2026 Spurlark Award

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 offer awards to outstanding members of the Hyde Park Academy Senior class.  

In 2026, the Sara L. Spurlark Award will honor Hyde Park and Kenwood Academy Seniors who will attend a college or university, 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.    

ONE TIME AWARDS

In 2026, a $2000 one time award will be offered to 1 senior from Hyde Park Academy and 1 senior from Kenwood Academy.

In 2026, only a handful of students will be invited to apply.  Hyde Park and Kenwood Academy seniors with a non-weighted G.P.A. of 3.5 or above, who plan to attend a college or university in the fall of 2026, will first be screened by a High School official on behalf of the Spurlark Committee. A maximum of 5 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 student's aspirations, but may also consider the input of teachers, activity directors, and school Principals.

• Community service performed during the students' high school years 

• Evidence of school and community activities that reflect service, leadership, and commitment

•  Evidence of respectable personal character and integrity;  

• Activities that reflect an Interest in matters affecting humanity, global citizenship, and the social and financial stability of individuals, families, and communities.

• - 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 via email and telephone calls directly to the awardee and to the recommending school official by the end of May, 2026. 

 RECOMMENDATION LETTERS

One letter of recommendation is optional but recommended for inclusion in the selection committee's review process. Letters should provide evidence of the student’s character and interests and academic discipline. (* see Other Selection Criteria)

Letters must be signed and include the sender's contact information. 

Email letters to spurlarkaward@gmail.com should be sent from an official High School email address by 11:59 pm (Central), Friday, May 15, 2026.

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 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 goals and accomplishments. Updates will be due during April of each year following an award.