2021 Recipients
Jillian Carroll
University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
Major: Speech and Hearing Sciences with a certificate in Disability Studies
Currently: Freshman at the University of Iowa
Reflection on Experience at Naperville North: A highlight from my high school experience would definitely be Adapted PE. Everyone in the class demonstrated immense compassion, optimism, kindness, and selflessness that I respected and looked up to. Beyond Adapted PE, the North community itself was welcoming and supportive and I am grateful for the people I met there as they largely shaped who I am today.
At Naperville North, Jillian was involved in the following activities: Cross Country and Track, Student Government, Adapted PE, CEC, NHS, Huskie Crew. Cross country in particular granted me not only a new sense of resilience, but perspective on the importance of welcoming challenges, focusing on controllable factors, and working as a team.
Impact of the RAK Scholarship: I am both humbled and honored to have been recognized as someone who resembles all that Rob stood for. This scholarship has given me the opportunity to become a part of a family that exemplifies humility and kindness. This family serves as a source of inspiration to strive to uphold the values that Rob lived by and a support system as I anticipate and embrace post-graduation changes. I am very grateful for the generosity of the Koranda family and of the RAK foundation!
Jacob Scharm
Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
Major: Undecided in terms of my major but has interest in Economics, Psychology, and Spanish.
Currently: Freshman at Northwestern University
Reflection on Experience at Naperville North: It is very difficult to pick just one highlight, as there were many special moments in sports, in the classroom, and with friends. What trumps all of this, though, is being announced as a recipient of the RAK scholarship along with one of my best friends, Jillian Carroll. This moment still replays in my head often, and is a moment that I will never forget because of how special it was for me and my family.
During my time at NNHS, I was involved in a wide range of activities - from baseball and basketball to Adaptive PE and Senior Board. This granted me the opportunity to do what I love most, sports and helping others.
Impact of the RAK Scholarship: While it has only been a few months since being named a recipient of the RAK scholarship, the honor of joining such a special group of past winners and the Koranda family has certainly been life-changing. Throughout the entire process, I was able to learn so much about Rob and everything that he stood for, and now, as a part of this family, I use this as a constant reminder to live out his incredible energy and spirit daily. I am so excited to continue to meet everybody involved, and am so grateful to have the support from the RAK foundation as I start my college journey.