PHS Pirate Booster Club Scholarships

Geographic Scope: Palatine High School graduating class of 2026, Palatine, IL

Program Duration: 52nd year of awards (2025-2026 cycle)

Total Award Amount: 16 scholarships at $1,000 each = $16,000 total

Award Breakdown

• One Love Foundation Scholarship: 1 × $1,000 (Choi family)
• Charlotte M. and Robert C. Donahue Millennium Scholarship: 2 × $1,000
• Class of 1979 Legacy Scholarship: 1 × $1,000
• Fred Zajonc Scholarships: 12 × $1,000
  • 6 scholarships for students demonstrating leadership, academic excellence, service, and volunteerism
  • 6 scholarships for students attending trade/vocational school, apprenticeship, or community college programs

Background

One Love Legacy Foundation Scholarship: Honors Steve Choi, uncle of PHS graduates Caleb (2018) and Abigail (2020). The Choi family has been involved in the Palatine High School community through sports, activities, and the PHS Boosters Club (Jean served as co-president for three years). Committed to supporting students from marginalized and under-represented communities.

Donahue Scholarship: Donated by PHS alumni Andy and Patrick Donahue in honor of their parents, the late Charlotte and Robert Donahue.

Fred Zajonc Scholarships: Named after a community leader, village trustee, and longtime member and past president of the Booster Club who worked to generate parent and community support for Palatine High School.

Eligibility

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be attending a 4-year college/university, 2-year community college, or certified trade/vocational school or apprenticeship program
• Minimum 2.0 GPA (applicants with less than 2.0 may apply if they have extenuating circumstances and explain in application)

Selection Criteria

One Love Foundation Scholarship (1 award):

• Student from underrepresented racial or ethnic backgrounds
• First-generation college students (attending certified trade/vocational school, 2-year community college, or 4-year college/university)
• Students with significant socioeconomic barriers
• Students contributing to or engaged in marginalized communities (must be addressed/explained in essay)

Fred Zajonc Scholarships (12 awards):

• 6 scholarships: Leadership, academic excellence, service, and volunteerism at PHS and in the community
• 6 scholarships: Students choosing to attend trade/vocational school, apprenticeship program, or community college

Updated Selection Criteria (2025-2026): Recognition for students choosing diverse paths towards furthering education and future careers.

Contact Information

Award Presentation: April 22, 2026, during Academic Awards Night in the PHS auditorium

Application Process

Application Form: Google Form at https://forms.gle/gyNL5imH26CFowVU8

Deadline: Monday, March 9, 2026, by 3:45 PM

Required Materials:

• Application form completion
• Essay addressing relevant selection criteria (especially for One Love Foundation Scholarship applicants who must explain community engagement/marginalized community involvement)
• GPA information
• Extenuating circumstances explanation (if applicable for GPA below 2.0)
• Educational path information (4-year college, community college, or trade/vocational/apprenticeship program)