​We are proud to announce that ten $4,500 scholarships have been awarded to outstanding Lisle High School graduates this year through the Carlin Nalley Foundation.

L to R: During Lisle High School’s Athletic Banquet on Wednesday, June 4, the Carlin Nalley Foundation awarded the last two of ten scholarships. Photo L to R: Carlin Nalley Foundation, President, John Bartels, Piccolo Award, Lisle’s Outstanding Male Athlete, Carlin Nalley Scholarship Award - James Saxman, Babe Zaharias Award, Outstanding Female Athlete, Jones/Beato Scholarship Award - Allison Doering & retired teacher/coach Rick Beato.

Eight scholarships were presented during Senior Recognition Night on May 7, 2025, with two additional awards granted at the Athletic Banquet on June 4, 2025. These awards recognize academic, athletic, and artistic achievements, as well as leadership, character, and school spirit.
 
These opportunities are made possible primarily by the ongoing support of you, the Lisle High School Alumni.. Your commitments to support our events and to donate to the CNF scholarship program play a vital role in helping the next generation of Lisle graduates achieve their goals at the next level of education.
 
Thanks to your generosity, the Foundation has now awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships over the past 20 years.
 
We are incredibly grateful to all of you who help us sustain this mission. Together, we’re creating opportunities, opening doors, ​and investing in bright futures for exceptional Lisle kids.

The Carlin Nalley Foundation is proud to announce that Lisle High School senior Allison Doering has been awarded the 2025 Babe Zaharias Award, Outstanding Female Athlete, Jones/Beato Scholarship, a $4,500 award presented during the Athletic Banquet on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.
 
This prestigious scholarship recognizes Allison’s achievements, leadership potential, and passion for pursuing a future in art. We are confident she will continue to represent the Lisle community with distinction in her next chapter.
 
We asked Allison for her thoughtful responses to the following questions:
  
CNF: Following graduation, what are your educational plans—where do you intend to enroll, and what will be your major field of study?
AD: I plan on attending University of Kentucky in the fall to major in Product Design.
CNF: Which teachers or staff members at Lisle High School had the most significant impact on you, and what made them so influential?
AD: A teacher that truly made a positive influence in my life is Srta. Renguso. She taught me for my Junior and Senior year in Spanish and made a huge impact on my high school experience for the simple reason that she made me excited to go to school every day. She created a warm and inviting classroom and a relationship with her students that felt more as a friendship while still being able to effectively teach.
CNF:    What personal and professional goals do you aim to achieve after you reach your next academic milestone?
AD:In my personal and professional career, I hope to gain a degree in Product Design and create my own business based on one of my designs.
CNF: What is your best memory of your time at Lisle High School?
AD: Throughout all four years there have been countless irreplaceable memories, however, one of my favorites is the field trip for my AP Environment Science class to Treehaven. Where we spent days exploring the untouched wildlife with our classmates and connecting with nature.
CNF: Finally, please express to the alumni what winning the award means to you and how it will assist you in accomplishing your goals.  Alumni have contributed over $300,000 to the CNF scholarship program in the last 20 years.  We want to relay your gratitude for their support.
AD: Not only does winning this award allow me to build my dreams a future to major in Product Design in college, but it also gives me so much joy that I could represent what this award means in my four years and three sports with Lisle Athletics. Sports throughout high school has given me so much guidance and taught me many lessons through the years and I am truly honored that I was able to push through the hard work and have a positive impact on my teammates, coaches, and the sports overall that lead me to winning this special award that I am so grateful to be able to earn.
 
The 2025 Babe Zaharias Award, Outstanding Female Athlete, Jones/Beato Scholarship is one of ten scholarships the Foundation awarded this year, made possible through the generosity of our donors and partners, many of whom are proud Lisle High School alumni. Their commitment to giving back helps ensure that outstanding students like Sydney have the support they need to pursue higher education and their professional dreams.
 
Over the past twenty years, the Carlin Nalley Foundation has awarded over $300,000 in scholarships to deserving Lisle High School graduates. This lasting impact reflects a shared belief in the value of education, community, and opportunity.
 
We are deeply grateful to everyone who makes these scholarships possible—and we invite you to join us in continuing this mission. Please consider supporting the Carlin Nalley Foundation, so we can sustain and grow these life-changing opportunities for the next generation of Lisle graduates.
 
