Scholarship Honors Memory Of Glenbrook North Senior Who Took His Life

GLENVIEW, IL — The family of a Glenbrook North student who took his own life last year is hoping that by offering a scholarship in their son’s memory, not only will the stigma associated with mental illness begin to fade, but that future generations will be more open to dealing with the reality of the important issue.

Chris and Karen Buckner established the Dylan Buckner Foundation shortly after their son, who was a star quarterback at Glenbrook North, took his own life last January. The 18-year-old senior who was set to graduate with his class in 2021 had a 4.7 grade-point average and held 14 scholarship offers to play football at the Division III collegiate level.

But after struggling with depression worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic that, like with other students, heavily impacted the high school students, Buckner committed suicide on Jan. 7, 2021, at a local hotel, a life-altering event that Dylan's family is now hoping to use as an example for others who may be struggling with mental health illness.

Buckner's family has established a $1,000 scholarship in Dylan’s honor in conjunction with BrEpic, a local communications firm, and organization started by Glenview resident and Glenbrook North graduate Justin Breen. The BrEpic Leadership Award is being presented to a Glenbrook North graduate, which Bucker’s family hopes will make a difference as they continue to grieve over the loss of their son.

“Karen, Ethan, and I are humbled and extremely grateful that kind and generous people like Justin and BrEpic are supporting our family and helping The Dylan Buckner Foundation to break the stigma around mental illness,” Chris Buckner wrote in an email to Patch on Friday. “By encouraging and supporting the next generation of leaders and mental health champions through the BrEpic Leadership Award, we know we can save lives and make the world a better place.”

The deadline to apply for the scholarship is June 10 and applicants are asked to complete an essay of at least 300 words that answers the question, “What does leadership mean to you?” The applicant must also support mental health issues. The award will be handed out on June 17. Interested Glenbrook North seniors may apply by clicking here.

Buckner’s family said that in future years, graduates from other schools may be considered for the honor.

“BrEpic is proud to partner with the Dylan Buckner Foundation to create the BrEpic Leadership Award,” Breen said in a statement. “Mental health awareness is incredibly important, especially now. I hope this award brings awareness to Dylan’s family and their foundation to help others and create awareness for mental health.”