2026 Scholarships
The Kimberly Powell Memorial Scholarship
The Kimberly Powell Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the legacy of Kimberly Powell, Proviso East alumna, Class of 1984. Kimberly Powell's friends and family wish to award a $1000 scholarship to a deserving senior graduating from Proviso East High school
Kimberly Powell was one of five children born to Willie and Joe Powell, and she embodied the spirit of Maywood in every possible way. Vibrant, warm, and endlessly welcoming,
Kim was the kind of person who never met a stranger. Her natural gift for conversation and her instinct to uplift others made her a beloved presence wherever she went.
Her passion for cosmetology wasn’t just a skill — it was an extension of her heart. Even when life took her beyond the borders of Maywood, she always found her way back home, often settling into a familiar chair with a comb in hand. Whether she styled hair for free or at a discount, Kim poured love into her craft because she genuinely enjoyed making people feel confident and cared for.
TJ&JJ's Textbook Scholarship
Maurice Smith and Troy Nathaniel are dynamic entrepreneurs and industry leaders with a combined 40 years of experience across construction, real estate, sales, hospitality, entertainment, and community development. As General Contractors, Developers, and seasoned real estate investors, they have built a legacy of transforming neighborhoods, mentoring emerging talent, and creating sustainable business opportunities throughout the Chicagoland area.
Maurice Smith, who holds a BS in Construction Management, is known for his ability to manage complex projects and develop solution‑driven strategies. His leadership style emphasizes teamwork, professional growth, and empowering the next generation of builders and business leaders.
The Kitchen Family
The Kitchen Family Scholarship, given by Dennis Kitchen to honor his family’s rich legacy, provides $5,000 for a student who has demonstrated a high level of leadership within the classroom and community throughout their high school tenure.
Dennis Kitchen is a Class of 1984 Proviso East alumnus. As a high school student, he graduated at the top of his class and participated in various clubs throughout his time at Proviso. After graduation, Dennis received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Science degree in Management from National Louis University......
The Vertical Management LLC
The Vertical Management LLC Scholarship will provide $1,000 for a Proviso East student who has overcome great obstacles and adversity; while remaining determined to finish high school and explore future educational goals. If you are a student who dreams of someday being your own boss, this scholarship assistance is for you.....
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Three Titians of the Gospel
The Three Titans of the Gospel Scholarship provides $1,000 award to a deserving scholar preparing for higher education.
Rev. Marvin E. Wiley commemorates a total of more than 150 years of ministry. This impressive legacy was held by his grandfather, Rev. Williard Wiley pastor of The 8th Ave Baptist Church - Pine Bluff, AR. Grandfather Williard’s church served as the home church where Rev. Marvin E. Wiley was raised and began his preaching journey. His sermon, “Contrary Winds” was well-known among his parishioners. Rev. Marvin’s preaching legacy continued through his grandfather, Rev. William Ross pastor of St. Luke Baptist Church - North Little Rock, AR. started his ministry journey in the 1960's. He brought to fruition an extension of the church called the Educational Annex. This building has been named in his honor for his remarkable contribution....
Mayor Nathaniel George Booker
The Mayor Nathaniel George Booker Scholarship will provide $1000 for a Proviso East or West High School Black male graduating senior pursuing a degree in government, education, or civic engagement with a goal of fulfilling a career in public service.
Mayor Booker’s mission, in offering this scholarship, is to address the disparities amongst minority involvement within education, government, and civic engagement. Given the staggeringly low numbers of minority male leaders in those spaces within the U.S. and, in particular, Illinois, this scholarship aims to increase awareness and access for those desiring to pursue higher education.....
I Can And I Will Scholarsip
The I Can and I Will Scholarship was established to empower students who are determined to pursue their academic and professional goals—no matter the path they choose. Whether a student is working toward a trade, certification, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree, this scholarship is designed to support their ambition and commitment to growth.
This scholarship was founded by Utopia Hill, a proud Proviso East alum. Utopia credits her years at Proviso East with shaping her sense of purpose and fueling her desire to make a positive impact in the world. After graduating with a degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, she went on to become the CEO of a renewable energy company, continuing her mission to create meaningful change.
The I Can and I Will Scholarship reflects Utopia’s belief that every student deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams—and that with determination, anything is possible.
The SisterFriends Circle
The "SisterFriends Circle" Scholarship desires to provide a deserving graduating senior, undergraduate or graduate student with a $1,000 scholarship who desires to further their education.
SisterFriends Circle is a dedicated social group comprised of accomplished women committed to challenging stereotypes through showcasing the harmonious coexistence of women. Our members, who seamlessly balance careers, family, entrepreneurship, and community involvement, recognize the importance of fostering strong connections with other women outside of their busy schedules.....
The Glenn Lid Trade
The Glenn Lid Trade Scholarship provides a $1,000 award to a student desiring to continue his or her education through getting a certification or training in a trade or vocational school.
