The Waukegan Park District awarded five local students who excelled academically and demonstrated a commitment to serving their community with a $1,000 scholarship, known as the Waukegan Park District Memorial Endowment Fund Scholarship. The 2025 scholarship recipients are: Shyanna Itza, Julian Mendoza, Yamileth Montejano, Ethan Mora, and Katherine Rivas.
With the highest number of applicants in the scholarship’s history, scholarship recipients went through a rigorous 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 in the fall and pursuing a field related to parks and recreation.
The 2025 scholarship recipients will be attending the following colleges and universities:
• Shyanna Itza, Butler University
• Julian Mendoza, Roosevelt University
• Yamileth Montejano, National Louis University
• Ethan Mora, Hope College
• Katherine Rivas, Loyola University
Past recipients of the Waukegan Park District Memorial Endowment Fund Scholarship attended or currently attend the following schools: Butler University, Case Western Reserve University, Clark University, Coe College, College of Lake County, Connecticut College, Cornell College, DePaul University, Duke University, Hope College, Howard University, Knox College, Lake Forest College, North Carolina Central University, Northeastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, Smith College, Texas Southern University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Richmond, University of Rochester, and University of Wisconsin — Parkside.
George Bridges, Jr., President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, said, “Education empowers youth to achieve their goals and turn their dreams into reality. The Waukegan Park District is proud to support students who are leaders in the classroom and in the community. Shyanna, Julian, Yamileth, Ethan, and Katherine will be great ambassadors of their community as they leave their mark on the world.”
“This year’s recipients of the Waukegan Park District Memorial Endowment Fund Scholarship set themselves apart with their academic excellence and community impact.” Waukegan Park District Executive Director Jay Lerner said. “Their commitment to their education and drive to serve the community is commendable. The Waukegan Park District is delighted to support future leaders by investing in their education. Congratulations to this year’s recipients!”
For more information about the Waukegan Park District, go to waukeganparks.org.
