Photo of Jody Deery and CWL Logo

Catholic Women's League - Jody Deery Memorial Scholarship

To support Catholic women who share Jody Deery’s mission in life to demonstrate faith in action and commitment to family and community.

Winter Scholarship - Closed Closed This scholarship is part of the Winter application cycle. The application is open December 1st to February 1st every year. How to Apply

Eligibility Criteria

Applicant must:

- Be a female
- Currently reside in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, or Winnebago County
- Intend to pursue a career in nursing or business
- Identify as a practicing Catholic who is active in her faith community

Specifications

Past recipients may reapply

Written Prompt

Each CFNIL scholarship is created with a specific purpose in mind. As you complete the application, the system automatically matches you with every scholarship for which you are eligible and will present you with a specific written prompt for each. You're encouraged to craft a unique response to each prompt to show the reviewers why you're the best candidate for that scholarship.

Scholarship Background and Intent

Jody Deery is widely recognized as the owner of Rockford Speedway; but to her local community, she was a tireless role model who gave her time and talents to improve their lives. Trained as a nurse, she exemplified helping those less fortunate than herself and treating everyone with respect and dignity. Jody’s enduring legacy is one of unconditional love and compassion.

Click HERE to read a local article about Jody by the Rock River Current.

This scholarship was created by the Catholic Women's League of Rockford. The CWL is committed to providing opportunities for Catholic women from the Greater Rockford Area to come together for spiritual growth, community volunteerism, and social interaction; its fundraisers shall be principally held to benefit the Guild and Committee projects of the Catholic Women’s League.

 

Scholarship Spotlight: Catholic Women's League - Jody Deery Memorial Scholarship
After her death in 2022, the Catholic Women's League received a bequest from Jody's estate. The women of the League had many meaningful conversations to determine the best use for the gift. They ultimately landed on establishing a scholarship to honor Jody's memory.

The scholarship was awarded for the first time in spring 2025, and this tribute video was created to honor Jody and her generosity and premiered during the 2025 CFNIL Scholarship Award Night. Learn more about the Catholic Women's League - Jody Deery Memorial Scholarship and the complete CFNIL Scholarship Program at https://www.cfnil.org/scholarships/catholic-womens-league-jody-deery-memorial-scholarship.