In 2024, due to a shortened application process, lead counselors and teachers will select from 8 to 10 seniors each from Hyde Park and Kenwood Academy to apply for the Sara L. Spurlark Award. Seniors with a 3.5 G.P.A., and attending an HBCU in the fall of 2024, may be invited to submit an application by 10:00 PM (Central) on Wednesday May 15, 2024.
The Sara L. Spurlark Award was established in 1990 by Sara's friends and admirers following her retirement after many years of dedicated service to Kenwood High School as Assistant Principal, and later, principal of William H. Ray Elementary School.
Sara Liston Spurlark grew up from an early age on the campuses of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); at Winston-Salem Teacher's College in Winston Salem, North Carolina and Knoxville College in Knoxville Tennessee where her father was on faculty and later became Dean. She began her first 2 college years at Knoxville and her last years through undergrad at Hampton University in Hampton Virginia before eventually attending the University of Chicago in 1947.
Sara served the Chicago Public Schools and her Hyde Park-Kenwood community with grace, wisdom and integrity as a teacher, principal, civic leader and quiet visionary. She dedicated her life to creating new educational opportunities, highlighting excellence and inspiring young people to find passion, not only in the classroom, but also in service to their community.
Since 1990, a monetary award has honored outstanding members of the Kenwood Academy graduating class. Since 2022, we are proud to also provide awards to outstanding members of the Hyde Park Academy Senior class.
In 2024, the Sara L. Spurlark Award will honor Hyde Park and Kenwood Academy Seniors who will attend an HBCU in the fall, and who best exemplify commitment to service, academic achievement, and leadership. Monetary awards are intended to help support the costs associated with the awardees matriculation and higher education.
Highest Award- a $4,000 multi-year award will go to one senior from each School.
Students that accelerate their training may submit a written request to the Sara L Spurlark Awards committee for accelerated funding that aligns with their progress.
Other Awards- a $500, one time award, will go to 2 seniors from each school
In 2024 only a handful of students will be invited to apply. Hyde Park and Kenwood Academy seniors with a G.P.A. of 3.5 or above AND who plan to attend an HBCU in the fall of 2024 will first be screened by a High School official on behalf of the Spurlark Committee. A maximum of 10 students from each school will be invited to submit an application. The decisions of Senior Class Officials may be informed by their personal knowledge of a students aspirations but may also consider the input of teachers, activity directors, school Principals and vice Principals.
Evidence of student and community Involvement, leadership, and commitment;
Community service performed during high school;
Evidence of respectable personal character and integrity;
Interest in matters affecting global citizenship, equity , social issues
Academic achievement and intellectual growth.
Applications, including letters of recommendations, will be reviewed by the Sara L. Spurlark Award Committee. A personal interview may be required for finalists.
Awards will be announced on or about Tuesday May 28, 2024 and bank checks will be presented during the last week of May and the first week of June 2024.
REQUIREMENTS FOR RECOMMENDATION LETTERS
One letter of recommendation should be received for inclusion in the application review process.
Letters of recommendation for the Spurlark award should provide the selection committee with evidence of the student’s commitment to school and /or community service in addition to academic discipline, initiative and good character.
*Please note our selection criteria in endorsing an applicant.
All letters of recommendation must be signed and include contact information for the signer.
Please email letters to spurlarkaward@gmail.com from an official High School email address by 10 pm (Central), Wednesday May 15, 2024.
Thank you for your assistance in our efforts to recognize leaders in service from the senior classes of Hyde Park Academy and Kenwood Academy.
SPURLARK AWARD CONDITIONS
Students must be available to receive their awards at their schools in person and photographs will be submitted to the Hyde Park Herald and other local papers, news and media platforms.
Awardees agree to provide a short, social media worthy update to the Sara L. Spurlark Award Committee on their academic and service organization goals and accomplishments. Updates will be due during April of each year following an award.
Awardees acknowledge that future multi year awards will be contingent upon good academic standing and continuation of their training at the same HBCU or an HBCU of similar academic rigor.
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