2024 Scholarship Details

The following scholarships are made possible through the generous contributions of individuals, families, and organizations throughout our Stevenson community.


Brett Lerner Award

1 Scholarship | $2,000
The Brett Lerner Award was established in honor of Brett Lerner, a 2013 Stevenson graduate who passed away in 2015. While attending Stevenson, Brett embraced every opportunity including playing Varsity Volleyball and honing his skills as a broadcaster. Brett was a natural leader who was liked and respected by students and faculty alike. Brett’s family established the award to celebrate the positive, impactful way Brett lived, and to honor a graduating senior who is a transformational leader like Brett.


Brian Izen Scholarship

1 Scholarship | $2,000
The Brian Izen Scholarship was established in honor of Stevenson community member Brian Izen, who passed away in 2021. Known for his positive attitude, Brian treated everyone with kindness and was always doing for others. Brian's family established the scholarship to honor an SHS senior who, like Brian, has worked hard to overcome life's challenges, has demonstrated a commitment to the community through volunteerism or community service, and has shown that they want to be the very best version of themself.


Christopher Franken Vision to Reality Leadership Award

1 Scholarship | $2,500
The Christopher Franken “Vision to Reality” Leadership Award recognizes a graduating senior who has demonstrated effective leadership, academic achievement, and strength of character. Former SHS Director of Student Activities Christopher Franken encouraged student leaders to learn leadership strategies and skills. With his guidance, student leaders implemented changes and developed countless new activities that since have become part of the proud tradition of Stevenson High School. The Christopher Franken “Vision to Reality” Leadership Award was established to recognize a graduating senior who has led a team of peers towards the accomplishment of a goal. Mr. Franken encouraged student leaders to visualize what they wanted, set goals, direct and support their teams, delegate responsibilities, and monitor results. The Leadership Award will be presented annually to the student leader whose vision was achieved applying successful leadership strategies.


Christopher Steele Baseball Scholarship

1 Scholarship | $1,000
The Christopher Steele Baseball Scholarship was established in honor of Christopher Steele, a 2000 Stevenson graduate who passed away in 2006. Chris loved being a Patriot, and was a talented athlete who played baseball and hockey. Chris was an extraordinary friend and leader on the field and off. Chris’s family and friends established the scholarship to recognize a Patriot baseball player who, like Chris, is a hard working athlete and whose character makes him a leader on the team.


Christopher Steele Tough as Steele Scholarship

1 Scholarship | $1,000
The Christopher Steele Tough as Steele Hockey Scholarship was established in honor of Christopher Steele, a 2000 Stevenson graduate who passed away in 2006. Chris loved being a Patriot, and was a talented athlete who played baseball and hockey. Chris was an extraordinary friend and leader on the ice and off. Chris’s family and friends established the scholarship to recognize a Patriot hockey player who, like Chris, is a hard working athlete and whose character makes him a leader on the team.


Dana & Tom Carris Military Salute Scholarship

1 Scholarship | $1,000
Proud Stevenson Alumni and longtime, engaged community members Dana and Tom Carris are passionate about supporting future service members and military families. The Dana & Tom Carris Military Salute Scholarship will be awarded each year to a student who has committed to pursuing a higher education through ROTC, who has actively participated in Students Helping Soldiers, and/or who has a parent or grandparent that served our great nation in any branch of the military.


District 96: Dr. Thomas W. Many Educational Scholarship

2 Scholarships | $1,000 Each
The Dr. Thomas W. Many Educational Scholarship was established in honor of former District 96 Superintendent Dr. Thomas W. Many. After two decades of service to D96, Dr. Many retired in 2010 as a champion for student learning and achievement. The Friends and Alumni of Kildeer Countryside District 96 established the scholarship to reflect Dr. Many’s wholehearted commitment to helping young people reach their maximum potential. Recipients display a passion for volunteering to help others succeed.


