Orland Township Hosts Pomp and Circumstance Scholarship Awards Dinner

Orland Township held its annual scholarship awards dinner on June 1st at Gatto’s Restaurant in Orland Park. 22 students, who reside in the Township, were awarded an overall total of $16,500 from the Orland Township Scholarship Foundation. In the past eight years, Supervisor O’Grady - who also serves as the President of the Foundation- and the Board of Directors has awarded nearly 131,500 dollars in scholarships. They have also helped approximately 175 students with financial aid towards college.

The students and their parents were invited to the honorary dinner. Supervisor Paul O’Grady presented the awards to the students after dinner was served. Supervisor O’Grady discussed the various events that aided the success of their fundraising efforts.

“Tuition costs are constantly rising and with the generosity of the donators to help these kids with their financial encumbrance is a great asset not only in our community’s future, but for young, positive bright minds going forward,” O’Grady added.

Of the 22 award recipients, twelve were from Carl Sandburg High School (Richard Aquinaga, Andrew Barvinek, Rebecca Cassata, Morgan Greene, Joseph Jaeger, Jada Blackmon, Kristen Crowe, Carly Donovitch, Alyssa Jacobs, Bo Manning, Frederick McClure, Daniel Oliszewicz), five were from Victor J. Andrew High School (Thomas Doyle, Richard Novaski, Caitlin Flaherty Gianni Iannantone, Lindsey Woolf), three from Providence Catholic High School (Joseph Harris, Donald Peck, Timothy (TJ) Quinlan), and two from Mother McAuley High School (Sarah Coughlin, Kelly Anne Calcagno).

These students achieved high excellence not only in their academics, but also in areas of community involvement and extracurricular activities in high school. These students had been leaders within their school and community. Most of the students had completed over 100 hours of community service, and were members of the National Honors Society. Some had been deemed an Illinois State Scholar.

To stay up-to-date with what’s happening at Orland Township, follow Supervisor O’Grady and the Township on Facebook, www.facebook.com/supervisorogrady, and Twitter, @OrlandTownship.

About Orland Township

Orland Township (www.orlandtownship.org), established in 1850, is the level of government closest to residents. Its purpose is to educate and coordinate programs and services that will enhance community life and promote activity and overall wellness for residents.