Lake Forest Fundraiser Supports Full-Ride Scholarships For Local High School Students

Twenty-nine North Chicago Community High School graduates will get two-year CLC scholarships thanks to a fundraiser.

By Rachel Barnes, Patch Staff

May 21, 2026 11:18 am CDT

LAKE FOREST, IL — When North Chicago Community High School’s Class of 2026 graduates this weekend, 29 students will leave with full-ride, two-year scholarships to the College of Lake County.

The scholarships are funded through the North Chicago Public Education Foundation and the annual Faith on the Fairway golf outing.

The 6th Annual Faith on the Fairway Golf Outing is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at Foss Park Golf Course in North Chicago. Faith Lutheran Church in Lake Forest hosts the charitable event, which raises money for the Warhawk Lancer Scholarship Program.

This year’s event seeks to raise $50,000, adding to nearly $245,000 raised over the past five years. The money supports fully paid College of Lake County scholarships for students in North Chicago. The scholarship covers full tuition, as well as fees, books, supplies, a new computer, counseling, mentoring and a $3,000 annual stipend to help with school-year expenses.

“We are thankful for the opportunity to work with others in this effort which will help young people and their families and this community of North Chicago for a long time to come,” said Rev. James Buckman, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Lake Forest.

The Warhawk Lancer Scholars program began with six students from the North Chicago Community High School Class of 2020 and has grown as funding has increased. According to the church, some students use their two years at College of Lake County as a stepping stone to a four-year university, while others pursue an associate degree or career certification through one of the community college’s more than 200 programs.

Buckman explained that members of Faith Lutheran Church started the outing as a way to serve neighbors and support young people who might not otherwise continue their education after high school. Church members administer, staff, promote and participate in the outing alongside current North Chicago Community High School students and alumni who are receiving Warhawk Lancer Scholarships.