Investing in Our Future Scholarship Gala Raises $400K for Southland Students
A Life-Changing Moment
Rich Township District Superintendent Johnnie Thomas set the tone with a story that cut to the heart of the mission. “I had the unique opportunity, a few days ago, to give a Tougaloo College Scholarship—full tuition, full room and board—to a family in our community,” he recalled. “And I could not finish talking to the family because they cried the whole time I was announcing the scholarship.” That moment showed why nearly 40 superintendents joined forces with the United Negro College Fund: because access to college can change lives.
Community Unites for Education
More than 300 students from 10 suburban high school districts entertained over 1,000 attendees at the Investing in Our Future 3rd Annual Scholarship Gala on February 21 at the Tinley Park Convention Center. The gala is a joint effort of the Superintendents’ Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity and the UNCF, United Negro College Fund, to raise money for scholarships (Photo Credit: Paul Hairlson).
For the third year in a row, the Superintendents’ Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity (SCSDD) and UNCF proved that unity builds opportunity. The event ultimately raised approximately $400,000 including $150,000 in in-kind scholarships.
Guests enjoyed fine dining, live entertainment, dancing, and a powerful performance by the Superintendents’ Commission Choir—300 students from 10 high schools delivering stirring gospel standards. Honorees for the night included Toni Preckwinkle, president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, and Illinois State Representative William “Will” Davis, with Marseil “Action” Jackson taking charge as emcee.
Ambitious Fundraising and Lasting Impact
Last year’s event raised more than $400,000. That achievement enabled the awarding of 90 Ron Edmond Scholarship Awards and 10 full-ride scholarships from Tougaloo College, a historically Black college in Mississippi. Johnnie Thomas explained, “Well, I’m here tonight to create more opportunities for our youth, especially after they get out of high school. So this is an opportunity for us to remove obstacles and find the best way to show them that the community loves and supports them by raising scholarship money for our youth. So I am here for that. I’m here because I love these children, and I just want to make sure that we, as a people, stay together as a community.”
Voices from the Gala
Sandra Thomas, president of the 37-member Superintendents’ Commission, summed up the spirit of the night. “So let me start by saying, you know the old adage, saying ‘A mind is a terrible thing to waste?’ which is UNCF’s motto, it is a terrible thing to waste. It is our responsibility as superintendents to ensure that our students have an opportunity for post-secondary careers and vocational careers. In order to do that, our children need help. They need financial support in order to obtain their dreams. It’s our responsibility to do that.”
State Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin added, “I certainly support United Negro College Fund and the work that they do nationally, but certainly for what they do for the students here, especially in the Southland, because I represent nine municipalities in the Chicago Southland, and it is such a pleasure to support an organization that helps our students.”
Dr. Blondean Y. Davis reflected on her decades-long commitment to the cause: “We just exist to do everything that we can for our children, and that’s what tonight is all about. If I could, we would provide a means for every child who walks across the stage and gets a high school diploma and wants to go and get a college degree.”
Looking Ahead
The impact of the evening carries forward. Sandra Thomas reminded supporters, “I would like to add that this event is not the only time that you could donate to this worthy cause. We have a March 20 event that’s coming up where children will actually receive the scholarship funds that we raise tonight.”
Johnnie Thomas’s moving story shows that when the community unites, every child gets a chance to soar.
Application for this year’s Ron Edmond Scholarship is now available. The deadline to apply is March 1. Visit scsdd.net/scholarship.
More Photos from the “Investing in Our Future” Scholarship Gala
From left, Dr. Johnnie Thomas, Rich Township High School District 227 superintendent, and Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, Matteson School District 162 superintendent and Southland College Prep Charter High School CEO, were the co-chairs of the Investing in Our Future Scholarship Gala (Photo Credit: Paul Hairlson).
Q&A
Q: What was the total amount raised at the gala?
A: The event raised approximately $400,000, including $150,000 in in-kind scholarships.
Q: What is the purpose of the Superintendents’ Commission and the UNCF?
A: The Superintendents’ Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity and the UNCF, United Negro College Fund, work together to raise money for scholarships and provide opportunities for students to pursue higher education.
Q: How can I support the cause?
A: You can support the cause by attending the upcoming events, making a donation, or applying for the Ron Edmond Scholarship. The deadline to apply is March 1. Visit scsdd.net/scholarship.
