The Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association Plus Board of Directors and its Scholarship Committee have announced the recipients of the 2024 OPALGA+ Scholarships.
Each scholar will receive a $5,000 award to support their academic pursuits in the 2024-25 academic year. This initiative underscores OPALGA+’s commitment to fostering educational opportunities and supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
The OPALGA+ Scholarship Fund offers financial aid to LGBTQ+ students and allies from Cook County who have shown commitment to serving and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community or the broader community.
“I think all the students were excited and thankful and we have been doing this scholarship for several years,” said OPALGA+’s Co-Chair John Becvar. “Every additional dollar we give them can help them focus on their studies or extracurricular activities.”
The recipients of the OPALGA+ Scholarship include Archer Bart and Aspyn Lawrence from Lyons Township High School, Emma Costello-Wollwage and Jude Kennedy from Oak Park-River Forest High School, Sean Groh from Lane Tech College Prep, and Sherlyn Herrera from Steinmetz College Prep High School.
Delaney McHugh from Whitney M. Young Magnet High School and Kennedy Smith from Lindblom Math & Science Academy also have been awarded scholarships. Returning scholars include Taylor Montes-Williams, who attends the University of New Mexico, and Emily Gonzalez, who attends Dominican University.
Each scholar possesses their own unique narrative, and this scholarship holds significance within the LGBTQ+ community by not only offering financial assistance but also by affirming and bolstering the identities of its recipients, officials said.
McHugh said they have been on a personal journey of self-discovery within the queer community. While grappling with their own identity, McHugh found inspiration in the writings of author and feminist Angela Davis. This quote from Davis evolved into a guiding principle for McHugh: “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.”
Encouraged by their sister, Lawrence participated in the Day of Silence at age 10, sparking a sense of activism. Lawrence often reflects on how that day ignited their passion for making a difference.
Before entering high school, Groh publicly identified as bisexual. During his freshman year, noticing the absence of LGBTQIA+ representation in school policy decisions, he collaborated with Lane Tech’s Gender Sexual Alliance and school counselors to establish
an LGBTQIA+ Board. This board reviews all proposed policy changes to ensure they are considered and phrased appropriately concerning LGBTQIA+ issues.
Becvar noted that this scholarship provides a strong network of support provided by the organization for the LGBTQ+ community.
“It is scary being an LGBTQ+ kid, and knowing that the community is behind you gives a great sense of pride. Pride Month is coming around the corner, and we want them to know that we are proud of them and support them as a community,” Becvar said.
In the scholarship application process, OPALGA+ requires candidates to complete an application, submit essays, and provide letters of recommendation.
“We are looking for strength of character as leaders in the LGBTQ+ community and identifying those who, during their high school career, have gone above and beyond. They can be allies or LGBTQ+ parents, but they must have done things to help the community at large. Selection is based on the strength of the essay and the recommendations,” Becvar said.
Returning scholars play an important role with mentoring the new scholars for OPALGA+.
“We want them to demonstrate that we support and care for the new generation entering our organization. As our organization becomes younger, originally formed by 35 members, we involve people from various backgrounds, aiming to cultivate them into leaders and encourage their long-term commitment,” Becvar said.
Throughout the year, OPALGA+ organizes approximately 40 social engagement events, including monthly potlucks, family outings at the park, and visits to sponsors. Upcoming activities include attending the Cubs’ Pride Night and volunteering at Oak Park’s Farmers Market, where they will raise funds by making donuts. Additionally, their scholarship program remains their largest fundraising effort, supplemented by smaller events throughout the year.
“We do about 40 social engagement events throughout the year. Every month, there is a potluck, and we have family outings at the park. We visit sponsors once a month. Next month, we will attend the Cubs’ Pride Night. This month, we did an architectural tour with the Chicago Architecture Center,” Becvar said.
OPALGA+ generates funds by reaching out to its members year-round, hosting a fundraising Scholarship Gala each October, and securing corporate sponsorships from local businesses.
Supporters can join OPALGA+ in recognizing the 2024 scholars at the OPALGA+ Scholarship Gala Oct. 19 at the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association in Oak Park. The theme for this year’s gala is “Equality for Everyone.” Tickets will be available starting in August, with proceeds benefiting the 2025-26 scholarship program.
Relying solely on private donations, OPALGA+ does not receive any government funding. Those interested in contributing to next year’s scholarship can visit opalga.org/donate.