Sugar Grove resident Katelyn Schultz, a student at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, has received the Aurora Area Retired Teachers Association’s 25th annual scholarship.
Dick Schindel, AARTA president, announced the $1,500 award at the social-service group’s membership luncheon Dec. 7, 2021 at Gaslite Manor in Aurora. Accompanied by her mother, Schultz thanked AARTA members for the award in brief remarks after an introduction by Schindel.
The daughter of Carl and Gayle Deja-Schultz, Katelyn is a 2020 Kaneland High School graduate. She is studying hospitality at Waubonsee Community Colleger in Sugar Grove. Her long-term goals include completing a bachelor’s degree at Southern Illinois University and applying to the Walt Disney Corp. internship program.
She explained, “I have a passion for the hospitality and tourism industry. With years of volunteering I have assisted charities plan major galas and various special events.”
At WCC, Schultz is in her second year as a member of the school’s cheer team. Her Kaneland High achievements include helping found the Student Advisory, student council member, teacher assistant, golf team member and four-year cheerleader.
In the community, Schultz has volunteered at Horse Power Therapeutic Riding, Fox Valley Hands of Hope, Salvation Army, Sugar Grove Corn Boil, Naperville Rib Fest and Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago. Hobbies include creative writing, horseback riding, and travel.
AARTA scholarship funds are managed by the Aurora-based Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley. The foundation accepts scholarship applications and selects a winner. Scholarship applications are available from school guidance counselors
Founded in 1958, AARTA is an Aurora-based nonprofit of 370 former educators from Aurora, Batavia and Kaneland school districts. The educational and service group holds in-person noon luncheon meetings on the first Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October and December at Gaslite Manor in Aurora. New members are welcome.
Due to COVID concerns, the February 2022 meeting has been canceled.
—Al Benson