2024 Recipients
Sydni Fink
University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
Major: Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology
Currently: Freshman at the University of Kentucky
Reflection on Experience at Naperville North:
My experience at Naperville North was indescribable. My high school career was nothing but fun, excitement, and opportunity. Being involved in Business INCubator and Adaptive PE classes at NNHS was a huge part. Without a doubt, Business INCubator and Adaptive PE brought a smile to my face every day from the new people, new memories, and the sense of purpose they gave me. Overall, my time at Naperville North is something I wish I could go back to every day.
How has your experience at Naperville North shaped who you are today?
Being involved in Basketball, Adaptive PE, Best Buddies, and Business INCubator has shaped me into who I am today. The lessons, opportunities, and connections I have made helped me realize selflessness, empathy, determination, and drive are traits I would like to carry throughout life.
Impact of the RAK Scholarship:
Being compared and nominated for the scholarship that Rob represents is something I am very proud of. I learned so much about Rob through the Koranda family and what he represents - a kind, humble, outgoing, charismatic, and driven man. Being picked out as a person who resembles him is something I am forever honored by. The whole process of the RAK scholarship has inspired me to hold my strong traits, but also strive to be a better person every day. Overall, the RAK scholarship has provided me with endless opportunities and inspiration that pushes me to live life with the same purpose Rob did.
Matt Murphy
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee
Major: Undecided but with interests in going into either supply chain management, applied artificial intelligence, or data science.
Currently: Freshman at the University of Tennessee
Reflection on Experience at Naperville North:
Some highlights from my time at Naperville North was competing on Friday nights with my football team. I loved the energy the fans and parents brought to those nights. It made it such a competitive and fun environment to play in. Another one of my highlights in my high school career was the season of gymnastics I participated in. I had never been a gymnast beforehand, and I was not very good at it, but it taught me a lot of skills I still apply me to my life and gave me the opportunity to interact with people I never would have otherwise met.
Naperville North molded me into the person through all the amazing people I met. I cherish the relationships I accumulated while at Naperville North. These relationships enabled me to develop into the person I am becoming today. So many people at North imparted knowledge not only relating to schooling but also to life as well. Naperville North taught me the importance of taking risks and what can come from challenging yourself. I keep these lessons in the back of my mind every day.
Impact of the RAK Scholarship:
The RAK scholarship has impacted me in numerous different ways. First off, being put in the same conversation with someone like Rob really made me proud of myself. Hearing everything about Rob throughout the interview process blew me away. He was such an impactful part of everyone's lives he was involved in. Being compared to him made me feel grateful and realize I was on the right path and that I need to strive to be even better. Trying to live by his example is a difficult ideal to strive for but I believe I am a better person because of it. The interview process also taught me a lot of things about myself I never realized. Answering some of panel's questions and coming up with answers forced me to take a more introspective look at myself. After the process I felt like became more established in who I was as a person.
I just want to thank my parents, my little brother and everyone involved in the foundation and interview process. To the Koranda family, thank you for everything you do. Keeping Rob's legacy alive has done great things for the Naperville North community and it has kept his everlasting spirit alive and impacting others to this day. That is just amazing!