HomeNora Moran Marovich Award

The Nora Moran Marovich Award (the 'Nonnies')

The Nora Moran Marovich Award, aka "the Nonnies," provides financial support to high school juniors and seniors as they pursue post-secondary education. WSI created them as a way to celebrate and honor high school students who have demonstrated a commitment to community service and have an Irish heritage or connection to the Irish community.

Nonnie was a founding member and was an instrumental voice in shaping this organization. She was known for being compassionate, caring and always willing to help. We hope to honor Nonnie's legacy of supporting others and dedication to service with this award.

The Nora Moran Marovich Award, aka "the Nonnies," provides financial support to high school juniors and seniors as they pursue post-secondary education. WSI created the award as a way to celebrate and honor high school students who have demonstrated a commitment to community service and have an Irish heritage or connection to the Irish community.

Named after Nora "Nonnie"Moran Marovic,a founding WSI member who was an instrumental voice in shaping our organization. Nonnie was known for being compassionate, caring and always willing to help. Though this award, we hope to continue to honor Nonnie's legacy of supporting others as well as her dedication to service and the community.

This year, theNora Moran Marovich Awardwill consist of Three (3) scholarships of $2,500 to help further the ability of a junior or senior in high school to pursue higher education at a 2- or 4-year institution or a trade school.Applications are due February 16, 2025 with winners be announced on, March 1, 2025. Winners are welcome to attend the St. Patrick's Day parade and participate on the West Suburban Irish Float.

Eligibility:

Currently enrolled as a Junior or Senior in high school in the western suburbs of Chicago
Irish heritage or connection to the Irish community
Intention to pursue higher education/training

When completing the application, please note that you cannot save your work and return to it later, so be prepared to complete the application from start to finish.

The 2025 Nora Moran Marovich Application

2024 Award Recipients

Anna Aler - $2,500
Anna is a senior at Plainfield North High School. She has achieved the highest award in Girl Scouts, the Gold Star. She was recognized for volunteering at an animal shelter where she built and upholstered benches. In addition to volunteering, Anna has a passion for STEM. She has been instrumental in promoting women in science and math as the President of the Engineering, Math and Science Club. Anna plans to attend the University of Illinois and study Mechanical Engineering.

Ryan Gustis - $2,500
Ryan is a junior at Downers Grove North High School. He is the founder of The Backpack Project, a charitable organization that donates backpacks to the homeless with supplies to help them stay warm and healthy. This organization has provided backpacks to homeless people throughout the Midwest and continues to grow and provide supplies and hope to the homeless population. Ryan has also volunteered at numerous other local charities and plans to study business in college.