Thank you,
The Carlin Nalley Foundation board of directors

​The Carlin Nalley Foundation is proud to announce that Lisle High School senior James Saxman has been awarded the 2025 Piccolo Award:   Lisle’s Outstanding Male Athlete
​The Carlin Nalley Scholarship, a $4,500 award, was presented during Lisle High School’s Athletic Banquet on Wednesday, June 4. This prestigious scholarship recognizes James’ achievements, leadership potential, and passion for pursuing a future in business. We are confident he will continue to represent the Lisle community with distinction in his next chapter.
 
We asked James for his thoughtful responses to the following questions:
 
CNF: Following graduation, what are your educational plans—where do you intend to enroll, and what will be your major field of study?
JS: Following graduating from Lisle High School, I will be attending the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.
CNF: Which teachers or staff members at Lisle High School had the most significant impact on you, and what made them so influential?
JS: The staff member at lisle high school who had the greatest impact on me was Madame Novak. She pushed me to become the best version of myself academically, both in her class and others.
CNF:    What personal and professional goals do you aim to achieve after you reach your next academic milestone?
JS: In the near future, I hope to obtain a job in finance in Chicago. I would also like to break 90 by then.
CNF: What is your best memory of your time at Lisle High School?
JS: My best memory at lisle high school was my freshman year baseball team, and all the fun that went along with it.
CNF: Finally, please express to the alumni what winning the award means to you and how it will assist you in accomplishing your goals.  Alumni have contributed over $300,000 to the CNF scholarship program in the last 20 years.  We want to relay your gratitude for their support.
JS: This award is a honor and a blessing to me. The scholarship will help me in attending an expensive school, to maximize my academic success. However, receiving this award also is a way to display the countless hours I’ve spent though high school working to become a successful student athlete, which I would like to thank the CNF again for.
 
The Piccolo Award:   Lisle’s Outstanding Male Athlete, The Carlin Nalley Scholarship is one of ten scholarships the Foundation awarded this year, made possible through the generosity of our donors and partners, many of whom are proud Lisle High School alumni. Their commitment to giving back helps ensure that outstanding students like Sydney have the support they need to pursue higher education and their professional dreams.
 
Over the past twenty years, the Carlin Nalley Foundation has awarded over $300,000 in scholarships to deserving Lisle High School graduates. This lasting impact reflects a shared belief in the value of education, community, and opportunity.
 
We are deeply grateful to everyone who makes these scholarships possible—and we invite you to join us in continuing this mission. Please consider supporting the Carlin Nalley Foundation, so we can sustain and grow these life-changing opportunities for the next generation of Lisle graduates.
 
Thank you,
The Carlin Nalley Foundation board of directors

​The Carlin Nalley Foundation is proud to announce that Lisle High School senior Isabelle Warner has been awarded the 2025 Future Business Leader Scholarship, a $4,500 award presented during the Senior Recognition Night on May 7, 2025.
 
This prestigious scholarship recognizes Isabelle’s achievements, leadership potential, and passion for pursuing a future in business. We are confident she will continue to represent the Lisle community with distinction in her next chapter.
 
We asked Isabelle for her thoughtful responses to the following questions:
CNF: Following graduation, what are your educational plans—where do you intend to enroll, and what will be your major field of study?
IW: I plan on attending Marquette University and majoring in business and marketing.
CNF: Which teachers or staff members at Lisle High School had the most significant impact on you, and what made them so influential?
IW: Many high school teachers influenced me, but Mrs. Korienek and Mr. Woyna really influenced me. They taught me how to overcome challenges and to always believe in myself. They always supported me, helped me with every chance they got, and gave me information on skills I needed beyond high school and in my future job.
CNF:    What personal and professional goals do you aim to achieve after you reach your next academic milestone?
IW: After graduating college I hope to have mastered my field of study and to be able to join the Baird and Warner real estate program.
CNF: What is your best memory of your time at Lisle High School?
IW: My best memory at Lisle High School is getting to know everyone and becoming friends with the most amazing people, I have made so many friends and connections at Lisle and honestly, it's going to be hard to leave, I think of that school as a family.
CNF: Finally, please express to the alumni what winning the award means to you and how it will assist you in accomplishing your goals.  Alumni have contributed over $300,000 to the CNF scholarship program in the last 20 years.  We want to relay your gratitude for their support.
IW: Thank you and the committee for selecting me for the Future Business Leadership Award, this has honestly been one of my biggest achievements and I am so thankful for the opportunities this will provide me.
Thank you so much!
 
