OPRF High School Senior Wins Statewide Township Award

Distinguished by her history of community service, school leadership and stellar academic performance, an Oak Park and River Forest High School senior has received one of seven scholarships conferred by a statewide township organization.

Isabela Flores of River Forest was recognized for the award by River Forest Township officials after their Annual Town Meeting on April 13th.

Soon, when she decides from among Dominican University, Concordia University and Loyola University of Chicago, Flores will receive the $2,000 Township Officials of Illinois (TOI) scholarship for her inaugural college year.

Based on an interview she conducted with River Forest Township Supervisor Carla Sloan in February, Flores wrote an essay on the role that Township government plays in society. Along with her academic, community and school qualifications, the essay was a key element of her scholarship application.

Flores is the first River Forest recipient in the award’s history, said Sloan.

“They are looking for someone who has a passion for leadership and civic responsibility and social consciousness, and Isabela clearly demonstrates all of those characteristics,” said Sloan. “We are excited for her, and very proud of her.”

Flores said the experience has been eye-opening, particularly because she had not been aware of the breadth of the Township’s impact on residents. She was especially impressed by the Township’s ability to adapt and provide services throughout the pandemic—qualities that were a recurring theme during staff members’ summary reports at the Annual Town Meeting.

“I love helping my community and was amazed at all the Township does,” Flores said. “I was honored to meet with Ms. Sloan. She made me feel empowered because the Township is run by so many women. That gave me a lot of hope.”

Before the TOI scholarship process, Flores was familiar with better-known governmental units, such as the Village of River Forest and the River Forest Public Library. Those are among the many agencies with which the Township has developed strong, collaborative partnerships.

Flores expressed gratitude for the education she received at Willard Elementary School and Roosevelt Middle School. She also credited staff and the resources at the library, where she has volunteered since the 7th grade, with playing an instrumental role in her growth.

“River Forest has shaped me into the person I am today, guiding me to be socially aware and active in my community. The schools also helped me develop a respect and love for the environment and take care of the planet,” she said. “And my experience at the library has helped me to learn how to manage my time, work with other people, and develop leadership skills.”

For three years Flores has served as president of two OPRF student organizations, the Environmental Club and the American Sign Language Club. The latter group sparked her interest because one of her cousins is deaf, and she wanted to develop more meaningful communication with him.

At the Township meeting, Flores was accompanied by her mother, Maria.

“I am very proud of her,” said Maria. “When I found out about the scholarship, I cried tears of joy.”

Of Illinois’ 102 counties, 85 operate under the township form of government and the 1,431 townships serve more than eight million citizens.

River Forest Township efficiently and actively funds and directs the delivery of essential human services in the areas of youth, seniors, mental health and general assistance. In addition, the Township Assessor's Office assists residents with appeals, exemptions and questions related to their property taxes.

For River Foresters, the Township’s budget of approximately $700,000 represents about 1 percent of their overall property tax bill.

Each year, since 1989, the Township Officials of Illinois Scholarship Fund has selected graduating high school seniors to continue their education at Illinois colleges and universities.

In that span, $331,500 has been awarded to 200 students.

For more information about River Forest Township, visit www.RiverForestTownship.org or call 708-366-2029.

On social media: www.facebook.com/RiverForestTownship and www.twitter.com/RFTownship.