The Palatine Jaycees are seeking applicants for three $2,000 scholarships that will be presented at the Jaycees’ June 15 general membership meeting. The scholarships are given through the Palatine Jaycees’ annual Leadership Scholarship program.
“The Jaycees are a leadership training organization and we want to reward high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities,” said Abbey Corbett, this year’s scholarship committee chair. “Applicants must be graduating high school seniors who plan to continue their education and reside in either 60067 or 60074 zip codes. We’ll honor the winners during our Hometown Fest Fourth of July festival. The winners will be invited to participate in the parade.”
Applications can be downloaded from the chapter website, by emailing scholarships@palatinejaycees.org, or by calling 847-604-0288. Applications are also available from guidance counselors at Fremd, Palatine, and St. Viator high schools. Entries must be submitted by May 12. They may be mailed to Palatine Jaycees Scholarship Committee, Post Office Box 1517, Palatine, IL 60078-1517, or dropped off on April 20 during the Jaycees’ monthly meeting between 7:30 and 8:30 PM at the American Legion Hall at 122 W Palatine Rd in Palatine.
Applicants must write a two-page essay 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’re always amazed at the accomplishments of some of these high school seniors and find selecting the winners a difficult task,” said Corbett.
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 programs that serve the community and raise money for chapter operation and community donations. Examples include Hometown Fest (Fourth of July festival), Christmas tree sales, and Best Pizza Contest, each of which benefits the community and helps raise money.
The Palatine chapter of the Jaycees, one of 60 local chapters throughout Illinois, has more than 120 members and is one of the largest chapters in the state. The Jaycees provide individuals between the ages of 21 and 40 opportunities to develop personal and leadership skills while serving their community.
The chapter meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM at the American Legion Hall on Palatine Road in Palatine. For more information about the Palatine Jaycees, membership, or Jaycees-sponsored events, visit www.palatinejaycees.org, email info@palatinejaycees.org, or 847-604-0288.