Joseph Gilles Scholarship Recipients Announced at St. Therese

Last year, the unthinkable happened to the Joseph P. Gilles family: Mr. Gilles, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to many, died. Like most families, this one grieved their loss. Unlike most families, this one turned their loss to the benefit of an organization that was dear to Mr. Gilles own life. They established the Joseph P. Gilles Memorial Scholarship Fund at St. Therese of Jesus School.

Mr. Gilles was no stranger to life at St. Therese. He volunteered in the school and was responsible for jumpstarting the computer program in the school. He believed that all children should have access to technology. He was a generous spirit and personally asked that this Scholarship Fund be established in lieu of the more traditional flowers that people send.

In keeping with the terms of the scholarship outlined by the Gilles family, the scholarship is a non-renewable award given to an individual student who demonstrates academic success, need and willingness to serve the St. Therese of Jesus School and Parish Community. It is to be awarded annually.

This first year, two young men were identified as embodying the traits of this scholarship: Stephen Gandarilla and Vince Torres. Both boys and their parents were asked to write a letter requesting consideration for the scholarship and also had to have a teacher recommendation as well.

Fourth Grader, Stephen, described how much he loved school, the Catholic school environment and participating in choir. His former teacher, Mrs. Sonia Lucena believes that Stephen, "will go far in life with his excellent reading skills and his ambition." He has been at St. Therese since Preschool.

Third Grader, Vince, also loves school. Ms. Tess Grimes believes that Vince is "a very smart young man, that is always in a good mood and happy to be at school." Vince has also been at St. Therese since Preschool.

About St. Therese School
St. Therese is a co-educational Catholic elementary school located in Aurora, Illinois. Founded in May, 1925, St. Therese continues to offer an affordable Catholic education to students in Preschool through 8th Grade. We serve a multicultural population through messages of faith, academic programs, and service opportunities. The educational team challenges students to practice their faith in Christ while becoming knowledgeable and skilled citizens. For more information about our school or any of our programs, please contact our Principal, Michael Neis at 630.898.0620 or visit our website at www.stthereseaurora.org.
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