2019 Scholarship Recipients Vargas, Patino Graduate, Begin Next Chapter

In 2019, the Morton 201 Foundation awarded its first four $1,000 Pay It Forward Scholarships, two at Morton East and two at Morton West.

This year, both East recipients: Stephanie Vargas and Daisy Patino, graduated and will begin the next chapters of their lives.

Stephanie is an Illinois State University Graduate with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and a double minor in Sociology and Spanish. She will be attending law school in the Fall.

“The scholarship definitely helped a lot, especially because coming to a university as a first gen, I did not take into consideration the immense cost of books and other expenses that come outside of just tuition. I will always be thankful for what this scholarship gave me and I’m hopeful that someday I will be able to give back and donate to this Foundation. I’m very appreciative for what they did for me and what they’ve done for other students like me. They helped me follow my dreams!”

Daisy graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champagne’s College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Studies with a degree in Human Development and a Minor in Crop Studies. She will be starting a new job in Iowa with Pepsico as a Supply Chain Manager later this month.

“With the help of this scholarship and the support of a lot of people; including teachers, friends, siblings, mentors and especially my parents, I was able to continue my education, study abroad, become independent and gain so much knowledge that no one will ever take away from me. I appreciate them having the confidence in me that I would do great things in life. I will continue to push myself forward and one day be back as a scholarship donor that will continue this beautiful legacy.

(Right: Senior Awards Night 2019, Stephanie and Daisy receiving their Pay It Forward Scholarships from Foundation Vice President Scott Goodman and President Jessica Jaramillo-Flores alongside Principal Jose Gamboa)

Congratulations ladies!! You have been great role models and ambassadors for our Pay It Forward Scholarship Fund. Best of luck in all your future endeavors!

In 2021, the Pay It Forward Scholarship amount was increased from $1,000 to $2,000.

Since 2019, the Morton 201 Foundation has awarded 43 Pay It Forward Scholarships totaling $72,000.

Click here, to make a donation to our Pay It Forward Scholarship Fund.