Proceeds from the OPRFHS Class of '83 20th and 25th reunion
celebrations were gifted to the high school to establish need based scholarships for deserving, college bound seniors. Starting
with the Class of 2004 and ending with the Class of 2013, one student per year will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship on
behalf of the Class of 1983. Additionally, $1,000 was donated to the Student Welfare Fund, a general fund used by the high
school to help those needing assistance with their educational expenses. To date, the Class of '83 has donated $11,000 to
the OPRFHS Scholarship Fund.
Past Recipients
2008 - Marianna Pantos
Marianna was a hard-working student who realized the value of education, according to Superintendent, Attila Weninger.
She participated in sports, until an injury forced her to stop, and she volunteered her free time to a foundation which helped
children with growing deficiencies.
She
planned to attend DePaul University in the fall of 2008.
2007 - Karl Galbreath
While attending OPRFHS Karl spent several hours working each day at Rush Oak Park Hospital
as a participant in their student work program. He was also active on the school football and basketball teams.
He planned to attend Triton College in the fall of 2007 with aspirations of becoming
a music producer.
2006 - Thomas Skelton
Thomas helped to re-establish the debate team at OPRFHS which had been missing from the roster
of school activities for more than ten years. Convinced of the value and importance of their endeavor, Thomas and a handful
of like minded students overcame many obstacles to bring the team back to life. Owing largely to his persistence
and integrity, Thomas helped restore a great tradition for future Huskies to uphold.
Thomas planned to attend St. Louis University in the Fall of 2006.
2005 - Julie Kozlowski
Julie participated in Student Council for three years and ran middle distance on the track
team for two years. She became a manager for the girls track team her junior year, then served as manager for the boys wrestling
and track and field teams her senior year. During summers, she worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor at a local pool
and the YMCA.
Julie planned to attend Northern Illinois University in the Fall of 2005 with hopes of
pursuing a nursing degree. Contigent upon a determination that she could face another twelve years of school, she thought
she might eventually become an anesthesiologist.
2004 - Sofia Becker
Sofia participated and contributed enthusiastically
both at the high school and in the OPRF community. Since fifth grade, she served at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
as a volunteer, tour guide, and visitor service assistant. She also volunteered several summers with the Oak Park Public
Library children's reading program. She served as Treasurer for the OPRF Infant Welfare Society Circle 80 and cared
for people with special needs through her work at the West Suburban Special Recreation Association. At the high school, Sofia participated
in Class Council all four years, Tau Gamma for three years, varsity swimming and water polo, was co-president of the Cum Laude
Society, and graduated as valedictorian.
Sofia planned to attend Grinnell College in the Fall of 2004
to major in Biology with a minor in American History. She was hoping to attend medical school and someday open her own pediatrics
practice.
Congratulations to all our scholarship recipients and
thanks to the Class of 1983 for supporting their endeavors!
