Jerry Crockrell, Jr. named 2014 Scott Fund Scholarship Awardee

Jerry Crockrell, Jr. is beginning his final year at Western Illinois University majoring in Music Education. His goal is to return as a Chicago Public School Music Teacher to the west side neighborhood where he grew up. Jerry will be the first person in his family to graduate from college when he receives his degree in June 2015.

Scott Fund thanks Howard Sandifer, Executive Director of Chicago West Community Music Center (CWCMC), for recommending Jerry for this scholarship. Jerry had attended the CWCMC after school music program throughout his high school years. For the past 3 summers Jerry has returned to CWCMC as a mentor, teacher of music theory and instructor to young musicians on woodwind instruments. The CWCMC mission is “to harness the creative potential of individuals through education to inspire artistic and cultural expression in such a way that we help foster positive relationships across neighborhood lines.”

Jerry had received scholarships toward college for the past 3 years. This year, Jerry received scholarships from the Music Education Department of Western Illinois University and Illinois Minority Teachers’ Fund. He will participate in a work study program to help cover his expenses. Jerry took the initiative to fundraise in his community and raised $400 toward his school expenses. Still, his senior year expenses were not completely covered. Scott J. Orlowski Memorial Fund is happy to provide a $1,600 scholarship so Jerry may return to school and complete his education.

Congratulations to Jerry and we look forward to catching up with him after graduation.