Glenn Lid has been a teacher, a coach for wrestling, boys baseball, golf, and football for 43 years! Although he is not a graduate of Proviso East, he bleeds blue. Throughout his tenure as a teacher, he could be found conversing with students about life, sports, and career paths. Mr. Lid is known for reaching students where they are and helping them achieve levels in life beyond their dreams......
The Diane and Shawanda Hunter Memorial Scholarship
The Diane and Shawanda Hunter Memorial Scholarship is a $3,000 award ($1,000 for each award recipient) aimed towards assisting three (3) deserving high school seniors residing in a single parent household who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
Mother, Shi-Shi (Grandmother), partner, life coach, mentor, motivational speaker, and executive leader are just a few of the titles Shanel Williams possesses. On the other hand, compassionate, loving, empowering, kind-hearted, dedicated, and benevolent are the characteristics that describe her best...
Nurse Pacesetters Scholarship
The Nurse Pacesetters Scholarship is a $1,000.00 award aimed towards assisting a deserving high school senior who is beginning a higher education journey.
Aynesha Wallace is a registered nurse and founder of Nurse Pacesetters Inc., a 501(c)3 organization in 2024. Her nonprofit has created a nursing community for local nurses and health care professionals. The Nurse Pacesetters Scholarship is a $1,000 award to assist a graduating senior on their nursing school journey. ....
Hair Doctors Studio
The Hair Doctors Studio Scholarship desires to provide a deserving student with a $1,000 scholarship who will attend a barber, cosmetology, or esthetician school.
Ta-Tanishia (Ta-Ta) Wallace is a graduate of Proviso East class of 1990. Ta-Ta have owned Hair Doctors Studio, a barber and beauty salon, over twenty-nine (29) years in the Maywood community..
Hair Xtacee's Cosmetology
Hair Xtacee's Cosmetology Scholarship provides a $1,000 scholarship to a deserving student who will attend a cosmetology or barber school.
Teisha Carter is the owner of Hair Xtacee Beauty Salon in Westchester, Illinois. She has been a hair stylist and business owner for over thirty (30) years. Teisha believes in giving back and loves working with the youth as a youth leader at Freedom Baptist Church in Hillside, Illinois....
CDL Transportation
The CDL Transportation Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship awarded to a Proviso East High School senior who wants to attend an accredited trade/vocational or two year college located within the United States.
Chevae Langston, is a class of 1995 Proviso East High School graduate. Mr. Langston is the successful business owner and president of a local trucking company--CDL Transportation, Inc. He believes high school graduates, who may want to attend a trade or vocational school after graduation versus the traditional educational pursuit, should have the chance to pursue their dreams. Therefore, he wants students desiring to pursue non-traditional educational avenues to have financial support...
The Rashida (Gray) McKelvin Business
The Rashida (Gray) McKelvin Business Scholarship provides a $1,500 scholarship for a student who will major in business.
Rashida is a Proviso Alumnus of the Proviso East Class of 1993. She is a Certified Management Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Mrs. McKelvin also holds an MBA from DePaul University. Additionally, Rashida was the first African American school board member in Komarek School's, then eighty-six year, history in North Riverside, Illinois. She currently sits on the Committee on Ethics board with the Institute of Management Accountants. Rashida has served as the finance controller, but continues to serve in various leadership roles within the committee.....
The Elijah T. Acklin Sr. Student Leader
The Elijah T. Acklin Sr. Student Leader 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 high school.
Master Sergeant (Ret.) Elijah T. Acklin Sr. is a Class of 1993 Proviso East alumnus. As a student-athlete, he graduated at the top of his class, was part of the starting lineup in football, participated in wrestling and baseball throughout his high school career. Elijah retired from the U.S. Army after a twenty-six (26) year career during which he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus-- Adelphi, Maryland....
The (Worsham) Business Management and Accounting
The Tennelle Worsham Business Management and Accounting Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship awarded to a well deserving Proviso East High School senior who wants to pursue a degree in the areas of: accounting, business administration, business management, human resources, supervision, or leadership.
Tennelle Worsham attended Proviso East High School but later moved after the loss of her oldest brother, Jason Worsham. She is a Pirate in heart and bleeds blue. Ms. Worsham is a successful business owner and accounting professional, who desires to give a student the collegiate experience....
The Desiray Langston Visionary
The Desiray Langston Visionary Scholarship is a $1,000 award given to a student who sets goals and executes them in the face of adversity.
Desiray Langston is a 1995 graduate of Proviso East High School and desires to bless a deserving student furthering their education at a four-year college or university....
Jason Worsham's Anything is Possible
The Jason Worsham's Anything is Possible Scholarship will provide $1,000 to a deserving Proviso East High School senior who will attend an accredited trade school, vocational school, or college within the United States.