The Future Business Leader Scholarship is one of ten scholarships the Foundation awarded this year, made possible through the generosity of our donors and partners, many of whom are proud Lisle High School alumni. Their commitment to giving back helps ensure that outstanding students like Sydney have the support they need to pursue higher education and their professional dreams.
 
Over the past twenty years, the Carlin Nalley Foundation has awarded over $300,000 in scholarships to deserving Lisle High School graduates. This lasting impact reflects a shared belief in the value of education, community, and opportunity.
 
We are deeply grateful to everyone who makes these scholarships possible—and we invite you to join us in continuing this mission. Please consider supporting the Carlin Nalley Foundation, so we can sustain and grow these life-changing opportunities for the next generation of Lisle graduates.
 
Thank you,
The Carlin Nalley Foundation board of directors

​The Carlin Nalley Foundation is proud to announce that Lisle High School senior Sydney Buchelt has been awarded the 2025 Grutzmacher Family Alumni Legacy Award: Outstanding Achievement and Service by a Descendant of a Lisle Graduate Scholarship, a $4,500 award presented during the Senior Recognition Night on May 7, 2025.
 
This prestigious scholarship recognizes Sydney’s achievements and leadership potential. We are confident she will continue to represent the Lisle community with distinction in her next chapter.
 
We asked Sydney for her thoughtful responses to the following questions:
CNF: Following graduation, what are your educational plans—where do you intend to enroll, and what will be your major field of study?
SB: I am excited to be attending Illinois State University in the fall to study Elementary Education and possibly pursuing a special education or childhood education minor. I hope to student teach at the Lisle Elementary School with my past teachers and high school track coach so I can learn from the very people who inspired me to become an educator. Following college, I would love to teach abroad in a developing country where I could not only share my instruction but also learn about the local culture from my students. I also hope to finally complete a 1000-piece puzzle on my own.
CNF: Which teachers or staff members at Lisle High School had the most significant impact on you, and what made them so influential?
SB: One of the teachers who has had a significant impact on me was my english teacher, Mr. Woyna. He was always willing to work with me in and out of class to correct mistakes, something I didn’t know I appreciated so deeply until he did it without question. Once senior year hit, he was helping me with my college and scholarship essays every single day in study hall even though I didn’t even have him as a teacher. I can’t thank him enough for the time and effort he has given me that has not only helped me receive financial aid but become a better writer as well. As a future educator, I hope to take his passion and creativity into my own teaching and inspire my students in the same way he’s inspired me.
CNF: What is your best memory of your time at Lisle High School?
SB: One of my favorite memories at my time at Lisle High School was going to the Track State Competition. When I joined the team my sophomore year, I didn’t expect to find a family. Each personal and team accomplishment within each season, such as placing 1st out of 20 in the 800 at one of the meets, receiving All-Conference for the 4x800 and 4x400, and being back-to-back Conference Champs, seemed to be the building blocks to finally qualifying for State my last year. I couldn’t be more thankful to share this final high school experience with my best friend. Since she’s a year younger than me, this was one of the last high school events we’ll experience together, and that made it even more meaningful. 
CNF: Finally, please express to the alumni what winning the award means to you and how it will assist you in accomplishing your goals.  Alumni have contributed over $300,000 to the CNF scholarship program in the last 20 years.  We want to relay your gratitude for their support.
SB: I want to again express my gratitude to the Carlin Nalley Foundation for selecting me as this year’s recipient for the Grutzmacher Family Alumni Legacy Award. I cannot be more thankful for your time, effort, and consideration. I am honored to receive this prestigious award which will help alleviate part of my college expenses and allow me to focus on my education and becoming the best teacher I can be.
 
The Grutzmacher Family Legacy Scholarship is one of ten scholarships the Foundation awarded this year, made possible through the generosity of our donors and partners, many of whom are proud Lisle High School alumni. Their commitment to giving back helps ensure that outstanding students like Sydney have the support they need to pursue higher education and their professional dreams.
 
Over the past twenty years, the Carlin Nalley Foundation has awarded over $300,000 in scholarships to deserving Lisle High School graduates. This lasting impact reflects a shared belief in the value of education, community, and opportunity.
 
