Mt. Prospect Parks Foundation gives out scholarship awards

The Mount Prospect Parks Foundation, the fundraising arm of the Mount Prospect Park District, awarded three, $1,500 scholarships as part of the July 21 Park Board of Commissioners meeting.

Held at the Central Community Center in Mount Prospect, the meeting included the scholarship presentation from foundation President Janice Stone and foundation Executive Director Ruth Yueill.

Yueill read excerpts from the letters of recommendation for each of this year's recipients: Alex Rivera Grant, Grace Tchoryk and Emily Laffey.

Grant works with the District Community Relations & Marketing team, Tchoryk with Aquatics and Facilities and Laffey with the Cultural Arts Department.

Since the program's inception in 2005, the foundation has awarded more than $60,000 in scholarship monies.

Awarded to employees or children of employees under 25 years of age attending college or trade/technical school in the fall, applicants submit their grade-point average, a personal letter of recommendation and an original essay response to a specific question.

In 2021, applicants were asked to comment on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their personal and educational experiences.

A panel of independent judges score the applications and determine the winners.

Established in 1997, the Mount Prospect Parks Foundation is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization. Its purpose is to enhance the quality of parks, facilities and recreation opportunities by raising funds through tax-deductible donations.

The foundation has purchased AEDs for all district facilities, renovated the banquet room and kitchen at the Friendship Park Conservatory in Des Plaines, replaced lost trees in district parks, orchestrated the annual scholarship program and hosted Cabaret Nights and special events to enhance all fundraising efforts.

For information on the foundation, visit mppd.org.