Tim Hardaway Sr. and The Support Group award scholarships and promote youth leadership – The Chicago Crusader
The Support Group successfully hosted its annual Safe Summer Campaign community event on Saturday, July 26th at Walter Dyett High School, bringing together families, community leaders, and local youth for a day of celebration, empowerment, and impact.
The highlight of the event was the Scholarship Recognition Ceremony, where NBA Hall of Famer and Chicago native Tim Hardaway Sr. and Bennie Henry, Executive Director of The Support Group personally awarded scholarships to eleven deserving students from their Advancing Young Leaders program. Tim Hardaway Sr. and students were honored for their leadership, resilience, and service to their communities, receiving scholarships in the amounts of $1,000 and $500 to support their educational journeys.
“These young people are the future of Chicago,” said Hardaway. “I’m proud to be a part of The Support Group and help recognize students who are showing what’s possible through hard work and dedication.”
The day also featured live entertainment, food trucks, a bubble show, raffles, face painting, Zumba, games, and resource booths to promote youth development and neighborhood safety. Families were able to get complimentary household items and school supplies. Community members explored The Support Group’s core programs, including Youth Peace Ambassadors in Motion, Advancing Young Leaders, and the Parent Support Network.
The Support Group continues to provide critical mentorship, life skills, and leadership training to hundreds of students across Chicago creating pathways for academic success, emotional well-being, and community transformation.
As part of his visit home to Chicago, and continuing the celebration of the Safe Summer Campaign, Tim Hardaway Sr. was also honored with the opportunity to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Chicago White Sox vs. Cubs Crosstown Classic game later that day at Guaranteed Rate Field. He was joined by legendary Chicago hip hop group Do or Die, creating a powerful moment of unity between the South and West Sides of Chicago.
“Safe Summer is more than just a campaign, it’s a commitment to our youth and our neighborhoods,” said Bennie Henry, Executive Director of The Support Group. “Thanks to the leadership of community partners and supporters like Tim Hardaway, we are building something that will last for our young people. Although we receive support through grants it is is also important that we work hard to obtain the private dollars and donations to ensure we can continue on with our mission.”
This year’s event was sponsored by District Outreach Initiatives and Protected Retirement Savings and a special donation from Kim Evans from Northern Trust Bank. The basketball game was sponsored by FedEx.
2025 Advancing Young Leaders Scholarship
Recipients:
$1,000 Scholarship Recipients:
• Laura Ivette Altamirano Cardozo – Benito Juarez
• Tremyah Underwood – Walter Payton College Prep
$500 Scholarship Recipients:
• Chloe Gadison – Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep
• Neambi Walker – Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep
• Marilyn McCottrell – Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep
• Imani Gray – Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep
• Regulus Sage – Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep
• Laura Ivette Altamirano Cardozo – Benito Juarez
• Enrique Camacho – Benito Juarez
• Ariana Bacon – Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep
• Layla Karim – South Shore College Prep
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