We are deeply grateful to everyone who makes these scholarships possible—and we invite you to join us in continuing this mission. Please consider supporting the Carlin Nalley Foundation, so we can sustain and grow these life-changing opportunities for the next generation of Lisle graduates.
 
Thank you,
The Carlin Nalley Foundation board of directors

​The Carlin Nalley Foundation is proud to announce that Lisle High School senior Nicole Paszko has been awarded the 2025 Steve Green Musical Achievement Scholarship, a $4,500 award presented during the Senior Recognition Night on May 7, 2025.
 
This prestigious scholarship recognizes Nicole’s achievements, leadership potential, and passion for pursuing a future in art. We are confident she will continue to represent the Lisle community with distinction in her next chapter.
 
We asked Nicole for her thoughtful responses to the following questions:
CNF: Following graduation, what are your educational plans—where do you intend to enroll, and what will be your major field of study?
NP: I am planning on going to Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL where I will be majoring in Business Management and minoring in Jazz Studies.
CNF: Which teachers or staff members at Lisle High School had the most significant impact on you, and what made them so influential?
NP: Mr. Gumina is one person that immediately comes to my mind. He is caring, funny, helpful, and very dedicated to what he does and his hard work shows off. He would always push me to be my best and I appreciate it a lot. Me and Mr. Gumina became best friends over my 4 years here. I also appreciate Mrs. Derby and Mr. Eric Woyna for being a helping hand and for being people I can talk to about anything. They always have my back and taught me some valuable lessons.
CNF:    What personal and professional goals do you aim to achieve after you reach your next academic milestone?
NP: I want to graduate with a Masters in my major and minor and I would love to have done an internship or have a job ready by the time I graduate college. I want to work in either a company or on my own.
CNF: What is your best memory of your time at Lisle High School?
NP: My favorite memories are always the fall semester because the environment and weather is perfect. I would love the football games and play in the stands while hanging out with my best friends. I am going to miss the football games.
CNF: Finally, please express to the alumni what winning the award means to you and how it will assist you in accomplishing your goals.  Alumni have contributed over $300,000 to the CNF scholarship program in the last 20 years.  We want to relay your gratitude for their support.
NP: Winning this award means so much to me since the music department has become my second home and I couldn't be the person I am without it. I plan on still playing and being a part of music as I get older. This award just tells me my hard work paid off and a reward for that means a lot to me. This money can help me pay my fees and can get me a new instrument that I have been wanting which will help me with one of my goals of still playing in college. Thank you so much and this truly means a lot to me.
 
The Steve Green Musical Achievement Scholarship is one of ten scholarships the Foundation awarded this year, made possible through the generosity of our donors and partners, many of whom are proud Lisle High School alumni. Their commitment to giving back helps ensure that outstanding students like Sydney have the support they need to pursue higher education and their professional dreams.
 
Over the past twenty years, the Carlin Nalley Foundation has awarded over $300,000 in scholarships to deserving Lisle High School graduates. This lasting impact reflects a shared belief in the value of education, community, and opportunity.
 
We are deeply grateful to everyone who makes these scholarships possible—and we invite you to join us in continuing this mission. Please consider supporting the Carlin Nalley Foundation, so we can sustain and grow these life-changing opportunities for the next generation of Lisle graduates.
 
Thank you,
The Carlin Nalley Foundation board of directors

​The Carlin Nalley Foundation is proud to announce that Lisle High School senior Dakota Geraskey has been awarded the 2025 Ron Logeman Educational Leadership Scholarship, a $4,500 award presented during the Senior Recognition Night on May 7, 2025.
 
This prestigious scholarship recognizes Dakota’s achievements, leadership potential, and passion for pursuing a future in art. We are confident she will continue to represent the Lisle community with distinction in her next chapter.
 
We asked Dakota for her thoughtful responses to the following questions:
CNF: Following graduation, what are your educational plans—where do you intend to enroll, and what will be your major field of study?
DG: In the fall, I will be attending Illinois State University and beginning my journey as I plan to major in Early Childhood Education.
CNF: Which teachers or staff members at Lisle High School had the most significant impact on you, and what made them so influential?
DG:  I couldn’t have gotten this far without the help of one of my teachers, Mrs. Ogan. She has supported me in so many ways, from helping me with my schoolwork over the past four years to guiding me through the college planning process and helping me get on the right track. 
CNF:    What personal and professional goals do you aim to achieve after you reach your next academic milestone?
DG: One of my goals is to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education so I can become a kindergarten or preschool teacher in the near future.
CNF: What is your best memory of your time at Lisle High School?
DG: I’ve made many special memories during my time at Lisle High School that I will cherish forever, but the one I will hold onto the most is my experience on the Lisle volleyball team. Being part of the team for the past four years has given me so many unforgettable moments and friendships.
 
