New Lenox Family Expands Reach Of Scholarship In Memory Of LW West Grad Killed In Crash

NEW LENOX, IL — A scholarship in memory of a New Lenox man and Lincoln-Way West graduate killed in a crash in September 2024 has been expanded to include all Lincoln-Way District 210 students, the family said.

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 and passion 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.

As the community rallied around them following his death, the Koscinski family channeled grief into the creation of the Tyler Koscinski Memorial Foundation, an effort to support athletes like Tyler.

"We just feel that this is now his purpose," Koscinski said previously.

Tyler had been so supported throughout his sports career, the family said it seemed appropriate that trickle down to other high school athletes.

"Tyler's love for athletics and his unwavering dedication to his team and peers inspire us to support the next generation of student-athletes," the foundation's leaders wrote in its introduction. "All donations to the foundation will be directed towards scholarships and support for young athletes in the Lincoln-Way area, ensuring that Tyler’s spirit continues to drive excellence and opportunity in the world of sports. ... We want to assure you that every contribution will have a meaningful impact."

"We want to inspire and help the athletes through the foundation," Koscinski said. "Just like Tyler was helped."

The scholarship supports student-athletes striving to reach their full potential in the classroom, on the field, court, or any arena of play. Whether their goals are academic, athletic, or a balance of both, the TK9 Fund offers flexible support tailored to each recipient’s unique needs, the foundation wrote on its website.

In its inaugural year in 2025, the scholarship program awarded five graduating seniors $2,000 each. Those amounts were funded largely by a Go Fund Me created for the family after Tyler's death, in addition to past fundraisers at JBD White Horse Inn, Orange Theory and individual donations. The winners were selected by the foundation's board, which is composed of six members, including family and friends

The foundation will again award $10,000 in scholarships this year, opening the applications to students at all three Lincoln-Way District 210 schools: East, West, and Central. Find an overview of the scholarship and information on next steps online. Applications are open until April 1.

The foundation saw great success with several fundraisers in 2025, including a golf outing and trivia night, Koscinski said. They're currently firming up plans for the 2026 TK9 Golf Outing. Check their website or social media for the latest.

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"Everyone’s been so hard at work doing all of these things," Kelly Koscinski said. "We’re trying to keep all of the things going."

The family has also tried to find ways to support the community that has shown up for them. In his youth, Tyler had matriculated through through local youth sports clubs such as the New Lenox Mustangs Youth Football. The foundation provided the teams customized mouthguards, Koscinski said. They'll also sponsor a New Lenox Rebels Baseball t-ball team this year.

"We figured the Rebels and Mustangs are where my boys started their athletic journeys, when they were 5," Koscinski said. "It comes full circle."

Koscinski said the foundation helps the family find purpose through grief.

"It doesn’t ever go away," Koscinski said. "I feel like it’s harder this year. ... You don’t have a choice but to keep going, and think what we can do that would honor Ty. ... The second year's more 'permanent.' ... I don’t want him to be forgotten."

The family several months ago welcomed its newest member—Koscinski's grandson named Carter Tyler—and he's "been a little blessing."

As they continue to navigate their grief, the family finds ways to help those around them.

"People always want to help," Koscinski said, "and I want to be able to give back to them."

The Tyler Koscinski Memorial Foundation will award $10,000 in scholarships this year. Students at all three Lincoln-Way District 210 schools are eligible. Find an overview of the scholarship and information on next steps online. Applications are open until April 1.

The foundation will also host a Bingo Night fundraiser at the New Lenox VFW on March 19. Follow the organization on Facebook for sign-up information, and all the latest updates.