IMSA Creates Student Service Award Honoring McEachern

For Immediate Release, April 2003
For comment, contact Brenda Buschbacher at (630) 907-5033

AURORA - The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) announces the creation of the John H. McEachern, Jr. Exemplary Service Learning Award to be presented to a deserving IMSA student in May 2003. The award, which includes a $2000 scholarship, is named in honor of founding IMSA Board of Trustees member John (“Jack”) McEachern.

McEachern, an Oswego resident, has been a member of IMSA’s Board of Trustees since its creation in 1985 and served as its chairman from 1997 to 2001. He currently serves as chair and board member of Rush-Copley Medical Center and is the retired President and CEO of Wayne Circuits Incorporated.

“The award was created to honor Mr. McEachern and those students who, like Mr. McEachern, go above and beyond the call of duty and do all the little things that make great things happen,” said Robert Hernandez, IMSA director of student leadership development. “He has always asked us ‘what’s in it for the students.’ We want to recognize him through these students whom he truly cares about.”

The award will be given to an IMSA student who, like Mr. McEachern, has demonstrated exemplary service to others. Requirements for the award include the completion of 175 or more hours of community service, demonstration of leadership roles within the IMSA community, letters of recommendation, and written essays.

Located in Aurora, Illinois, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is an internationally-recognized pioneering educational institution created by the State to develop talent and stimulate excellence in teaching and learning in mathematics, science and technology. IMSA's advanced residential college preparatory program enrolls 650 academically talented Illinois students in grades 10-12. More than 16,000 teachers and 23,000 students in Illinois and beyond have benefited from IMSA's professional development and enrichment programs. IMSA serves the people of Illinois through innovative instructional programs, public and private partnerships, policy leadership and action research.