Congratulations to Dirksen and Washington Junior High School Students who received a Joliet Grade Schools Foundation for Educational Scholarship during their eighth-grade commencement ceremonies. Dirksen students Alexa Hernandez and Cesar Reyes each received a Charles Kransberger Student Scholarship and Washington student A'shia Hobbs received the Dave Evans Memorial Scholarship.

The Dirksen eighth grade students both received a $200 scholarship in memory of Charles Kransberger who worked at Joliet Public Schools District 86 for over 30 years. Mr. Kransberger served as an administrator at Dirksen Junior High School.

The Dave Evans Memorial Scholarship Award is awarded to one Washington Junior High eighth grade student each year. Mr. Evans served as a Joliet Public Schools District 86 Board of School Inspector for over 30 years and was a graduate of Washington Junior High School.  The $185 scholarship will be used to offset registration, books, and activity fees at Joliet Township High School District 204.

Since 2004, the Joliet Grade Schools Foundation has awarded more than $558,000 in classroom grants and $66,500 scholarships to benefit Joliet Public Schools District 86 students.