Evanston Human Relations Commission and First Bank & Trust present Essay Scholarship Award

EVANSTON, Ill., -- First Bank & Trust Corporate Secretary Joan Yohanan and City of Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl co-presented a $1,000 scholarship award to Evanston Township High School alumnus Andre Wallace at the January 11, 2016 City Council Meeting. Wallace wrote the winning essay in a scholarship contest hosted by the City of Evanston’s Human Relations Commission and sponsored by First Bank & Trust.

The Human Relations Commission’s essay contest is open to high school seniors, first-year college students and trade school students. Applicants must live in Evanston or attend a public or private school in Evanston, and are judged on academic achievement and writing skills. The winner receives a $1,000 scholarship.

Andre Wallace is currently a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania. He was previously a member of the executive board of Students Organized Against Racism, an alumnus of the Youth & Opportunity United Leadership Project, and a recipient of the 2015 Princeton Prize in Race Relations.

City of Evanston ICMA Local Government Management Fellow and Human Relations Commission staff liaison Oscar Murillo said, “Andre Wallace exemplifies the mission of the Human Relations Commission. His essay and recommendation letter demonstrated not only his dedication to his education and athletics, but also his passion for improving race relations among his peers. We couldn’t be more pleased to present him with this scholarship, and certainly look forward to following his future achievements.”

“First Bank & Trust believes in helping young people make a great start in life, which is why we are committed to financial literacy education for youth,” said First Bank & Trust Corporate Secretary Joan Yohanan. “We congratulate Wallace on his academic achievement, and his commitment to giving back to the community as a tutor and mentor. We are very proud to sponsor this scholarship for his continued studies.”

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THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION is charged with fostering, encouraging, and stimulating the improvement of relationships among and between citizens from all backgrounds. The Commission works to provide all with equal opportunities to grow, participate and share to the best of their ability in our economic, educational, political, social and judicial systems.

FIRST BANK & TRUST, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2015, is a locally owned and managed community bank with a mission to be the most responsive and the most responsible bank in the communities we serve. We are dedicated to supporting individuals, privately-held and family-owned businesses and non-profits as they pursue their dreams. Their goal is to spur economic growth and development in Chicagoland, including the North Shore and the western suburbs. For more information about First Bank & Trust, visit www.firstbt.com.

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