Four area high school graduates have been named the first recipients of the Black & Jones Scholarship Fund, according to a community announcement.
The scholarship aims to support students pursuing careers in skilled trades. It was open to graduating seniors in Boone, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago counties who plan to attend accredited trade or vocational schools.
Meet the scholarship recipients
The inaugural recipients are Kaleb Chambers of Stillman Valley High School, who is interested in automotive; Bryce Kennedy of Belvidere North High School, also interested in automotive; Zachary Spates of Hononegah Community High School, who plans to study welding; and Nicholas Wythe of Stillman Valley High School, who is interested in Airlines/Aviation.
The firm announced the launch of the scholarship fund in June 2025 to address the growing demand for skilled trade professionals and to invest in the future of the Rockford community…