Smith Crossing Awards $250 Scholarship To High School Volunteer

ORLAND PARK, IL — Residents at Smith Crossing, a life plan community in Orland Park, awarded a $250 scholarship to Joshua Oghomeh of Tinley Park. Oghomeh, who graduated from Lincoln-Way East on May 26, is headed to the University of Illinois in the fall to study biochemistry, a pre-med track that he hopes will lead to a career as a surgeon.

Oghomeh was a volunteer at Smith Crossing while taking part in the school’s Key Club, a group that encourages service and volunteerism. Although like most high schools, Lincoln-Way East requires volunteer service hours to graduate, this school year the requirement was waived due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the pandemic didn't stop Oghomeh. He volunteered by writing cards to bring cheer to the residents during Halloween and Christmas. He also created trivia quizzes and online bingo games to give the residents a safe way to boost their spirits.

“I was inspired to help the residents because visitations were very limited at the height of the pandemic,” Oghomeh said. “It is really important to me to help people. That’s why I want to be a doctor.”

Oghomeh was born in Nigeria and moved to the United States with his family when he was five years old. His grandparents currently live in Nigeria. Because he doesn’t get to see his grandparents in person, he was drawn to help the older adults at Smith Crossing.

“Because education and supporting deserving young people are important to many of our residents, they raise funds for a scholarship each year,” said executive director Amanda Mauceri. “To support student volunteers who touch the lives of our residents makes the project close to our hearts.”

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