Stephanie Joseph

THE STEPHANIE JOSEPH MEMORIAL FUND AWARDS $12,500 IN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

July 23, 2012

Class of 2012 SJMF Scholars

WARRENVILE, IL  July 16, 2012 – The Stephanie Joseph Memorial Fund (SJMF) has awarded a total $12,500 in college scholarships to five DuPage County high school seniors.  Selected as members of the “Class of 2012 SJMF Scholars” each has demonstrated excellence in academics and civic leadership in extracurricular activities and in their communities despite facing personal challenges. On Monday, July 16, 2012, the SJMF Board of Directors presented the scholarship recipients with their awards and scholarships during a dinner at Maggiano’s Little Italy restaurant in Oakbrook, IL.

“Each year’s SJMF Scholars are extraordinary high school seniors who are recognized for having overcome personal setbacks to show a resolute commitment to their studies, their schools and their communities,” said Katherine Hill, Chairman of the Board of The Stephanie Joseph Memorial Fund. “Our organization is proud to name them as the 2012 SJMF Scholars and we look forward to following them in the next exciting chapter of their lives.”

Scholars were chosen from an initial applicant pool of 138 applicants representing 43 different high schools.   Applicants were asked to submit an application in addition to an essay stating what adversities or hardships they have encountered and what they have done to transcend the hardship while maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Joe Joseph, father of Stephanie Joseph and Board Member, adds “Hearing the adversity these young adults have faced and how my daughter’s story has helped them persevere has been touching. It was a great opportunity to be able to recognize these five recipients.”

The Stephanie Joseph Memorial Fund was developed in loving memory of Stephanie Joseph who was a highly competitive figure skater and an inspiration to many. Stephanie’s friends and family founded SJMF in 2008 with the mission to improve the lives of children and young adults facing difficulties such as hers.  The SJMF has awarded $41,500 in scholarships and donated over $40,000 to partnering organizations since its inception.