The Illinois High School Activities Foundation (IHSAF) has announced that it has begun accepting public donations from individuals interested in supporting the IHSAF Scholarship Program. The IHSAF Scholarship Program debuted in 2023 and annually awards $1,000 scholarships to 14 seniors from IHSA high schools who are licensed IHSA officials or plan to pursue the vocation of teaching or coaching in the future. Individuals interested in learning more about donating to the IHSAF Scholarship Program Fund can click here.
The second class of IHSAF Scholarship Program winners, who will be revealed on May 3, 2024, will have their scholarships aided in part by the families and friends of Ron McGraw and Mike Nisen, as well as anonymous donors who believe in the cause.
“The family and friends of two special individuals, Ron McGraw and Mike Nisen, were seeking ways to honor their respective legacies of giving back to high school students in Illinois,” said Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Assistant Executive Director Tracie Henry, who serves on the IHSAF Board. “We hear so many touching stories about teachers and coaches who have made everlasting impacts on students, or from the families and friends of officials who speak about their passion for officiating. We recognize that the IHSAF Scholarship Program is a good avenue to honor an individual’s legacy, while helping support the next generation following their path.”
Ron (right) served as an IHSA Assistant Executive Director from 2004 to 2016 after a lengthy career as a high school teacher, coach, and administrator. A tireless educator who dedicated his professional life to helping students in Illinois, Ron passed away on October 13, 2023, at the age of 66 following a courageous battle with cancer.
“After his family and friends, one of the great passions in Ron’s life was supporting young people,” said Dr. Marty Hickman, a current IHSAF Board member who served as the IHSA’s Executive Director from 2002 to 2016. “He truly believed in the mission of the IHSA and that participating in sports and activities positively impacted young people for the rest of their lives. The support from Ron’s wife Rosemary, his daughter Mallory, his son Mike, their extended families, and his many friends, is an incredible tribute to Ron and helps carry on his legacy of service. It is very special to know that he is still positively impacting Illinois students.”
The Nisen family’s support for the scholarship program adds another chapter to the living legacy of Mike Nisen (right). Affectionately known as “Big Bird” due to the bright yellow rain suit he annually dons on his 6-6 frame at the IHSA Boys Golf State Finals, Mike has attended the state tourney every year since 1965 as a coach or worker. Mike was a high school teacher and golf coach for over 30 years, with his career spanning time at Prospect High School (1965-1971) and Rolling Meadows High School (1971-2000). Despite retiring to Arizona, Mike makes the trip to The Den At Fox Creek Golf Course in Bloomington every October to be a part of the state tournament management team, where he announces players they tee off, serves as a scorekeeper, and helps with anything else that needs to be done around the course.
“When it comes to Mike Nisen, first and foremost, his legacy is the countless young people that he positively impacted as a teacher and coach,” said IHSA Associate Executive Director Kurt Gibson, who administers boys golf. “However, his passion for high school golf and being a part of the IHSA Golf State Finals is a close second. Mike exudes an excitement for the sport and state tourney that truly is contagious. He loves interacting with the players and holds the event in such reverence, that he makes it feel bigger and more special for everyone involved. Big Bird is one in a million and we feel lucky to be associated with a man of such high integrity and character.”
Individuals interested in learning more about donating to the IHSAF Scholarship Program Fund can click here.