Chicago Scholars is proud to recognize three of our volunteers for their outstanding service and commitment to our work
Announcing the 2024 Individual Volunteer Award Recipients: Each year, we award outstanding individual volunteers the following recognitions: New Volunteer of the Year, Longstanding Volunteer Service Award, and Mentor Volunteer of the Year. These awardees are chosen by nomination from the entire Chicago Scholars community, including staff, Scholars, and mentors.
Vivek Muthulingam is a new volunteer with Chicago Scholars, and was recognized for the New Volunteer of the Year Award.
“I had the opportunity to assist many students with their interview lab sessions and essay writing, which was incredibly rewarding. I especially loved being part of the “Onsite College and Leadership Forum,” where over 600 students had the chance to interview with 120 colleges, and many received on-the-spot acceptances. What I enjoy the most are its supportive community, the opportunities it provides for personal and academic growth, as well as its invaluable resources and mentorship for the students”
Vivek said that this award taps into his dedication to mentoring, guiding, and advocating for students, as well as validating his commitment to supporting Scholars’ educational journeys.
“It’s remarkable how Chicago Scholars has been assisting thousands of students in navigating the college application process, providing them with firsthand exposure to higher education. The application process can be especially daunting for first-generation college students, making the guidance and support offered by the program invaluable. I am always thankful to Chicago Scholars for this wonderful experience in my life.”
JoAnne Dobrick has been a Chicago Scholars volunteer since 2018. With her consistent commitment to Chicago Scholars, she’s been awarded the Longstanding Volunteer Service Award.
For JoAnne, she feels that volunteering with Chicago Scholars has made her a more compassionate person. She said she was surprised and honored to receive this award!
“I love working any event that Chicago Scholars has planned. I get great pleasure in meeting the students. Some are so remarkable. I know they will be making a difference in what ever path they choose. Without the training and support they get from Chicago Scholars, life might be very different.”
“Sometimes we choose a path, sometimes the path chooses us. If we accept our choices we can change our lives, and maybe someone’s else’s life as well. “
Sujatha Kailas, Chicago Scholars mentor since 2020, has been chosen as the Mentor Volunteer of the Year. She’s been a consistent and incredible volunteer and mentor to her Scholars, and has participated in several volunteer opportunities throughout the years.
“One of the highlights of being a mentor is always Onsite – It is highly satisfying to see the results of year of long and hard work, and to see the beaming faces of the Scholars makes me feel an incredible amount of gratitude for the work that they and Chicago Scholars do. Helping Scholars prepare for their college interviews is also a gratifying experience, as they are each full of charm, determination and enthusiasm”
She said that the best part of being a volunteer with Chicago Scholars, and what keeps her coming back, is hearing from the Scholars themselves.
“The best part is being a part of their life, and to hear them talk about their lives, struggles, and triumphs.”
Through her time as a mentor and volunteer, she’s learned to give young adults the credit they deserve, and that they often just need an open door or helping hand.
“I’ve learned that the younger generation has so much to offer, yet we sometimes mistakenly brush them off. These Scholars are motivated, driven, and care about their community and climate. They all have the ability to contribute positively if they have the right guidance.