Four area high school girls have been awarded college scholarships by the Junior League of Kane & DuPage Counties, Inc. (JLKD). From more than 140 applicants, Blair Janis from Downers Grove, Taryn Kolnick of Lombard, Melissa Lukasiewicz of St. Charles and Lauren Reinhard of Shorewood were selected to receive $1,000 each toward their college educations.
“In keeping with our mission of promoting voluntarism and developing the potential of women, each year we recognize college-bound high school females who have demonstrated a commitment to voluntarism in their communities,” explained JLKD President Jeni Kahley of Geneva. “This year we received more applications than ever and these four young women stood out from the rest as having gone above and beyond in their efforts to improve the lives of others.”
Following are brief descriptions of the tremendous accomplishments achieved by each of this year’s JLKD scholarship winners:
Blair Janis, Downers Grove High School
Miss Janis is the daughter of Robert and Nancy Janis and has an extensive volunteering resume. For the past 12 years, she has been involved in volunteering through the Girl Scouts of America and has earned the organizations’ Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. She organized two rock concerts to provide inexpensive entertainment to area teens in the hopes of decreasing underage drinking. She also is very involved in volunteering through her church where she has been part of their Youth Area Work Committee for the past six years planning and attending mission trips, vacation bible school and other events. She also has been a church camp counselor for four years. In addition, Miss Janis has been involved with the American Cancer Society Relay for Life for five years, including two years as chair of the Team Development committee. She also has served as the teen representative for DuPage County for the annual Illinois American Cancer Society Leadership Summit. Miss Janis plans to attend DePaul University in the fall.
Taryn Kolnick, Willowbrook High School
The daughter of Bob and Debbie Kolnick, Miss Kolnick has volunteered with St. Thomas Hospice since 2006 participating in monthly events such as Bingo, crafts, and games for families who have a family member in hospice. She also volunteers as a camp counselor at Tommy’s Kids Camp, a summer camp for children who have had a close friend or family member die. For the past four years, Miss Kolnick has worked one-on-one with an Autistic child through the Sunrise Home Program, engaging him in different work study tasks, games and puzzles. Through school, Miss Kolnick volunteers with Best Buddies providing friendship for students with intellectual disabilities. She also is the current president of her school’s Key Club and has been a member and volunteer since 2006. Miss Kolnick plans to attend Western Illinois University.
Melissa Lukasiewicz, St. Charles North High School
Melissa Lukasiewicz is the daughter of Paul and Gail Lukasiewicz. She has volunteered since 2008 at Central DuPage Hospital transporting patients, escorting outpatients, and working in the gift shop. She also has volunteered monthly with DuPage PADS for the past four years serving meals and distributing clothing at the overnight shelter. Additionally, Miss Lukasiewicz was the founder and chairperson of the St. Charles North Relay for Live event which has raised more than $90,000 for the American Cancer Society over the past two years. She also is founder and president of the High Schools Against Cancer Chapter at her school, a group that supports the American Cancer Society with awareness, advocacy and fundraising events, and has taken on the role of high school liaison for the American Red Cross to organize fundraisers at St. Charles North. Through her church, Miss Lukasiewicz has participated in several mission trips and been a Neighborhood Bible School volunteer. She also has visited residents and led worship services at the Wynscape Nursing and Rehab Center and coordinates “Luau Madness” an annual fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She has worked with special needs children through the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association, the Special Olympics and the Galaxy Council, and is a member the St. Charles North High School Key Club. Miss Lukasiewicz plans to attend Cornell University.
Lauren Reinhard, Joliet West High School
The daughter of Kevin and Beth Reinhard, Miss Reinhard has been an active volunteer for the past six years with the Aspire. Inspire. Foundation. She has volunteered more than 250 hours with this organization participating in activities ranging from school supply collections and Salvation Army bell ringing to a relief trip to New Orleans. Miss Reinhard also is a longtime member and volunteer with the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and has helped design, plan, organize and implement day camp programs and activities for younger scouts. She shares her love of music by volunteering as a weekly music aide for Troy Intermediate and Middle Schools and works with band directors to help with projects and assists young band students as needed. She also has been a summer volunteer with the Illinois Special Olympics for the past 10 years and served as the 2009 Volunteer Coordinator. Additionally, Miss Reinhard volunteers at the bocce venue refereeing, cheering and assisting athletes as needed. She is a member of and volunteers though her school’s National Honor Society and plans to attend Missouri University of Science and Technology.
“The accomplishments of these young ladies are truly impressive,” said Kahley. “Their commitment to voluntarism reflects the mission, vision and values of our League and we are pleased to recognize them and to support them in their continuing education.”
To qualify for the JLKD scholarships, entrants must be female, college-bound high school seniors and reside in Kane, DuPage, Kendall or Will Counties. In addition to completing an application form, interested candidates must prepare a one page essay describing their volunteer experiences and how these activities have benefited their communities and their personal development. Additionally, each applicant must show proof of acceptance to an established, accredited college or university, and also submit a letter of recommendation from an academic advisor, counselor, teacher, employer or volunteer organization supervisor.
For more information about the JLKD scholarships, visit www.jlkd.org or contact the Junior League of Kane & DuPage Counties, Inc. directly at 630-405-5969. JLKD is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
View the story at Trib Local - St. Charles.
