Irene K. Karsk photo

Irene K. Karsk Memorial Scholarship

To provide educational resources to Pecatonica High School seniors pursuing higher education and/or technical training. 

Not Accepting Scholarships at This Time Not Accepting Applications This scholarship is not accepting applications at this time. Learn How to Register & Apply

Essay

Considering the background and criteria of this scholarship, why are you the best candidate? Please describe who or what organization(s) have been influential in your development and how would you envision "giving back" to your community?

Criteria

Applicant must:

- Be a graduating senior of Pecatonica High School;
- Have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0/4.0; and
- Have been involved in community activities/service.

Biography

The Irene K. Karsk Memorial Scholarship is established by Dr. Roger S. Karsk and his wife Sharon P. Karsk, in 2020, in memory of Roger’s mother Irene Katherine Karsk (December 9, 1909 – October 7, 1993) of Pecatonica, Illinois.

Irene was a life-long resident of the Pecatonica area (born in Irish Grove) and lived most of her life in the same house. She was a person who always saw the jar as half-full, and would easily say “yes” to a new request. She would always see the positive in others and wrote numerous recommendations for people. Irene worked 17 years (1959-1975) as the head cook of the Pecatonica CUSD 321. Her work paid for her son Roger’s college tuition. When the first of her eleven grandchildren came along she said “I am too young to be called Gramma, they should call me Irene.”

This scholarship is dedicated to Irene, in recognition of those who believe in “giving back.”