Wingspan Scholars Recipients

Meet Jaylen!

From a young age, Jaylen was instilled with the belief that education is the key to unlocking her dreams. Her drive and determination to succeed are evident in everything she does, and she carries this mindset with her as she looks forward to an exciting academic year filled with new opportunities. Jaylen plans to participate in both cross country and cheerleading, two activities that reflect her love for staying active and her commitment to personal growth.

What truly sets Jaylen apart, however, is her resilience. Despite facing medical challenges, she never allows obstacles to stand in her way. Her eagerness to learn and determination to rise to every challenge make her a true inspiration to those around her. In the classroom, Jaylen leads by example, demonstrating an exceptional ability to listen thoughtfully to her peers while confidently sharing her own perspective. Her balanced approach to leadership allows her to foster collaboration and mutual respect, both in school and within her community.

Beyond her academic and extracurricular commitments, Jaylen strives to apply the valuable lessons she learns to her everyday life. Whether it's through perseverance, teamwork, or critical thinking, she is constantly building on the foundation of her education to work toward her future goals. Jaylen is not just a leader today—she is a young woman with an unshakeable vision for what she wants to achieve, and she’s laying the groundwork for a bright future.

Meet Jacob!

Jacob exemplifies everything we cherish in our scholars: dedication, passion, and a drive to make a difference. Beyond the classroom, you'll find him on the football field, not only honing his skills but uplifting his teammates, embodying leadership and camaraderie.

This academic year, Jacob eagerly anticipates forging lasting friendships while proudly donning the Rams jersey for DePaul College Prep.

"I also see it (Wingspan Scholar Scholarship) as recognition of my hard work and dedication, boosting my confidence and commitment to achieving my academic goals.”

Congratulations, Jacob! Keep shining bright!

Meet Oliver!

Oliver is a trailblazer in his family, being the first of four children to attend a private school, where he will receive a top-notch education with a strong focus on community service. His dream? To pass on the knowledge and experiences he gains to inspire the next generation of students in his community.

A dedicated volunteer, Oliver has been giving his time every week at the Boys and Girls Club, where his passion for helping others shines. But that’s not all—he’s also a theater enthusiast, skilled in set design, construction management, and theater tech. With his sights set on the future, Oliver hopes to turn his love for theater into a career in film, with ambitions to one day direct and produce his own movie.

“Participating in extra-curriculars has made me step out of my comfort zone. I’ve learned better ways to work in teams and how to work under stress.”

When he’s not volunteering or working behind the scenes in theater, you can find Oliver indulging in his favorite treat: a good chocolate or blueberry donut. Whether he’s studying or immersed in the extracurriculars he loves, these tasty bites are always nearby. As Oliver says, “I cannot fathom how they taste so good yet fit into my hand.”