Jason Worsham attended Proviso East from 1990-1992. He passed away before graduating with the class of 1993 graduates. While attending Proviso East, he was a good student who enjoyed art, his favorite subject. He also enjoyed playing basketball and football....
The Moore Preseverance Family
The Moore Family Preservation Scholarship will provide a $ 1,000 scholarship to a deserving
high school senior who is aspiring to attend Triton College or a trade school to begin their
higher education journey.
The Moore family moved to Maywood, Illinois, in the 1940s. Denard and Tennie raised seven
children: Willie, Ruth, Denard Jr., Joseph, Mae, Earl, and Peggy. Their parents led by example,
and hard work was the foundation. Denard worked at the steel mill, and Tennie retired from
the American Can Company. With education being a priority, all the children graduated from
Washington Elementary and Proviso East High School. They all became successful contributors
to their community as police officers, airline pilot, office workers, air traffic controller, factory
workers, a Maywood Trustee, and a Village Manager.
Recently, Peggy Alexander, a longtime advocate for Maywood, with contributions from The
Maywood Four Corners Group, friends, and family members, completed the first
comprehensive Black History book on Maywood. The book documents black life in the
community from 1880 to the present. Through the lens of a restrictive covenant, the book
preserves authentic memories and experiences that shape Maywood’s black community. The
book will be released in February 2026 and stands as an important contribution to preserving
local black history for future generations.
It is the Moore family’s pleasure and honor to assist a Proviso East High School graduate.
The Tricia Allen Scruggs Communication Scholarship will provide $1,500 for a Proviso East High School senior attending a college or university in pursuit of a degree in communications with a goal of fulfilling a career in cinema, radio, television, digital media, or journalism.Tricia Allen Scruggs is a class of 1989 Proviso East alumna. Her passion for communications and connecting with others started early in childhood. Through multiple communication opportunities, she has positively impacted family, friends, and communities.At the age of eleven (11), she was selected to be a news anchor for Cox Cable News. Throughout college, Tricia was a nighttime DJ for the local R&B radio station in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. Her determination to become a journalist led her to eventually work as a Texas reporter for the McKinney Courier-Gazette, People Newspapers, Terrell Tribune, and freelance for several years with the Dallas Morning News. In 2018, Tricia combined her love of food, travel, culture, and connecting with others by launching a food tour–We Ate Well Food Tours– which highlighted Historic Downtown McKinney, Texas. The tour featured talented artisans, food, culture, history, and architecture. Her communications journey provided the skills and experience to successfully establish and grow the food tour resulting in an enjoyable and memorable experience for many participants.
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The Mighty Mighty Pirate Scholarship
The Mighty Mighty Pirate Scholarship is established to honor the strength, resilience, and pride of Proviso East High School students—past, present, and future. Inspired by the enduring Pirate spirit, this scholarship supports students who demonstrate perseverance, leadership, and a commitment to personal and academic growth, even in the face of challenges.
This scholarship is awarded to a deserving Proviso East senior or alum who embodies the “Mighty Mighty Pirate” mindset: determined, hardworking, community-minded, and unafraid to chart their own course toward success. Whether through academics, service, athletics, or leadership, recipients exemplify excellence and a dedication to uplifting themselves and others.
The Mighty Mighty Pirate Scholarship aims to reduce financial barriers to higher education while empowering recipients to pursue college, trade school, or other post-secondary opportunities with confidence and pride in their Pirate legacy.
Diana P. Wellington Pathways Scholarship
The Diana P. Wellington Scholarship was created to award a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating female student from Proviso East High School pursuing a cosmetology degree. Special consideration is given to applicants who are teen parents, honoring the spirit and journey of the woman whose name this scholarship bears.
Diana P. Wellington, a proud 1982 graduate of Proviso East, is a respected and beloved figure in the hair industry. Her story is one of determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment to building a better life. As a young teen mother to her daughter, Felicia, Diana refused to let her circumstances define her future. Instead of relying on welfare, she enrolled in night school to study the art of hair care—laying the foundation for what would become a remarkable 40+ year career.
Malik Know Thy Self Scholarship
he Malik Know Thy Self Scholarship was created to support students who are committed to pursuing their academic goals in any field of study. This scholarship is open to a wide range of learners, including high school seniors preparing for college, current undergraduate and graduate students, and individuals enrolled in professional programs. Its purpose is to empower motivated students by easing financial barriers and encouraging them to continue discovering their potential—both academically and personally.
Malik Muhammad’s high school education culminated in the year 1989, when he completed his secondary studies after attending Proviso East High School. He continued his educational journey at Southeastern Illinois College, strengthening his academic foundation before advancing his creative and professional development through the Institute of Children’s Literature. Committed to lifelong learning, Malik later pursued further studies at Grand Canyon University, where he expanded his skills and knowledge
