2025 Scholarship Information

The Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Foundation is honored to announce six scholarships for Illinois high school seniors graduating in the Class of 2025. In Kelli Joy’s memory, these scholarships aim to recognize exceptionally caring and compassionate students who demonstrate kindness and positivity in their communities.

Scholarship Offerings for 2025

1. Category 1:
   • Five (5) $2,000 renewable scholarships (up to 4 years) for Illinois high school seniors.
   • Each scholarship totals $8,000 over four years, with an overall program value of $40,000.
2. Category 2:
   • One (1) $4,000 renewable scholarship (up to 4 years) awarded from the pool of Category 1 applicants.
   • This scholarship requires an interview and proof of financial need based on the Student Aid Report (SAR).
   • The total value of this scholarship is $16,000.

In total, the foundation will award six scholarships with a combined value of $56,000 to the Class of 2025.

Application Process

Applicants must submit their applications exclusively through this website. No other submission methods will be accepted.

Applicants must provide:

• A 500-word essay (details provided on the application form).
• Two recommendation letters from a coach, teacher, or community sponsor.
• Proof of financial need for Category 2 scholarships.

Additionally, scholarship recipients with demonstrated financial need are required to complete 50 hours of community service, preferably with the foundation, though other documented service hours will be accepted.

A Legacy of Support and Achievement

Brenda O’Laughlin, co-founder and treasurer of the foundation, shares:

“The KJO Memorial Scholarship has been a beacon of support for many students, enabling them to pursue higher education despite financial constraints. Past recipients have achieved remarkable milestones, including being the first in their families to graduate from college and even attending medical school. We are proud to continue this legacy and welcome more winners into our community, keeping Kelli’s memory alive.”

Including this year’s scholarships, the KJO Memorial Foundation has awarded 112 scholarships totaling over $883,000 since its inception. These scholarships provide recipients with the stability to achieve their educational goals, helping students overcome financial challenges, pursue their dreams, and honor Kelli’s compassionate spirit.

Scholarship Requirements

To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Participation in high school sports for at least three of four years.
• Submission of a 500-word essay.
• Two recommendation letters from a coach, teacher, or community sponsor.
• Completion of 50 hours of community service for recipients with financial need.

Important Dates and Details

• Deadline for Student Applications: 11:00 PM, Thursday, February 14, 2025.

• Deadline for Recommendations: 10:00 PM, Monday, February 17, 2025.

• Applicants for the financial need scholarship must:
  • Applicants will be contacted during the week of February 26th to arrange an interview
  • Be available for interviews over the weekend of March 9, 2025.
  • Submit proof of financial need (via the application form) by the deadline.
  • Provide a valid phone number to facilitate the interview process.
  • Interviews will be conducted via Zoom or a similar platform.

Renewal Requirements

Scholarship renewal in future years requires recipients to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Scholarship Awards

Scholarships will be awarded in the spring of 2025.

For full application details and deadlines, please review the requirements below. Applications must be submitted exclusively through this website.

We look forward to receiving your submissions and honoring Kelli’s legacy through this year’s scholarships.

Click here for the Scholarship Application

Applications & recommendations are only accepted via this website.

Click here for the Recommendations info page