Robert Tyre Jones Jr. Scholarship
The Robert Tyre Jones Jr. Scholarship provides $1,000 for a student-athlete who has demonstrated a high level of leadership in the classroom, on the field, and in the community throughout his or her high school years.
Robert Tyre Jones Jr., is a class of 1982 Proviso East graduate. Prior to attending Proviso East, he attended Mason Elementary in Chicago’s Near Westside community, but eventually transferred in the fourth grade to Garfield Elementary in Maywood, IL. While in high school, Robert excelled in both football and baseball, but by senior year, baseball would be the direction his passion followed.
In 1982, Robert was recognized with many accolades, namely— West Suburban All Conference, All Area Team, All American Team, Illinois Mr. Baseball, as well as, first round draft pick for the Cincinnati Reds organization. Robert elected not to turn professional, but instead attend Southern Illinois University on a full baseball scholarship. While at SIU, he held numerous school records in home runs, RBIs, and multiple other categories; most notably while a student, he played for Team USA Baseball.
In 1986, Robert was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers and played from 1986 -1990 before joining the Seattle Organization in 1991. Robert was inducted into SIU’s Hall of Fame in 1999, and named to the Illinois top 100 baseball players in 2010.
Currently, Robert spends his time as an organizer and coach of an AAU/Track and Field team assisting athletes aged seven through eighteen (7-18). Robert is also one of the founding members of New Life Covenant Southeast Church, where he has served as one of the assistant pastors since its inception.
Robert is married to Karen Morris Jones (1983 Proviso East Graduate). They have three (3) children, Cessily, Khristian, and Robert III.
Scholarship Criteria:
1. Must be a graduating senior at Proviso East High School.
2. Must have a 2.3 or higher point average.
3. Must write a short essay or submit a video life goals and how this scholarship will help to achieve them.
4. Must be an African American male who participated on a Proviso East Baseball or Football Team.
5. Must provide proof of athletic achievements.
6. Must provide proof of community service/volunteer hours.
7. Must provide letters of recommendation (1 each: teacher, coach, and community leader).
8. Must provide proof of acceptance and registration in an accredited college, trade school, or military enlistment.