Pappas Scholarships

Following in the footsteps of “Mr. Spirit Sparker”

The Pappas Scholarship was created in 1999 in memory of George B. Pappas. George, as an English teacher and department chairperson at Downers Grove North High School from 1952-1984, was very involved with many of the students there. He was well known as a person who brought enthusiasm and energy to the classroom.

George Pappas would have liked to have been remembered as a very vital part of North High School. To many who knew him, he was known as “Mr. Spirit Sparker”, a person who generated much enthusiasm within the student body at rallies. Clearly his focus was the students and their education.

After George passed away in 1999, the District 99 Education Foundation was asked to administer funds in his memory. Scholarships and foundation gifts were established for those students of North High School who plan to pursue a career in English, Speech, Journalism or related fields and exemplify the qualities of George Pappas.

Since 2000, these scholarships have been awarded in the amounts ranging from $750 - $1,500 per student. In addition, funds have been set aside for additional projects that support the performing arts at North Campus. To date, over $14,500 has been awarded for scholarships and $25,000 will be donated for additional projects in 2007. 

Applications and guidelines for the Pappas Scholarship are available through the North High guidance office or by clicking in THIS LINK.

Past Recipients

2000 – Joe Heneghan & Drew Durepos
2001 – Nick Super
2002 – Mariusz Galczynski & Megan Rohmann
2003 – Emily Kalal & Jessica Rhoades
2004 – Sylvi Re
2005 – Emily Duffin
2006 – Maria Hlohowskyj & Meghan Riley
2007 – Claire Shoup