Rock Island Today

From such diverse towns as Normal and Equity — alongside several out-of-state communities — 53 recent Illinois high school graduates will advance to college thanks in part to Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) scholarships.

DCFS recently honored the incoming freshmen at the Alhambra Palace in Chicago along with their families, government officials and speakers. The winners were culled from approximately 300 entrants, based on criteria including essays, community activity and academic achievement; Rodney Walker, an author and businessman who grew up in foster care on Chicago’s South Side, served as guest speaker. 

“This time of year is for graduation ceremonies and celebrations, and our youth in care are no different,” DCFS Director George Sheldon said at the afternoon event. “I would like to congratulate the scholarship recipients for their accomplishments. I am extremely proud of our recent graduates and current students continuing higher education.”

DCFS offers at least 53 scholarships each year, including four allotted to children of veterans. Recipients receive up to five years’ worth of financial support for tuition and expenses to be used at participating Illinois colleges and universities. 

This year’s scholarship recipients hail from the Illinois communities of Algonquin, Ashland, Auburn, Batavia, Berkeley, Bloomington, Broadview, Buffalo Grove, Carbondale, Chicago, Chicago Ridge, Colona, Creve Cour, Decatur, Dolton, Edinburg, Equality, Fairfield, Fouder, Glen Carbon, Gurnee, Hanover Park, Herrin, Highland, Highland Park, Irvington, Litchfield, Long Grove, Matteson, Naperville, New Lenox, Normal, Northbrook, Oak Park, O’Fallon, Onarga, Patoka, Rochelle, Rushville, St. Charles, Seaton, Tinley Park and White Hall — along with Apex, North Carolina and Davenport, Iowa. 

“It is a great honor to recognize these scholars for their character, extracurricular activities, and academic achievements,” Dr. Tiffany Gholson, associate deputy director in the Office of Education and Transition Services, said. “I encourage all of our youth to plan for their future, develop unique dreams and talents and choose to be lifelong learners. This is not only a proud moment for the recipients and their families, but for the Department of Children and Family Services as well.”