. She is a competitive figure skater who also instructs children. Julia was awarded the Daily Herald Leadership Award for her community service and leadership. She has served as a camp counselor for children and adults with special needs and was a member of the Student Council at Hersey, while also participating on the golf and track & field teams. One of Julia's teachers described her as "a young woman of superior academic ability, tremendous talent and character, and deep compassion for others." Julia said service has given her an innate ability to look past flaws and see the beauty in one's eyes. "I have found my skills as a nurturer and teacher."

For more information about the Mount Prospect Woman's Club please contact Jodi Hanson at (708) 997-9624 or mountprospectwc@yahoo.com.