CNF: Finally, please express to the alumni what winning the award means to you and how it will assist you in accomplishing your goals.  Alumni have contributed over $300,000 to the CNF scholarship program in the last 20 years.  We want to relay your gratitude for their support.
DG: I am very grateful to receive this scholarship. It will help me move forward in so many ways as I pursue my future career as a teacher.
 
Thank you again for this incredible opportunity.
 
The Ron Logeman Educational Leadership Scholarship is one of ten scholarships the Foundation awarded this year, made possible through the generosity of our donors and partners, many of whom are proud Lisle High School alumni. Their commitment to giving back helps ensure that outstanding students like Sydney have the support they need to pursue higher education and their professional dreams.
 
Over the past twenty years, the Carlin Nalley Foundation has awarded over $300,000 in scholarships to deserving Lisle High School graduates. This lasting impact reflects a shared belief in the value of education, community, and opportunity.
 
We are deeply grateful to everyone who makes these scholarships possible—and we invite you to join us in continuing this mission. Please consider supporting the Carlin Nalley Foundation, so we can sustain and grow these life-changing opportunities for the next generation of Lisle graduates.
 
Thank you,
The Carlin Nalley Foundation board of directors

​The Carlin Nalley Foundation is proud to announce that Lisle High School senior Fiona Pellicano has been awarded the 2025 Beverly Fiore Award, Outstanding Thespian Scholarship, a $4,500 award presented during the Senior Recognition Night on May 7, 2025.
 
This prestigious scholarship recognizes Fiona’s achievements, leadership potential, and passion for pursuing a future in art. We are confident she will continue to represent the Lisle community with distinction in her next chapter.
 
We asked Fiona for her thoughtful responses to the following questions:
CNF: Following graduation, what are your educational plans—where do you intend to enroll, and what will be your major field of study?
FP: Following graduation, I will attend the University of California, Irvine where I will major in Drama. I will work towards obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Drama or a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre.
CNF: Which teachers or staff members at Lisle High School had the most significant impact on you, and what made them so influential?
FP: The most influential teachers at Lisle High School were Mr. Stellmacher, Mr. Lascala, and Mr. Pat Woyna. Mr. Stellmacher was my choir director and music director of theater productions. He never withheld opportunities based on age, allowing me to gain lead role experiences as an underclassman. He always pushed me to be my best while still remaining supportive, and he has been a huge part of my vocal and theatrical growth. I had Mr. Lascala for Honors Biology and AP Biology. While science was never a huge passion of mine, he taught tricky concepts in an engaging way and made me enjoy hard classes. More than that, he is one of the kindest and most understanding people I have ever met. He was observant of my emotions and always helped me keep a more positive perspective. Finally, I had Mr. Woyna for two English classes. He was always open to questions and further explanation, and I think I grew more as a student in APLC than any other class. He is also a big supporter of the arts and always came to see my shows. All of these teachers were incredibly influential during my time at Lisle, and I will cherish their support and advice as I move on to college.
CNF:    What personal and professional goals do you aim to achieve after you reach your next academic milestone?
FP: After achieving a Bachelors degree from UC Irvine, I hope to work as an actor, stage manager, or crew member in live theater either in LA, New York, or Chicago. While acting is currently my biggest passion, I am very open to behind-the-scenes positions. Any role that helps put on a theatrical production interests me, and I can't wait to branch out and try out roles other than acting on stage.
CNF: What is your best memory of your time at Lisle High School?
FP: My best memory during my time at Lisle High School was playing Sister Mary Robert in Sister Act my Freshman year. The cast was very supportive, making me feel welcome in my first musical production. Rehearsals were so fun, and everyone truly did their part to make the show great. Sister Act also brought me closer to Evie Rizzo, who is now my best friend.
CNF: Finally, please express to the alumni what winning the award means to you and how it will assist you in accomplishing your goals.  Alumni have contributed over $300,000 to the CNF scholarship program in the last 20 years.  We want to relay your gratitude for their support.
FP: Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Carlin Nalley Foundation. UC Irvine is a significant financial undertaking for my family, and this scholarship will greatly lessen the weight of tuition costs. Further, being a part of Lisle's thespian troupe was undoubtedly the best part of my high school experience, and that wouldn't have been possible without Ms. Fiore's contributions to the program. Her passion for the arts and achievements at Lisle are deeply inspiring, and it is an absolute honor to be recognized under her name. I hope to continue to honor Ms. Fiore's legacy through this next chapter of my life. I am following my dreams all the way to California, and I sincerely thank the Carlin Nalley Foundation for making my dreams possible.
 
Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Fiona Pellicano
 
The Beverly Fiore Award, Outstanding Thespian Scholarship is one of ten scholarships the Foundation awarded this year, made possible through the generosity of our donors and partners, many of whom are proud Lisle High School alumni. Their commitment to giving back helps ensure that outstanding students like Sydney have the support they need to pursue higher education and their professional dreams.
 
Over the past twenty years, the Carlin Nalley Foundation has awarded over $300,000 in scholarships to deserving Lisle High School graduates. This lasting impact reflects a shared belief in the value of education, community, and opportunity.
 
We are deeply grateful to everyone who makes these scholarships possible—and we invite you to join us in continuing this mission. Please consider supporting the Carlin Nalley Foundation, so we can sustain and grow these life-changing opportunities for the next generation of Lisle graduates.
 
Thank you,
The Carlin Nalley Foundation board of directors

​The Carlin Nalley Foundation is proud to announce that Lisle High School senior Sophia Williamson has been awarded the 2025 Ralph King Career & Technology Education Scholarship, a $4,500 award presented during the Senior Recognition Night on May 7, 2025.
 
This prestigious scholarship recognizes Sophia’s achievements, leadership potential, and passion for pursuing a future in technology. We are confident she will continue to represent the Lisle community with distinction in her next chapter.
 
We asked Sophia for her thoughtful responses to the following questions:
CNF: Following graduation, what are your educational plans—where do you intend to enroll, and what will be your major field of study?
SW: In the fall I plan to major in Criminal Justice at Illinois State University with a minor in Cybersecurity. 
CNF: Which teachers or staff members at Lisle High School had the most significant impact on you, and what made them so influential?
SW: I’m incredibly grateful for Mrs Gansberg’s assistance throughout my High School experience. Her positivity and empathetic attitude, especially during difficult times has been crucial in keeping me on track over the past 4 years, even outside of a classroom setting.
CNF:    What personal and professional goals do you aim to achieve after you reach your next academic milestone?
SW:My goal in the next few years is to gain experience within the Criminal Justice field by searching for an internship for one of the following summers. I plan to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
CNF: What is your best memory of your time at Lisle High School?
SW: I’ve had many wonderful memories at Lisle High School, but one of the most memorable parts was the last day. There was a mixed feeling of excitement and sadness from my classmates. It’s a truly bittersweet feeling to watch who we have grown up with to move on to the next chapter of their lives. Our class was fortunate enough to walk through the Elementary and Junior classes to relieve good memories from our childhood together. I believe it’s a perfect way to remember the past but to accept the future.
CNF: Finally, please express to the alumni what winning the award means to you and how it will assist you in accomplishing your goals.  Alumni have contributed over $300,000 to the CNF scholarship program in the last 20 years.  We want to relay your gratitude for their support.
SW: I am beyond thankful to be selected as a recipient of the Carlin Nalley scholarship. This generous contribution will help me dedicate more to my studies at Illinois State University, and this scholarship not only helps financially but also boosts my motivation to accomplish my academic and personal goals for the next few years.
 
The Ralph King Career & Technology Education Scholarship is one of ten scholarships the Foundation awarded this year, made possible through the generosity of our donors and partners, many of whom are proud Lisle High School alumni. Their commitment to giving back helps ensure that outstanding students like Sydney have the support they need to pursue higher education and their professional dreams.
 
Over the past twenty years, the Carlin Nalley Foundation has awarded over $300,000 in scholarships to deserving Lisle High School graduates. This lasting impact reflects a shared belief in the value of education, community, and opportunity.
 
We are deeply grateful to everyone who makes these scholarships possible—and we invite you to join us in continuing this mission. Please consider supporting the Carlin Nalley Foundation, so we can sustain and grow these life-changing opportunities for the next generation of Lisle graduates.
 
