Waukegan, Illinois (July 16, 2024) – The Waukegan Park District awarded five $1,000 scholarships to local students who demonstrated exceptional academic achievements and community service. Known as the Waukegan Park District Memorial Endowment Fund Scholarship, the 2024 recipients are: Fabiola Aguilera-Tenorio, Selene Cruz, Sophia Cruz, Claire Venisnik, and Deena Westby.
Scholarship applicants go through a thorough application review process and are required to be a resident of the Waukegan Park District, a student enrolled at a college, university, or trade school, and pursuing a field related to parks and recreation.
The 2024 scholarship recipients will be attending the following colleges and universities:
- Fabiola Aguilera-Tenorio, Lake Forest College
- Selene Cruz, Lake Forest College
- Sophia Cruz, Lake Forest College
- Claire Venisnik, Butler University
- Deena Westby, North Carolina Central University
Anton L. Mathews, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “Education is a cornerstone of personal and community development. With these scholarships, the Waukegan Park District is investing in the future leaders of the community. Fabiola, Selene, Sophia, Claire, and Deena have so much potential to make a difference in the world. They should be proud of their achievements, and I look forward to seeing them make their dreams a reality.”
Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “The Waukegan Park District Memorial Endowment Fund Scholarship was created to support local students who excel in the classroom and demonstrate a commitment to serving their community. With so many achievements, this year’s scholarship recipients are students who have already shown leadership both in and out of school. Congratulations to all of them!”
More information about the Waukegan Park District Memorial Endowment Fund Scholarship is available at waukeganparks.org/scholarship.
About the Waukegan Park District
Established on December 26, 1916, the Waukegan Park District (WPD) has 53 properties and more than 742 acres of land, including the 18-hole Bonnie Brook and 9-hole Greenshire Golf Courses. Properties are managed to the highest environmental and conservation standards. Facilities operated by the WPD include the Field House Sports, Fitness and Aquatics Center, Waukegan’s Greg Petry SportsPark, Waukegan Skate Park, BMX Track, SplashZone, Percussion Playground, recreational centers, disc golf course, dog exercise area and agility course, outdoor sports fields, picnic areas, playgrounds, splash pads, and sports courts including basketball, tennis and pickleball. A full range of programs and services are offered year-round for all ages, from infants to seniors, as well as special need populations. Healthy lifestyles, wellness initiatives, and a connection with the outdoors and nature are integrated throughout programs, services, and special events. Arts and cultural activities are provided by the Jack Benny Center for the Arts, Waukegan Symphony Orchestra and Concert Chorus, and the Waukegan History Museum. We offer something for everyone!
A member of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD), Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA), and the Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA), the WPD employs 73 full-time and 219 part-time, seasonal, and temporary employees and is recognized by the IPRA as an Exceptional Workplace.
Nationally accredited by the NRPA Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and State accredited through the IAPD Distinguished Agency Accreditation, the WPD has received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Triple Crown Award for receiving the GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. The WPD was awarded the NRPA National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management in 2013, and was named a Gold Medal Finalist in 2012, 2013, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Media Contact
Josue Pasillas, MPA
Communications Supervisor
Waukegan Park District
(847) 360-4789
jpasillas@waukeganparks.org
waukeganparks.org