Scholarships

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One of the Fastest Growing Foundations
in the Area!

+ 300 Volunteers
+ 6,700 Participants
$83,000 Scholarships

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Memorial Scholarship
Building Character and Community Commitment

Through the generous support of this important mission by sponsors and local families, the foundation’s funding has distributed $83,000 in scholarships and begun hosting programs to develop community commitment in which students volunteer to help the foundation. Please consider making an online donation now!

Dedicated to continuing the values Jim Bonfield lived as dean, coach and teacher at Downers Grove South High School for 32 years, is well as a father of a son who graduated from Downers Grove North High School, the foundation offers a memorial scholarship eligible to all students

Scholarship Award Winners: 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004

2005 Scholarship Awards
In 2005 the Bonfield Express Foundation awarded ten (10) new scholarships.

Christopher Barnett (North)	Compassionate and determined are the words one teacher used to describe Christopher Barnett. His work ethic and positive attitude have left an impression on the people he has encountered. This Captain of the mighty Trojan Chess Team is more likely to give credit for his character to others, singling out his sister, in particular as his role model. Christopher, who is also described as empathetic and respectful toward his peers, hopes to return to High School one day as an English teacher. He plans to continue his studies at a Junior College and complete a degree in education at Northern Illinois University.
Alexandria Salansky (North)	The world is a stage for Alex Salansky, a frequent participant in dramatic and musical productions at North in plays, choir performances and on Speech Team. Exploring the world and learning about its varied cultures is one of her goals, along with becoming a Vintner some day. Those who know her comment on Alex’s maturity and kindness, along with her commitment to understand other people. Serving on the Juvenile Justice Council, as a Snowball and DARE leader, and as a girl scout have given her opportunities to contribute to her community.
Miles Corcoran (North)	To say that Miles Corcoran can juggle a lot in his life would be an understatement. This four year participant on the Track and Field team also works as a Link Leader assisting freshman as they adapt to High School, participates in his church youth group, and finds time to work for a landscape service. He also juggles, literally, to entertain residents of nursing homes, at children’s parties and for his friends. One teacher called him a selfless young man and another suggested that they all wanted a “dose” of Miles. He will be a student at the University of Illinois in the fall.
Brian Bekkedal (North)	Some people give once in while. Brian Bekkedal never turns away from a commitment to make the world a better place. Whether it is serving meals at a homeless shelter, a job he has had for four years, or leading his peers in the Direct Action Club, he models a high standard of community service. He is described by others as “confident to stand strong under adverse conditions” and a leader by example. He is also an accomplished gymnast who never “showboats” his accomplishments. Brian plans to continue working with people as a physical therapist.
Tiffanie Craddock (North)	Tiffanie Craddock can carry on a conversation in two languages, but she demonstrates character through actions, not words. Whether she is tutoring her peers in Spanish, watching children in a nursery, or helping to rebuild homes on a church mission, she is a young lady who can balance many responsibilities. Her teachers call her reliable and disciplined, but more importantly, a person who enjoys learning. Tiffanie maintains a high academic standard for herself while also working two jobs outside of school and playing varsity soccer.
Jacquelyn Klacza (South)	One person can change a life, and for Jacquelyn Klacza, that one was a small boy with disabilities. It was while working as an aide with this child that she decided to become a special education teacher. Jacquelyn continued her commitment to that goal by becoming a leader in her child development class and working in a multi needs classroom. Her teachers say that attitude and effort in the face of any challenge, coupled with loyalty to friends and a generous nature, make her a person who will change other lives for the better.
Kathryn Hutchens (South)	Most people don’t raise their hands to volunteer, but Kathryn Hutchens does it over and over again. She plays both school and club volleyball, but also finds time to work with character building groups like DARE, Snowball, and A.C.E. (Athlete’s Committed to Excellence). Katie has been selected not once, but twice, to be a teen leader in the Operation Snowball program and she asked for the opportunity to take a leading role in the DARE program for sixth graders. “Resilient” and “infectiously positive” are just some of the adjectives used to describe Katie.
Mary-Kate Janus (South)	Mary-Kate Janus is comfortable on a volleyball court and many fans cheered when she was part of a South team that went to the state semi-finals, but she is even more appreciated on the basketball court at SEASPAR, coaching a group of handicapped children. Mentoring seems to come naturally to Mary-Kate, at SEASPAR or while working with children at both her club and school volleyball camps. Her own coaches say she is motivated by challenges on the court and models discipline, pride and perseverance off of it.
Brian Pabst (South)	Searching for the cure for cancer is hardly a teenage pastime, unless you are Brian Pabst. This remarkable young man spent last summer working with a Northwestern Medical School research team on that endeavor. But when asked to answer a question about himself, he chose to write about physically challenged young boy he works with as a SEASPAR volunteer. It was this child’s fortitude and courage that upon impressed Brian that while odds seem insurmountable, goals are attainable. Those who work with Brian call him deeply curious, intellectually gifted, mature and patient.
Andrew Lichaj (South)	Teamwork is not just a word for Andrew Lichaj, it describes his approach to life and activities. Elected a varsity soccer captain in his freshman year of high school, Andrew did not let the honor go to his head. Instead, says one of his coaches, he asked to be moved to less significant playing positions in order to allow his teammates the chance to shine. He has balanced a rigorous schedule of athletics, church activities, club soccer, academics, and a job while demonstrating an unselfish attitude that his coaches say separate him from other players.