IHSA Foundation Scholarships
Policy statement regarding scholarship donations to the Illinois High School Activities Foundation (IHSAF).
The IHSAF will accept donations to its scholar programs provided the following criteria are satisfied:
- The minimum donation must be at least $1,000 annually.
- The pledge/commitment must be for a minimum of 5 years.
- Pledges will be accepted on behalf of a former teacher, coach, official, student, or “friend” of a member school. All donations will be noted at the time scholarships are announced and the notice will include specific recognition of the person the donor wishes to recognize. For example, the notation might read as follows - A donation has been made to the IHSAF which has helped the IHSAF provide the scholarships announced today. The following individuals are being honored for their service to the IHSA, its members, and its students. The IHSAF wishes to thank all those who contributed to the scholarship program.
- Michael Nisen - For more than 50 years, Mike has been involved with the boys golf state series as either a coach or volunteer. He served as the boys varsity golf coach at Prospect High School from 1965-66 to 1970-71 and at Rolling Meadows High School from1971-72 to 1999-2000. During those years, Mike developed not only quality golfers, but numerous quality young men who undoubtedly used the lessons taught by their coach and the game of golf to make their own positive contributions in life. Since 1990, Mike has been volunteering at the Boys Golf State Finals. In those early years, Mike worked the scoreboard, keeping results posted as they came in. Eventually he began announcing tee times in addition to working at the official scorer's table. Always adorned in his trademark yellow rain suit, "Big Bird" as he's affectionately known, has been a familiar face to generations of golfers and golfing families in Illinois.
- Ron McGraw – In memory of Ron. A tireless educator who dedicated his professional life to helping students in Illinois schools. Ron began his teaching career at Sherrard High School before serving Monmouth High School as its athletic director and assistant principal. He then spent 10 years as the principal of Knoxville High School. Ron finished his professional career as a member of the administrative staff at the Illinois High School Association. Ron was highly respected for his service to young people and especially for his ability to work with people all over Illinois to make events memorable for high school students. His uncompromising commitment to excellence will be long remembered by those who knew him.
- All recommended honorees will require the approval of the IHSAF Board to be included in this recognition program.
Contact the IHSA Foundation for more information by emailing Tracie Henry: thenry@ihsa.org or call 309-663-6377