Evergreen Park Senior Wins A. Franklin Pilchard Scholarship

EVERGREEN PARK, IL – An Evergreen Park Community High School senior has been awarded the A. Franklin Pilchard Scholarship, which recognizes students with exceptional academic talent and community service experience, among other attributes.

Adam Gradilla, who consistently holds a 4.0 grade point average, said he had to write a short essay and fill out an application in order to be considered for the scholarship.

“It was pretty simple because our counselors emailed me with everything I had to do and made it a very smooth process,” said Gradilla, who will attend college at DePaul University in Chicago this fall.

The scholarship awards Gradilla $8,000 a year in tuition and room and board assistance for four years. Gradilla plans to major in finance at DePaul.

In addition to Gradilla’s academic success at EPCHS, he has been a member of the school’s marching band and concert band all four years.

Having band in Block 0 (an hour before most students start school) since he was a freshman has helped Gradilla reach his academic success.

“I used to hate it as a freshman, but it has turned out to be pretty helpful,” he said. “By the time first period comes, I’m not in zombie mode, I’m ready to go.”