Plotkin Scholarship Fund

“Without East Prairie, I would never have gained the confidence I have today."

"My own story isn’t over yet, but I can decidedly say that it’s been a happy one—and East Prairie School is one reason why.  I learned to love reading from poking through the school library, through the bookshelves of each classroom that I sat in. I learned how to be funny by telling jokes on the morning announcements. I understood what kind of human being I wanted to be because my teachers were willing to take me aside and show me how something I’d said or did hurt somebody."

"I’m not finished being the person that East Prairie has made me. I’m about to spend four years finding out just what kind of world I live in, what life I might have."

"The only thing I’ll really know about this story is who my main character is. East Prairie showed him to me. And for that, I will always be grateful."

“The first day of kindergarten I was petrified and I would not let go of my mother’s leg, but then my teacher came out to talk to me, and even though I was only five, I immediately felt safe with her.  She was the one who introduced me to the magic the teachers at East Prairie had because they could foster learning whilst still being there emotionally for all of their students.”

“The people in my life now are in such awe that East Prairie is so small and interconnected, and it makes me so aware of how lucky I am to have had the chance to attend the school. In the end, East Prairie is the guiding force that has shaped who I am and who I strive to become.”

“Even though I didn’t come to EPS until 5th grade, it felt like I had been there all my life. It was the school I was at the longest, and it was a place I could call my home away from home. I can say wholeheartedly that my time at East Prairie has shaped who I am as a person, and has taught me valuable skills and lessons that I will hold onto for the rest of my life. If I could sum up the values I learned from EPS in 3 words, they would be Encouragement, Persistence, and Safety."

"All the things I thought were impossible, eventually became a reality thanks to the mindset EPS taught me."

“I am deeply grateful, and would like to express my joy, for being awarded the 2022 Plotkin Scholarship.  I am honored to be designated this award, especially knowing the other strong candidates for this award.  

In my post-secondary education, I look forward to further involvement and growth, in both my academic and leadership capabilities.  This award reinvigorates this goal.  I seek to continue to live up to Mr. Plotkin’s example as best I can, and I thank the Foundation for this investment in my future journey."

"I am sincerely honored to have been selected as the recipient of the annual Sidney Lawrence Plotkin Scholarship. Your generous contribution will allow me to pursue my college education at DePaul University, making my goals and dreams into reality.

By awarding me this scholarship you have lightened my financial burden and now I will be able to give my undivided attention to my learning and my involvement at DePaul.

Thank you again for your willingness to help achieve my goals and for your investment in my future."

"East Prairie had a great impact on me and allowed me to grow as a friend, an athlete, and a student.  For a team to succeed, they must work together and trust each other, despite having different personalities and coming from different backgrounds.  The greatest teachers are those who are truly passionate about what they are teaching and about their students.  I learned that pushing myself will allow me to be the most successful I can be."

"East Prairie gave me countless opportunities and helped me create close relationships that I will carry with me for the rest of my life."

"I remember the motivation I found here - I remember I have to keep doing what I was doing at East Prairie and that it demanded effort and commitment."  

"East Prairie community continues to have a positive impact on my life every single day.  I would not be where I am today as a survivor, a scholar, and a (hopeful!) future educator without the influence of East Prairie.  The bond between Panthers proves to be unbreakable..."

"I learned to treat my peers how I want to be treated and never tolerate injustice towards others.  Attending East Prairie instilled in me a humanitarian and loving heart for those around me."

In 8th grade, Jayde viewed her possible future occupation as "...a teacher, judge, vet, senator, or a politician..." After 3 years at Niles North High School and one year attending school in China, Jayde indicated "I fell in love with Chemistry.  It was then I realized I would like to become an FBI agent and work on national and international crime solving."

"Thank you for a wonderful childhood!"

"If children were exposed to diversity they would not be afraid of the unknown.  This would lessen ignorance, racism and bullying.  East Prairie is different than most feeder schools, they let me live out my childhood, without the stresses of peer pressure to do drugs or other risky behaviors."

“I will always be a Panther at heart and I will constantly ‘lift up the lamp of learning’ and ‘light up future skies’ for myself, my growth as a man, and for those that I meet and teach.”