District 96: Lauren S. Gordon Lifelong Learning Scholarship

1 Scholarship | $1,000
The Lauren S. Gordon Lifelong Learning Scholarship was established in honor of District 96 Board of Education member and longtime volunteer Lauren S. Gordon, who passed away in 2016. Lauren was deeply committed to the mission and vision of D96, particularly the concept that learning has no boundaries. The Friends and Alumni of Kildeer Countryside District 96 award the scholarship to students who demonstrate high levels of leadership, display dedication to academics, and serve their school and community.


District 96: Marc E. Spivak Service Scholarship

2 Scholarships | $1,000 Each
The Marc E. Spivak Service Scholarship was established in honor of former District 96 Board of Education member and Foundation President Marc E. Spivak. A former Stevenson parent, Marc’s longstanding devotion and service to children were reflected in his years of service and advocacy for students and the D96 community. The Friends and Alumni of Kildeer Countryside District 96 award the scholarship to graduates who embody Marc’s community service values and who actively pursue avenues to empower others.


District 102: Portrait of a Graduate Scholarship

1 Scholarship | $1,000
The Portrait of a Graduate Scholarship was established to recognize seniors who graduated from D102 and who have continued to demonstrate the qualities and characteristics outlined in the district’s Portrait of a Graduate. Scholarship recipients display continued growth and proven leadership. They are skilled communicators and collaborators, effective problem solvers and decision makers, ethical and open-minded global citizens, and determined and empowered individuals.


District 103: Oscar T. Bedrosian Memorial Scholarship

1 Scholarship | $1,000
The Oscar T. Bedrosian Memorial Scholarship was established in honor of Dr. Oscar T. Bedrosian, District 103 Superintendent from 1974-1993. Dr. Bedrosian was well respected and highly regarded throughout the community for his character and integrity, as well as for his many contributions to educational excellence. To honor Dr. Bedrosian’s legacy, the Learning Fund Foundation established the scholarship to recognize D103 graduates who have excelled both in and out of the classroom and who embody the leadership traits modeled by Dr. Bedrosian.


Dr. Richard DuFour Leadership Scholarship

1 Scholarship | $1,000
The Dr. Richard DuFour Leadership Scholarship was established in honor of Dr. Richard DuFour and his extraordinary leadership during his nineteen years as Principal and Superintendent of Stevenson High School. Dr. DuFour won many awards, including the National Staff Development Council’s Distinguished Service Award, and was named one of the Top 100 School Administrators in North America. The DuFour Family is committed to honoring Dr. DuFour’s legacy by awarding a scholarship to a student who embodies his leadership development spirit.


First Student Scholarship

1 Scholarship | $3,000
The First Student Scholarship was established to celebrate First Student’s value of serving the community by transporting all students to and from school safely every day. The First Student Scholarship is awarded each year to a graduating Stevenson senior who is considering a career in transportation, business, or logistics, and who embodies the value of serving others.


Jalen Brunson Patriot Pride Athletic Scholarship

2 Scholarships | $2,000 Each
The Jalen Brunson Patriot Pride Scholarships were established to recognize graduating senior varsity athletes who demonstrate a fervent work ethic, compassion, integrity, and leadership abilities, all of which are qualities that exemplify Patriot Pride. During his years at Stevenson, Mr. Brunson was well respected and highly regarded for his character, integrity, and commitment to both hard-work and educational excellence. To continue his legacy, Mr. Brunson provides an opportunity for an outstanding young man and young woman, each to continue to pursue their dream.


Jalen Brunson Patriot Pride Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship

1 Scholarship | $1,500
The Jalen Brunson Patriot Pride Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship was established to recognize graduating seniors who have displayed a commitment to creating a more welcoming and respectful environment for all students. By advocating for equality and respect through their co-curricular activities, students demonstrate Patriot Pride. During his years at Stevenson, Mr. Brunson was well respected and highly regarded for his character, integrity, and commitment to both hard-work and educational excellence. To continue his legacy, Mr. Brunson provides an opportunity for an outstanding student to continue to pursue their dreams.


