'Every Dollar Carries A Piece Of Tyler': Foundation In Memory Of New Lenox Man Awards $20K In Scholarships

NEW LENOX, IL — A local family awarded $20,000 in scholarships in memory of a New Lenox man and Lincoln-Way West graduate killed in a crash in September 2024.

Kelly Koscinski, whose son Tyler died in a crash in September 2024, said she wants to continue to support student-athletes that mirror the dedication she saw in him. Tyler, who died at 20, was a passionate and fierce athlete and competitor, dual-sport in baseball and football until narrowing his focus on baseball. He had continued pursuing his passion in college, as an infielder at Aurora University.

After its inaugural year in 2025, the Tyler Koscinski Memorial Foundation scholarship program expanded this year to include all three Lincoln-Way schools, growing from five recipients to 16. Their selection for the scholarship is a nod to their pursuit of their athletic goals and dreams, and a tribute to the same kind of passion they shared with Tyler.

"We had 57 applicants, and these were the top 16 very deserving kids," said Koscinski. "It was incredibly emotional and overwhelming to see their gratitude and thankfulness, especially knowing the reason behind our foundation. We want these kids to make it a good run."

The organization recognized a "G.O.A.T," or Greatest of All Tyler among all applicants, awarding that to Molly Finn of Lincoln-Way West. Finn is a dual-sport athlete in basketball and softball. She was awarded $3,000.

One student from each school was also chosen as an MVP. At Lincoln-Way West, Zoe Helen Dempsey was selected for her pursuit of wrestling. She was awarded $2,000.

At Lincoln-Way East, MVP went to Mason Arthur Edward Meskimen, athlete in Lincoln-Way Lancers Hockey and baseball. Meskimen received $2,000.

MVP at Lincoln-Way Central was awarded to Kylie Koehler, competitor in track and field. Koehler was also awarded $2,000.

Other winners were awarded $1,000 scholarships.

Lincoln-Way West

• Molly Finn (GOAT)
• Zoe Helen Dempsey (MVP)
• Anthony James Lusciatti
• Evan Warren Schultz
• Ethan Ferrucci
• Isabella Shenberger
• Adrian Acosta
• Matthew Staniszewski
• James Anthony Talley Jr
• Nicholas Edmund Dul

Lincoln-Way East

• Mason Arthur Edward Meskimen (MVP)
• Alexander Holmes
• Teagan Murph

Lincoln-Way Central

• Kylie Koehler (MVP)
• Lara Anne Yutesler
• Flynn Margaret Meyer

"Every dollar carries a piece of who Tyler was—his leadership his kindness, his work ethic and his gentle soul," Koscinski said.

"Tyler showed up for his teammates, made school history and led by example. He is still leading—just in a different way."

With the scholarships awarded, the foundation and its board now turn their focus to the 2nd annual TK9 Foundation Golf Outing, set for Saturday, July 25 at Broken Arrow Golf Club in Lockport.

"This event brings together friends, family, and our community to raise funds for college scholarships for student-athletes in the Lincoln-Way area," the organization wrote. "Today, the TK9 Foundation is proud to be one of the largest contributors to these scholarships, helping local students continue their education and pursue their goals."

Registration is open now, though few spots remain. The cost is $150 per player and includes 18 holes, golf cart, lunch at the turn, open bar and dinner, player gift and more. A non-golfer experience is available for $60 per person, and includes wine tasting, charcuterie, raffles, open bar and dinner. Participants will also have access to raffles, silent auction (online and live), and split the pot.

The scholarships are funded through sponsorships from the golf outing, individual donations and events such as TK9 Bingo and TK9 Trivia.

Sponsors are still being sought, as well as donations for the silent auction and gift basket raffle. Find out more on the outing's website.

All funds raised through the golf outing will be funneled into the scholarship program, Koscinski said.

"It’s hard to believe how much time has passed since our first outing in Tyler’s honor," reads a statement from Koscinski on the foundation's website. "This past year, Tyler would have turned 21. He would have been celebrating with friends and family, meeting his nephew Carter, and sharing his calm, thoughtful way with the people around him. He should have been golfing with friends, starting his senior year of college, and enjoying the moments that make life so full.

"Grief is love with nowhere to go. There is no greater love than a parent's for their child, and no stronger bond than that of siblings. Our family continues to heal, to grieve, and to speak of Tyler whenever we can. Though he never sought the spotlight, his presence is felt in every memory and every story shared.

"Through this event and through every scholarship awarded, we are reminded of Tyler’s impact. And in that, we find comfort knowing 'it was a good run.'"