Late Andrew Teacher's Memorial Scholarship Gets Fundraiser

TINLEY PARK, IL — A fundraising campaign has been started to create a scholarship to honor a longtime Andrew High School biology teacher who recently died. The Aspiring Scholars Scholarship would be dedicated to Lloyd Eichwald, who unexpectedly passed away earlier this month.

"Mr. Eichwald is most known for his dedication to his students, and always taking extra time out to help any of them in need," the GoFundMe page to raise money for the scholarship states. "Hundreds of students had the honor of learning from him, and hundreds of students' lives have been changed having him as a teacher and a mentor."

The fundraiser was started Thursday, May 9, and so far, 57 people have contributed more than $2,300. One donation even came from Stagg High School's science, TEE and FACS division. The campaign has a goal of $2,000, which was increased after the first day the page was posted.

RELATED: Longtime Andrew High School Biology Teacher Dies Over Weekend

Eichwald was a popular and respected teacher at Andrew, and his sudden death stunned parents and students. The scholarship's name was taken from how he would greet students at the start of class by saying, "Good morning, aspiring students."

"If anyone deserves a memorial scholarship in their name, it's Mr. Eichwald," wrote Katie Stevens, who donated to the campaign. "He was fundamental in students' intellectual and emotional growth during a transitional period in their lives. He was warm and demanding and students felt genuinely loved and respected. His educational practices and philosophy live on in his former students."

Go to the GoFundMe page for the Aspiring Scholars Scholarship to donate.

Andrew High School teacher Lloyd Eichwald (Photo via Andrew High School | Consolidated High School District 230)