This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior accepted to any post-high school vocational or professional training program. Donald Smith was a 4th grade teacher at Kingsley Elementary School who retired after 30 years of service to Naperville 203. The winner should exemplify the life skill attributes that Donald instilled while teaching elementary students: problem solving, cooperative skills, passion for their chosen vocation/profession, sense of humor and determination.

These scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors who have been accepted to a four-year college/ university and are planning to pursue a degree in education. Susan Stuckey was a much loved and respected principal at Highlands Elementary School. Recipients should have Susan’s spirit to overcome obstacles with a positive attitude and demonstrate the qualities of leadership and care for the well-being of others.

The Greg Vasich Memorial was established at Naperville Central High School as a lasting way of preserving Greg’s memory, and as a testament to the incredible value and fullness of his life. Greg loved learning, graduating with honors from NCHS in 1999 and from the University of Illinois in 2003. He played trombone throughout high school with the Wind and Jazz ensembles, and in college as an active member of the Marching Illini. Greg loved the adventures of life; he was an optimist, a team player, a supportive friend, a fine musician and a motivated and successful student. Most importantly, Greg was a man of upstanding character and moral courage. He was loyal, kind, patient, loving, and always willing to put others before himself. This award recognizes a graduating senior band or music student who exemplifies these characteristics of good personhood, and plans to pursue higher education.