Evanston Rotary Scholarships Named to Honor Local Leaders

Evanston, IL, February 11, 2021 — The Rotary Club of Evanston has announced that it will name yearly scholarships it provides to Evanston Township High School (ETHS) students in honor of two club members – Dick Peach, a two-time president of the club, and Curt Sharp, an influential member of the club who died in 2004.

Starting this year, an annual Dick Peach Scholarship and Curt Sharp Scholarship will award $2,000 each to graduating seniors. While the scholarships will be open to all students, preference will be given to students who are interested in attending a technical or trade school after graduation. The Dick Peach Scholarship will put an emphasis on students interested in pursuing a career in a skilled trade, technical field, and/or an apprenticeship program, and the Curt Sharp Scholarship will put an emphasis on students who are interested in studying culinary arts and have demonstrated service to the community in promoting food security. Both scholarships will be renewable for one year.

Dick Peach, an alumnus of ETHS, is a longtime civic leader in Evanston noted for his many charitable activities and contributions to the community. Curt Sharp was also known for his contributions to the community and active support of charitable causes through his catering company, Food For Thought. Evanston restaurant Curt’s Café, which employs and mentors at-risk young adults as a part of its business model, was inspired by and named for him.

“Dick Peach and Curt Sharp can be seen as true role models for young people,” said Rotary Club of Evanston President Tracy Tebear. “And we hope that naming these awards in their honor will serve as an ongoing reminder to graduating ETHS students that service above self – to both one’s community and to one’s profession – is always a worthy goal.”

“The ETHS Senior Scholarships Program appreciates the outstanding contributions of the Rotary Club of Evanston. The continuous support has made the difference in the lives of the recipients, as these scholarships recognize their academic achievements and provide opportunities for future educational endeavors,” said ETHS Scholarship Coordinator Llyoandra Cooper. “We are delighted about the dedication of these Rotary Scholarships to honor Dick Peach and Curt Sharp as it truly speaks to the indelible impact these individuals have made in our community. We are eternally grateful and appreciative of the kindness and generosity of the Rotary Club of Evanston.”

The Rotary Club of Evanston has supported academic scholarships at ETHS for many years, one of a wide range of community programs it has maintained through its Charitable Fund. The club, which celebrated its Centennial in Evanston last year, is one of the city’s oldest not-for-profit organizations.

In 2019, the club chose Food Security as the primary focus of its fundraising and service efforts, an initiative that will be sustained for the next several years. During the pandemic, it has been supporting local organizations and food banks with both financial funding and volunteer staffing.

Individuals who would like to make a financial contribution in support of the Dick Peach and Curt Sharp scholarships may do so by visiting https://evanston-rotary-charity.square.site/.

For more information about the ETHS scholarships, contact Llyoandra Cooper at cooperl@eths.k12.il.us.

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About the Rotary Club of Evanston

Founded in 1920, the Rotary Club of Evanston provides service to the community via hands-on volunteer projects and fundraising to help worthy causes. Through its 501c3 Charitable Fund, it also provides scholarships, supports international aid projects and maintains the Friendship Garden in Evanston’s Ladd Arboretum for public use. The club’s weekly luncheon meeting has historically been held Thursdays from 12 to 1:15 p.m. at One Rotary Center, 1560 Sherman Ave., Evanston. During the COVID-19 pandemic, meetings are being held online, via Zoom. Guests are welcome. To learn more about being a guest, becoming a member, or attending a Zoom meeting, please send an email to rcevanston@gmail.com or visit www.evanstonrotary.org.