Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Scholarship
The Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Foundation is proud to offer six scholarships to Illinois high school seniors of the class of 2024. In remembering Kelli Joy, the foundation seeks exceptionally caring and compassionate students who have demonstrated kindness in their communities.
In 2024, the Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Foundation offers the class of 2023 the following scholarships
5 – $1,500 renewable (up to 4 years) scholarships to high school seniors from Illinois. The total value of over four years of each scholarship is $6,000 and the total value of this offering is $30,000. (Category 1).
1 – $2,000 renewable (up to 4 years) scholarships offered to a pool of candidates from the above applicants. The only way to qualify for this scholarship is to apply for one of the above scholarships. These scholarships require an interview and proof of financial need based on the Student Aid Report (SAR). The total value of over four years of each scholarship is $8,000 and the total value of this offering is $8,000. (Category 2).
In summary, the KJO Memorial Foundation is offering 6 scholarships with a total value over four years of $38,000 to the class of 2024.
To apply, students complete a 500-word essay along with two recommendations from a coach, teacher, or community sponsor. Interested students should carefully review the application requirements and deadlines located below. Financial need is considered for a subset of the scholarships.
Brenda O’Laughlin co-founder and treasurer of the foundation notes: “The KJO Memorial Scholarship has been a beacon of support for many students, helping them to pursue higher education despite financial constraints. Past recipients have been the first in their families to graduate from college, and some have even gone on to medical school. We are proud to continue this legacy and look forward to welcoming additional winners into our community as we keep Kelli’s memory alive.”
Including the scholarships this year, the foundation has offered 106 scholarships valued at over $827,000! The scholarships are renewable for 4 years, allowing students stability as they progress through their education. The foundation is proud to have helped several students be the first in their families to attend college. Other winners have been able to attend a dream school that would have otherwise been out of reach financially. The scholarships also provide a way for the foundation to demonstrate caring and compassion to students experiencing hardship, such as the loss of a parent.
The scholarships will be awarded in the spring.
Requirements for all categories are:
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Participation in a high school sport for at least 3 of 4 years
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A 500-word essay described on the application form
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Two recommendations from a Coach, Teacher, or Community Sponsor
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Community Service Requirement (50 hours) for the financial need recipients.
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The foundation hopes the recipients can fulfill this requirement with our foundation, but we will accept other documented service hours.
Deadline for Student Application: 11 PM, Saturday, Feb 10th, 2024.
Deadline for Recommendations: 10 PM, Thursday, Feb 15th, 2024.
If you intend to apply for the financial need scholarship please be available over the weekend of March 9th and submit your proof of financial need (via the application form). We will contact the students the week of February 26th. Interviews for financial need scholarships will be held via a Zoom call or a similar method. We are requiring a phone number for all who declare a financial need to facilitate the interview process.
Renewal in future years requires maintaining a 3.0 GPA.
Applications & recommendations are only accepted via this website and not accepted via any other means.
