As shown above, Lauren received the KJO Memorial Scholarship at Mother McAuley.
We are thrilled to introduce the newest member of our esteemed Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Scholarship family from the class of 2023, Lauren Dart! Hailing from Mother McAuley High School in Chicago, IL, Lauren has been awarded a scholarship valued at $3,200 annually, renewable for four years. In order to maintain this prestigious scholarship, Lauren will strive to uphold a B average throughout her college journey.
We are proud to announce that Lauren will be starting the next chapter of her educational journey at The University of Iowa. This esteemed institution will provide her with the perfect platform to pursue her academic and personal growth, enabling her to continue making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Throughout her high school years, Lauren embarked on a remarkable journey of self-discovery. While she initially began her athletic pursuits playing volleyball, she soon realized her true passion lay in the realm of cross country and track teams. With a determined spirit, she dedicated herself to these sports, finding solace, growth, and fulfillment within each race.
Lauren’s remarkable compassion and dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others caught the attention of our scholarship committee. In her essay, she eloquently shared her transformative experience with a baking program she initiated for women at the County Jail. Reflecting on her time spent with these women, Lauren wrote, “This program has taught me more than I would have ever expected it to. I learned that these women are just like the rest of humanity, flawed. They also have the potential to do much more with their lives once given the opportunity.” Her profound understanding of compassion, empathy, and the power of second chances left an indelible impression on our committee members.
As Lauren embarks on her next chapter at The University of Iowa, she will undoubtedly carry her compassionate spirit and unwavering determination to create positive change with her. In pursuit of her college education, Lauren plans to continue exploring her passion for helping others and hopes to major in a field that aligns with her altruistic values. She believes in the transformative power of compassion, recognizing that it allows us to see people in a different light and realize that, fundamentally, we are not so different from one another.
On behalf of the entire Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Scholarship community, we extend our warmest congratulations to Lauren Dart! We are honored to have her join our esteemed group of scholars, and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact she will make both at The University of Iowa and in the lives of others.
