Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Chicago Tribune - November 27, 2003
Lynn Van Matre, Tribune staff reporter
"We got inquiries last year from across the country about the scholarships, so we know the need is out there," said Canticle Ministries Director Brad Ogilvie.
"All things being equal, we will give preference to a Chicago-area student," Ogilvie said. "But we also are sensitive to the fact that there are a lot of resources here that may not be available to persons living in smaller towns or rural areas."
A non-profit HIV and AIDS support ministry affiliated with the Wheaton Franciscan system, Canticle Ministries launched the scholarship program last year and awarded $3,000 college scholarships to four high school seniors from Chicago and the suburbs this spring. The group hopes to raise enough money to renew all four scholarships and award four more to 2004 graduates.
"We want to build toward eventually awarding between eight and 12 scholarships annually," Ogilvie said. "But all of our funding comes from private donations, so we're depending on the good will of people."
According to Ogilvie, a family in Naperville has offered to finance two $3,000 scholarships annually and St. Isaac Jogues Church in Hinsdale committed to paying for three scholarships over a three-year period. Deacon Scott Brechtel of St. Isaac Jogues said the suggestion to provide financial assistance came from parish teenagers who did volunteer work for Wheaton Franciscan HIV- and AIDS-related projects.
"One of the teens made a presentation about the program to our church's charitable contributions committee, and we decided to fund a scholarship," Brechtel said.
Ogilvie said there are about 400 adolescents with HIV in the Chicago area and thousands more nationwide. Many teenagers also have lost parents to the disease and wind up in foster care.
"They're the forgotten population," Ogilvie said. "We have to inspire these kids and give them some hope that their lives have value, and a scholarship is a great way to do that."
In awarding the scholarships, Canticle Ministries considers applicants' family and financial situations; the impact of HIV or AIDS on their lives; and their commitment to making a success of their lives.
"It's not just about academic achievement," Ogilvie said.
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