Superintendents Commission Choir Members Rehearse (Photo Provided).
For the third year, the Superintendents’ Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity (SCSDD) and UNCF, the United Negro College Fund, are joining forces to raise scholarship money for students in the Chicagoland area at the “Investing in Our Future” 3rd Annual Scholarship Gala on Friday, Feb. 21, from 6 to 11 p.m. The event will be held at the Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park. Visit investinginourfuture.myle.com for more information.
Honorees for the evening are Toni Preckwinkle, president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, and Illinois State Representative William “Will” Davis (30th District).
The Superintendents’ Commission is a distinguished educational organization that serves school districts in the suburban Cook and collar counties, bringing together elementary and secondary superintendents.
Dr. Sandra Thomas, president of the group of 37 superintendents, said the partnership with UNCF was born out of the vision of Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, superintendent of Matteson School District 162, to collaborate to provide students with scholarships.
“We want to make sure that we are doing our part to ensure that children have the opportunity to fulfill their unlimited potential,” Dr. Sandra Thomas said.
Last year, the “Investing in Our Future” Gala raised more than $400,000. As a result, the Superintendents’ Commission was able to award 90 Ron Edmond Scholarship Awards. Tougaloo College, a Historically Black College and University in Mississippi, also awarded 10 full-ride scholarships to students. Tougaloo also will award scholarships this year.
According to UNCF, it’s the largest event of its kind held by a school superintendent’s organization.
“Our collaboration with the United Negro College Fund means more money for more students,” said Dr. Johnnie Thomas, co-chair of the scholarship gala and superintendent of Rich Township High School District 227. “That means more support for our students to fulfill their dreams.”
Dr. Johnnie Thomas noted that in three years the UNCF and Superintendents’ Commission have raised almost a million dollars.
“For our students, that is life-changing,” Dr. Johnnie Thomas said.
From 2022-2023, UNCF awarded scholarships to 515 Illinois students. Now in its 81st year, UNCF has raised more than $5 billion and helped more than 500,000 students not just attend college but thrive, graduate and become leaders.
“We are so excited to partner with the Superintendents’ Commission to raise funds to support local students in pursuing their education – the key to their future success,” said UNCF Regional Development Director Lisa M. Rollins.
The “Investing in Our Future” Gala will be an evening of fine dining, entertainment, dancing and more. More than 1000 supporters attended last year. This year, a Superintendents’ Commission Choir of more than 300 students from 10 high schools will perform. Marseil “Action” Jackson, radio personality and co-host of “The Brunch Bunch” on 1390-AM Gospel Radio, will serve as the emcee for the evening.
Tickets are available. Visit investinginourfuture.myle.com or call 312-845-2200. Follow UNCF on social media @UNCFChicago and #UNCFChicago.
The application for the Ron Edmond Scholarship is now available. The deadline to apply is March 1. Visit scsdd.net/scholarship.