Thank you,
The Carlin Nalley Foundation board of directors

The Carlin Nalley Foundation is proud to announce that Lisle High School senior Richard Arechar has been awarded the 2025 2025 Dr. John Mulcare Outstanding Science Student Scholarship, a $4,500 award presented during the Senior Recognition Night on May 7, 2025.

This prestigious scholarship recognizes Richard’s achievements, leadership potential, and passion for pursuing a future in science. We are confident he will continue to represent the Lisle community with distinction in his next chapter.
 
We asked Richard for his thoughtful responses to the following questions:
CNF: Following graduation, what are your educational plans—where do you intend to enroll, and what will be your major field of study?
RA: I intend to enroll at the University of Illinois-Chicago and major in Computer Science with a concentration in Software Engineering and a minor in Chemistry.
CNF: Which teachers or staff members at Lisle High School had the most significant impact on you, and what made them so influential?
RA: Three teachers had the most significant impact on me: Mr. Bamboat, Mrs. Novak, and Mrs. Honzel.
 
First, Mr. Bamboat taught me many skills like programming, which will carry into my professional plans; however, he also taught me two major lessons. First, engineering is a discipline that requires a healthy mindset revolving around working towards improving everyone's livelihoods. Secondly, problem-solving requires the courage to question any possible change to achieve a desirable outcome. These lessons have reshaped the perspective that I will take into my career, and from this, I am even more excited about what comes next.
 
Next, Mrs. Novak took my class's French lessons, making them more relatable. She made French a unique experience where we could merge our creativity with our enjoyment of French into a creative outlet where we learned how to express ourselves and be confident going to a francophone region. In addition, she made a unique bond in my French class, being a friend to all, which allowed us, in turn, to form great friendships and many great memories. Mrs. Novak has ultimately boosted my curiosity to learn about other cultures and the power of having good relationships with those around me.
 
Finally, Mrs. Honzel, whose fiery passion for chemistry (especially in AP Chem) lit my passion for chemistry. On any day, I'd walk into class and be ready to explore and question unique topics in chemistry, ones that I'd probably never wrap my mind around without her guidance. Her passion and humor created a fun, exciting experience, lighting a path of scientific curiosity I'd never experienced before. Mrs. Honzel has, in large part, shown me that certain attitudes and passions are necessary to be a catalyst for change in my field.
CNF: What personal and professional goals do you aim to achieve after you reach your next academic milestone?
RA: I am interested in building a career as a software engineer. I plan to start working at an established software company and contribute to larger open-source projects to gain experience as a teammate and a leader. Ultimately, I plan to have my software development practice developing software I am passionate about.
CNF: What is your best memory of your time at Lisle High School?
RA: My best memory of my time at Lisle High School has to be the Science Olympiad state competition at UIUC this past spring. This competition was the culmination of much practice, study, and collaboration. The team went in confidently; despite mishaps, we stayed positive and had fun, and overall had the most ideal results for the competition. It's an experience that excites me, as I work with many kinds of people to study and develop our skills for a purpose that is much larger than oneself. 
CNF: Finally, please express to the alumni what winning the award means to you and how it will assist you in accomplishing your goals.  Alumni have contributed over $300,000 to the CNF scholarship program in the last 20 years.  We want to relay your gratitude for their support.
RA: Thank you, alumni. I am extremely grateful to have this opportunity to jumpstart my academic journey and, even more, my career. Additionally, the award helps take off a lot of stress regarding school. Furthermore, I am grateful for the support and confidence of the alums, for it's the confidence that helps me know I'm headed on a good path and have people behind me that can support me all the way through. So, thank you.
 
Dr John Mulcare Science Scholarship is one of ten scholarships the Foundation awarded this year, made possible through the generosity of our donors and partners, many of whom are proud Lisle High School alumni. Their commitment to giving back helps ensure that outstanding students like Sydney have the support they need to pursue higher education and their professional dreams.
 
Over the past twenty years, the Carlin Nalley Foundation has awarded over $300,000 in scholarships to deserving Lisle High School graduates. This lasting impact reflects a shared belief in the value of education, community, and opportunity.
 
We are deeply grateful to everyone who makes these scholarships possible—and we invite you to join us in continuing this mission. Please consider supporting the Carlin Nalley Foundation, so we can sustain and grow these life-changing opportunities for the next generation of Lisle graduates.
 
Thank you,
The Carlin Nalley Foundation board of directors