Jalen Brunson Patriot Pride Leadership Scholarship

1 Scholarship | $1,500
The Jalen Brunson Patriot Pride Leadership Scholarship was established to recognize a graduating senior who, like Mr. Brunson, demonstrates compassion, integrity, and leadership in their daily lives. By serving in leadership roles, students positively impact our SHS community and display Patriot Pride. During his years at Stevenson, Mr. Brunson was well respected and highly regarded for his character, integrity, and commitment to both hard-work and educational excellence. To continue his legacy, Mr. Brunson provides an opportunity for an outstanding student leader to continue to pursue their dreams.


Jeremy Fishman Scholarship

1 Scholarship | $1,000
The Jeremy Fishman Scholarship was established in honor of Jeremy Fishman, a Stevenson student who passed away in 1994. A talented hockey player and cross-country runner, Jeremy was equally passionate about his academic and athletic pursuits. Jeremy was admired and respected by his peers and teammates alike. The scholarship recognizes a Stevenson varsity hockey player each year who best exemplifies Jeremy's characteristics of being driven, kind-hearted, and an exceptional role model to others. 


Kathy Westerberg-Viravec Scholarship

1 Scholarship | $2,000
The Kathy Westerberg-Viravec Scholarship was established in honor of Kathy Westerberg-Viravec, a 1984 Stevenson graduate who passed away in 1995. During her years at Stevenson, Kathy distinguished herself as an outstanding student, leader, and friend. Kathy loved to learn, was dedicated to helping others pursue education, and found great joy in doing so. Kathy’s family established the scholarship to honor young women who, like Kathy, love to learn and who embody the passion she had for helping others succeed.


Mary K. Layco Reach for the Stars Scholarship

3 Scholarships | $2,500
The Mary K. Layco Reach for the Stars Scholarship was established in honor of Mary K. Layco, who passed away in 2013. Throughout her 35 years of teaching math at Stevenson, Mary encouraged her students to work hard, keep a positive attitude, and set big goals in all their endeavors. Mary’s family established the scholarship to keep her message of Reach for the Stars alive here at Stevenson. Recipients share both Mary’s positive outlook and her belief that with hard work, anything is possible.


Nathan Halterman Memorial Scholarship

1 Scholarship | $1,000
The Nathan Halterman Memorial Scholarship was established in honor of Nathan Halterman, a 2015 Stevenson graduate who passed away in 2019. An inspirational basketball team manager, Nathan approached each day with joy and gratitude. Nathan gave his classmates and friends the gift of perspective and found good in everything he did. JMB1 Enterprises established this scholarship to honor Nathan's legacy here at Stevenson and to celebrate students who, like Nathan, have encouraged and uplifted others through their years at SHS.


PepsiCo Scholarship

2 Scholarships | $2,500 Each
The PepsiCo Scholarship was established to celebrate Pepsi’s commitment to supporting educational opportunities for students, creating meaningful opportunities to build successful careers, and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace. The scholarship is awarded each year to graduating seniors in the Stevenson to College (S2C) program in recognition of their academic efforts and achievements and commitment to pursuing a higher education.


Rebecca Gayle Berger Memorial Music Scholarship

2 Scholarships | $1,000 Each
The Rebecca Gayle Berger Memorial Music Scholarship was established in honor of Rebecca Gayle Berger, a Stevenson student who passed away in 2000. Rebecca was a gifted singer who was passionate about music and theatre. Rebecca was a charter member of Syncopation, inducted into the International Thespian Society, and passionate about serving her Buffalo Grove community. The Berger Family Foundation established the scholarship to recognize students who, like Rebecca, are dedicated to community service and who plan to pursue a career in music or theatre.


Savithri Foundation Scholarship

2 Scholarships | $2,500 Each
The Savithri Foundation believes that today’s youth are the leaders of tomorrow, and that access to higher education is crucial for all students. Savithri Foundation established this scholarship to support students in their pursuit of a higher education. This scholarship will be awarded to two graduating seniors who demonstrate excellence in academics and commitment to our Stevenson community.


