The Palatine Jaycees are seeking applicants for the 2024 Ken Bilk Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship program will be awarding five (5) scholarships of $3,000 to high school seniors that exhibit the values of leadership and community service central to the Palatine Jaycees mission. The scholarships will be presented at the Palatine Jaycees’ June 20 general membership meeting at Lamplighter’s Inn & Tavern.
“The Palatine Jaycees are an organization that focuses on leadership and giving back to our community,” said Andrew Namowicz, this year’s scholarship co-chair. “Applicants must be graduating high school seniors who reside in either 60067 or 60074 ZIP codes and plan to continue their education.”
Applications can be obtained from the Palatine Jaycee scholarships website. Applications are also available from guidance counselors at Fremd, Palatine, and St. Viator high schools. All entries must be received by June 2, 2024. Mailed entries can be sent to Palatine Jaycees Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 1517, Palatine, IL 60078-1517. Applications may also be dropped off in person on May 16, during the Palatine Jaycees’ general membership meeting between 7:30 and 9 p.m., upstairs at Lamplighter Inn Tavern & Grille.
In order to apply, applicants are asked to write about their leadership skills within the community, church and/or school. A committee of Jaycees will select the most outstanding applicants based on their accomplishments and contributions within their community.
“We are always amazed at all the accomplishments of our community’s high school seniors, which makes selecting the winners a difficult task,” said Co-chair Michael Quevillon.
Offering scholarships to high school seniors is just one of the ways the Jaycees give back to the community. Every year, the Palatine Jaycees conduct numerous programs to serve the community and accumulate funds for operation of the chapter and community events, grants and scholarships. Included in these projects are Hometown Fest (Fourth of July festival), Christmas tree sales, Easter egg hunt, a STEM Fair, and many others that benefit the Palatine community.
The Palatine Chapter of the Jaycees is one of the largest of about 25 local chapters throughout Illinois, with around 100 members. The Jaycees provide individuals between the age of 21 and 40 the opportunity to develop personal and leadership skills while serving their community and have been recognized statewide, nationally and internationally for their efforts.
The Palatine Jaycees hold its monthly general meeting on the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m., on the second floor of Lamplighter Inn Tavern & Grille. For further information on the Palatine Jaycees, membership or any of their sponsored events, visit palatinejaycees.org, email info@palatinejaycees.org or call (847) 604-0288.