An Orion High School senior is one of just 14 recipients statewide of this year’s Illinois High School Activities Foundation (IHSAF) Scholarship.
Kennedy DeBaillie (duh-BAILEY) was awarded the $1,000 scholarship. To be eligible, students must be seniors at IHSA schools who plan to major in Education in college, get involved in the coaching profession, or currently be licensed and working as an IHSA official.
DeBaillie checks all three of those boxes. She received an IHSA Provisional License and has been officiating junior high volleyball for the past three years. She also plans to get a degree in education and coach volleyball upon graduation.
The 14 scholarship winners told their stories via a video submission, reflecting on how high school participation has impacted their lives, as well as why they have been inspired to teach, coach, or officiate.
DeBaillie will attend St. Ambrose University in the fall and continue her volleyball career.