Richards Principal To Walk 24 Hours For Scholarships

OAK LAWN, IL — Faced with a depleted scholarship fund that would not recover without intervention, Richards High School Principal Mike Jacobson needed to get creative.

The pandemic and its safety rules eliminated many potential ideas. So the avid walker found a solution in his daily routine: Jacobson has decided to walk for 24 hours on campus starting at 9 a.m. on New Year’s Day to raise money for college scholarships.

“The two groups affected the most by the pandemic have been the elderly and the young. We’re the advocacy group for the young, so we need to do something. We’re seeing more need than ever,” Jacobson said.

Inspiration for the idea arrived in stark fashion. In the role of youth ministry director at Incarnation Catholic Church he’s witnessed a degree of need like never before.

Both through the Adopt-A-Family program organized by the Archdiocese of Chicago and The Giving Tree – which supports abused women and children -- sponsored by his parish, Jacobson came to understand the hardship that growing numbers of people confront today.

“It made me wonder how many kids at Richards need these things (that the Archdiocese and Incarnation provided). At times like this we need to do more. People who have (material wealth) are being called,” he said.

Without prompt the faculty from Richards answered. Rather than accept the customary holiday gifts from the school the teachers asked that the money support the scholarship fund.

Jacobson won’t walk alone.

Oak Lawn-Hometown District 123 Superintendent Paul Enderle, Chicago Ridge District 127 ½ Superintendent Adam Thorns, and District 218 Superintendent Ty Harting and others will walk with him at various times.

Titled “2020: Walk It Off!” the name reflects the feelings of almost anyone: Leave the year of the pandemic behind and anticipate 2021 with hope.

Jacobson cited many reasons for the depleted scholarship fund. Athletic Boosters, which traditionally donate thousands, have not been able to organize fundraisers; donations to memorial scholarships have fallen; and, the pandemic has affected the ability of many people to donate.

To make a pledge, make a donation at the CHSD 218 Education Foundation.