The Mark Staehely Memorial Scholarship Fund

Growing up, Mark's dream was to be a firefighter. Unlike most small kids, Mark actually joined "The Brotherhood" of firefighters at a relatively young age. When Mark found out he was sick at the age of 12, the Shorewood and Joliet Firefighters rallied around and supported Mark and his family. As a cadet, Mark spent time with both fire departments, working side by side with the firefighters in the station, doing the work he so loved.

When the Make Your Mark Foundation was initially established, one of the first orders of business was to give back to those people who were there for Mark. In July of 2006 the 1st Annual "Mark Staehely Firefighter Softball Tournament" was held. The double elimination tournament was held at Four Seasons Park in Shorewood. The proceeds for the first event were earmarked for a $2,000.00 scholarship, awarded to a cadet/student pursuing a fire science degree at a two or four year institution.

The 2006 recipient of the scholarship was Kevin Fanning.

Disbursement of Grant monies will occur in November 2007; grant proposal criteria is presently being drafted. Check back soon for updated information!