You are just the kind of person the Sullivan Ballou Fund seeks to recognize and affirm. We know you were a talented and enthusiastic student at Marwen. We have heard how hard you worked as a high school and college student, how much you volunteered to help those around you, and how it was a scholarship recognizing your leadership skills that enabled you to attend and graduate from the University of Illinois. And we know that you made a decision to return to Marwen two years ago so you could help provide other students the same support, instruction, and encouragement that you received. It is altogether fitting that now, as Coorrdinator of Studio Programs, you and your team provide art classes free to Chicago’s underserved youth.
We respect and admire the work you have done, but even more telling is the way in which you do it. You have a heart full of love and a hug and a cheery greeting for everyone. This warmth and enthusiasm may be your most important gift to your students. And it is this open and selfless heart that makes you a living example of Sullivan Ballou’s spirit. We are honored to be able to recognize you in this small way.
This award is yours to use as you choose. We ask only that in the next six months you let us know how you used the award and how it affected you. Congratulations!
Elissa and Bruce Peterson, Founding Members