In last week’s column, I wrote about the second annual “Remembering Lauren 5K Run/Walk” to be held Saturday, June 21, at Willowbrook High School. It will benefit the Lauren Kiefer Foundation, established in honor of Lauren Kiefer, who was killed Christmas Day 2006.

As part of that column, I mentioned that the foundation was handing out its first scholarships and that I would name the winners at a later date. I normally wouldn’t do back-to-back columns on the same subject, but I feel it’s important to honor the recipients, who will be going to prom and graduating this weekend.

The foundation awarded two $5,000 scholarships to Ryan Kolnick and Kristen Allen and $1,000 scholarships to Noel Burns, Kevin Pohl, Kaitlyn Steinke and Alison Wood.

The students were nominated for the scholarships by staff and teachers and had to meet criteria that were traits of Lauren, including: an optimistic outlook, a zest for life and a great personality; leadership and participation in co-curricular activities; pride in being a part of the Willowbrook community; kindness and compassion to others; and at least a 3.0 grade-point average.

Janice Kiefer works at Willowbrook and interviewed those who applied, along with the 5K committee.

“The students were all amazing. That’s why we decided to give the runner-ups a $1,000 scholarship. Our intent was to just give the two $5,000 scholarships, but when we interviewed the students and saw that they all fit Lauren’s criteria, we decided to award all of them.

“I was overwhelmed to see the kids so excited about even being nominated. They would stop in my office and tell me how honored and excited they were. I know we made the right choices,” Kiefer said.

Willowbrook Athletic Director Dave Andrews is helping to organize the 5K and attended the award ceremony.

“All the students who received the scholarships deserved them. They epitomize Lauren and her beliefs. When there is a waiting list of teachers to have them as teachers’ assistants, you know you are dealing with pretty high-level students,” Andrews said.

Ryan Kolnick is thrilled to have received one of the $5,000 scholarships, which he will use as he attends the University of Illinois next year.

“It was incredible to receive this award. To be recognized for having the same character and zest for life that Lauren had is truly an honor. I will continue to do my best and live up to all of the qualities this scholarship represents,” he said.

His mother, Debbie, said, “I am humbled and honored that Ryan was chosen as one of the first recipients of this award. I am overwhelmed that the Kiefer family felt Ryan exhibits her same outlook on life.”

Kristen Allen won the other $5,000 award, which will help her attend Illinois State University next year.

“I think that it’s a wonderful gesture that the Kiefer Foundation did for Willowbrook. This scholarship keeps Lauren’s spirit alive throughout the school. I feel greatly honored, and words cannot express my gratitude for the committee. It makes me feel like a good person to know that my teachers nominated me for this award. It’s a great honor for me and my parents,” she said.

Her father, Robert, echoes the sentiment that the scholarships are a wonderful tribute to Lauren Kiefer.

“Kristen has worked hard to get where she’s at and has given a lot of her time to help with many activities at Willowbrook. Being awarded this scholarship represents all of the joys Kristen had in high school.

“For everything the Kiefer’s have been through, hopefully our daughter has given some light to them in a special way to remind them of Lauren. It’s a bittersweet honor, and we are forever grateful,” he said.

Alison Wood won one of the $1,000 scholarships that she will use at Illinois State University.

“It was an honor to be nominated. The foundation is giving back to the community, and that is amazing. Winning really inspires me to continue the generosity by paying it forward and becoming a teacher,” Wood said.

Her mother, Teri, said, “When I heard that Alison was a finalist, the only word that come to mind was ‘honored.’ It wasn’t about the money; it was about an incredible family that had been through so much heartache and yet turned it around to provide so much happiness to others.”