Shire Inspires Scholarship

1 Scholarship | $2,000
Be the change you wish to see in the world 
- Mahatma Ghandi

Shire Law Group believes that being a part of the local community is about more than just sharing the same zip code. The Shire Inspires Scholarship was established to celebrate Shire's value of commitment to the community. The scholarship is awarded each year to a senior who is passionate about making a difference in the world.


Siraj Nyakhar Computer Science Scholarship

1 Scholarship | $1,500
The Siraj Nyakhar Computer Science Scholarship was established in honor of Siraj Nyakhar, a 2009 Stevenson graduate who passed away in 2021. Siraj was a proud alumnus, who shined during his years at SHS, as both the founder of the Economics club and an FBLA champion. He was well loved by friends and family alike for his kindness, affection, and positive outlook. Siraj's family established the scholarship to recognize a first-generation-to-college student who plans to pursue a degree in Computer Science, brings warmth into the lives of those around them, and serves as a role model to fellow Patriots.


Sodexo Scholarship

1 Scholarship | $1,500
The Sodexo Scholarship was established to bring Sodexo’s value of building a better tomorrow for everyone to life here at Stevenson High School. Sodexo’s commitment to improving the quality of lives wherever they serve is evident in all they do. The Sodexo Scholarship is awarded each year to a senior who is considering a career in business or hospitality, and who embodies their values of service to others.


Stevenson Alumni Scholarship

1 Scholarship | $1,500
The Stevenson Alumni Scholarship was established to celebrate Stevenson’s mission of Success for Every Student. The scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors who demonstrate commitment to self, commitment to others, and commitment to learning. Recipients embody loyalty, pride, and a commitment to Stevenson High School through their involvement in co-curricular activities and rigorous academic pursuit.


Stevenson High School Education Association Scholarship

1 Scholarship | $1,500
The Stevenson Education Association Scholarship was established by members of the Stevenson faculty to recognize graduating seniors who display both a passion for and a plan to pursue a career in education. The Association advocates for cultural, social, ethical, and educational development. Each year the Association awards the scholarship to a student who displays outstanding academic and co-curricular achievement.


Stevenson Student Leadership Scholarship

1 Scholarship | $2,000
The Stevenson Student Leadership Scholarship was established to recognize a graduating member of Student Government. Recipients have demonstrated excellence in academics and a minimum of two years of outstanding leadership here at Stevenson and in the community.


Stevenson Student Publication Scholarship

1 Scholarship | $2,000
The Stevenson Student Publication Scholarship was established to recognize graduating seniors who intend to pursue a career in journalism or photography. The scholarship is awarded each year to a graduating senior who has demonstrated a multi-year commitment to student publications and shows promise in their field. 


Stevenson Support Staff Scholarship

1 Scholarship | $2,000
The Stevenson Support Staff Association believes that education is the key to unlocking endless opportunities and shaping a brighter future. The Support Staff Scholarship was established to celebrate the incredible potential of young minds, encourage the pursuit of diverse careers, and provide students with the financial assistance they need to continue their educational journey. The scholarship is awarded each year to an outstanding senior who has chosen to pursue a community college or trade school education.


Stevenson Team Physician Scholarship

1 Scholarship | $2,500
Dr. Mark Neault, Team Physician for Stevenson High School, was inspired to pursue a career in Orthopedic Surgery at a very young age. His experience as a student athletic trainer in high school further fueled his passion. Dr. Neault established the Stevenson Team Physician Scholarship to recognize students planning to pursue a career in sports medicine, whether that be as a physician, athletic trainer, physical therapist, physician assistant, or other related field. The scholarship will be awarded each year to a senior who demonstrates a commitment to helping others and their community through service and a dedication to lifelong learning.


Would you like to learn more? Want to help others?

Contact:

Ashley Bunzol
Development & Scholarship Manager
ABunzol@StevensonFoundation.org
847.415.4472