The mission of the Warren W. "Billy" Cherry Scholarship, named in memory of a much loved and respected Evanston educator, is to perpetuate his total acceptance of all people, his commitment to the highest standards of educational excellence, and his energetic dedication to enriching the children and institutions of Evanston. The scholarship was established soon after Warren Cherry's untimely death in 1990. The Cherry Scholarship Fund started modestly in 1993 and has grown steadily ever since, providing scholarship grants and support to deserving graduates of Evanston Township High School. Total grants have now surpassed $200,000, with $30,000 awarded this year alone. In 2011, we provided scholarships totaling $27,000 to 10 students who are pursuing careers that will have an impact on the lives of young people in Evanston and elsewhere. That’s a new record for scholarships in one year. We also awarded book grants of $750 apiece to four finalists. Other firsts this year include giving awards to part-time and graduate students, and enabling applicants to submit their applications online.
I want to thank the many people who made the 2011 Awards Dinner such a memorable evening:
• Reverend Kurt Condra, for the invocation.
• Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl, for her inspiring keynote address.
• Tanya Brown, 2006 and 2007 Cherry Scholar, and Ruth Etrenne, 2010 Cherry Scholar, for their personal reflections.
• The Awards Dinner committee, for making it such an enjoyable get-together.
Please join us on June 25 for the 18th annual Cherry Scholarship Fund Golf Outing and later in the year, in October, for our annual Book Dramatization.
Finally, thanks to all who support the mission of the Warren “Billy” Cherry Scholarship Fund. Ours is important work and it’s a privilege to carry it on.
Patty Cherry Reece
