Irene K. Karsk photo

Irene K. Karsk Memorial Scholarship

Supporting Pecatonica students who believe in giving back.

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

Scholarship Background and Intent

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.”

Eligibility Criteria

Every CFNIL scholarship has a unique intent, often reflecting the background of the donor or person in whose memory the fund was created. CFNIL uses an online "universal" application to ensure the most efficient process; as an applicant, you do not need to predetermine which scholarships you should apply for. Complete ONE application each cycle, and your answers to a series of yes/no and personal background questions automatically match you to every scholarship you are eligible for. Because our scholarships were created to support students of all ages, backgrounds, and aspirations, we encourage every scholarship seeker (high school graduating seniors and older) to apply!

Specifications

Academic performance will be given high priority in the selection process.

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.