(Western Springs, IL) The Legacy Guild, a local nonprofit, awarded $201,800 in college scholarships to 68 students living in Lyons Township District 204 who have lost a parent. Founded in 2012, this local charity has now provided over $1.9 million in college and trade school scholarships to 260 area students. Checks were presented at the annual Scholars and families luncheon on Sunday, June 9, 2024.

Each full-time Legacy Guild Scholar was awarded a $3,000 scholarship renewable for up to four years of undergraduate college – a commitment of up to $12,000 per student.

Legacy Guild Board Member and Scholarship Committee chair Brian Dwyer of La Grange Park said, “In addition to the financial gifts, we are so proud to also provide mentoring and career guidance to these students.”

The Legacy Guild serves all communities within the District 204 boundaries. Current scholars represent Brookfield, Burr Ridge, Countryside, Hodgkins, Indian Head Park, La Grange, La Grange Highlands, La Grange Park, and Western Springs. The listing of the 2024-2025 recipients can be viewed here.

Ryan Williamson, Executive Board President, commented, “The notes we receive, like those below, from Scholars remind us of the positive impact of our organization and motivate us to continue serving the community.”

Recent notes from three Scholars included the following quotes:

1. “Thank you so much for your support. It really helps my family. I hope I can give back to someone like this. What the Legacy Guild does is truly amazing.”
2. “The Legacy Guild scholarship has had a profound impact on me and my family. Financial support has eased a significant burden for college, allowing me to focus on my studies and pursue opportunities. Belief in my potential has boosted my confidence and determination. Through networking and mentorship, I’ve found a supportive community of like-minded students determined to excel in college. This scholarship has been transformative, empowering me to aim for my highest potential.”
3. “The Legacy Guild is such an amazing group. Not only does the scholarship help me grow with my education but it’s like a family. I find comfort knowing there is a group of people close in age with me who understand what it’s like to lose a parent.”

Scholars and their families were invited to the annual Scholar luncheon held on Sunday, June 9, 2024 at the LTHS Corral in Western Springs. In addition to distributing scholarship checks, it was an opportunity for scholars to connect with board members and key guests and learn networking and interviewing tips. Older Scholars shared college tips with new Scholars. Families of Scholars were grouped together to learn of the Guild’s new bereavement group and other services provided.

To learn more about The Legacy Guild or its upcoming fundraisers or to make a donation, visit www.TheLegacyGuild.com.

The 13th annual Legacy Guild Golf Outing Fundraiser will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024 at the Riverside Country Club (new date and location for 2024). Further details can be found on our website.