Lincoln-Way Women Business Women Give Back To Others With Scholarships

NEW LENOX, IL — Getting a college education isn't cheap, but a group of women got some help paying for it thanks to the Lincoln-Way Area Business Women's Organization.

The LWABWO gave out $1,000 scholarships to 24 women Tuesday during a celebration dinner at Gatto's Italian Restaurant & Bar in New Lenox.

"The celebration dinner is a culmination of all the work throughout the year," said LWABWO Publicity/Social Media Chair Jennifer McManus. "We were so happy to celebrate these young women, especially since it’s been a challenging couple of years."

Funds for the scholarships were raised in part through the organization's Christmas Auction, which raised more than $16,000 in December.

Scholarships are granted to graduating senior girls who live in New Lenox, Frankfort, Mokena and Manhattan who are attending a college, university, trade school or junior college, according to information on the LWABWO website. Scholarships are also granted to women in the community who are continuing their education.

Here are the 2022 LWABWO scholarship recipients and the schools they are attending:

• Melanie Hill - University of St. Francis
• Sophia Bruozas - University of Arkansas
• Camry Baker - University of Central Florida
• Kellie Kempaik - Rasmussen University
• Amanda Cosco -Lewis University
• Marta Mscisz -University of Notre Dame
• Jordan Smith - University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign
• Tara Schoppe - University St. Francis
• Emma So - University of Iowa
• Karli Schuster - Joliet Junior College
• Madison Medina - University of Iowa
• Abigale Karpluk - Carthage College
• Amanda Barta - Illinois State University
• Kailey White - Western Michigan University
• Julie Arias - University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign
• Michele Ryan - George Fox University
• Katherine Malcom - Arizona State University
• Meaghan Fitzpatrick - University of Missouri
• Antonia Kubas - Iowa State
• McKenzie Murdock - Lewis University
• Taylor Schilinger - University of Cincinnati
• Christa Kolavo - University of Alabama
• Marla Hayes - University of Mississippi
• Kelsey McGiven - St. Mary’s College – Notre Dame

The LWABWO was formed in the 1970's with the goal to raise money for scholarships for young women in the community. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month at Gatto's and are scheduled to resume in September. Any woman in the community is open to join. Dues are $30 per year.

For more information, visit the LWABWO website.