Delbert E. Dufrain arrived at East Aurora in 1961 as the new head football coach and biology teacher.

Coach Dufrain was admired by students, athletes, and his many colleagues. As much as for what he taught them, he inspired them just by who he was. During his 18 years as head coach, his teams had great success. His 1976 squad made the state playoffs and today is still the only East team to have ever won a playoff game. Coach Dufrain was inducted into the Illinois High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 1984, and the East Aurora Sports Hall of Fame in 1992. As a well-regarded biology teacher, he was the Kane County Secondary Educator of the Year in 1978.

“Coach Dufrain showed us how to succeed in any walk of life. He was so much more than a biology teacher and football coach,” said Tom Madden of his former teacher, coach, and colleague.

The AEEF is proud to honor Del Dufrain with this recognition. Coach Dufrain was a wonderful coach and great educator. These donations are sponsored by Diana Dufrain and hundreds of other Tomcats whose livers were impacted by Coach Dufrain.

The Frances and Thomas Strong Careers in Education Scholarships were established to honor these lifetime East Side residents and community servants. Frances Heimsath Strong was a career educator who was born and raised on the East Side of Aurora. Mrs. Strong served as a substitute teacher for many years in all Dist. 131 schools, much of the time at Simmons Middle School. Thomas G. Strong, also born and raised on the East Side and was a 1932 graduate of East High School. Mr. Strong excelled in music during his school years. He served in World War II from 1941-45 and rose to the rank of Captain in the US Army. Mr. Strong returned to Aurora, finished college, and came back to East High School to teach print shop for several years.

The AEEF is honored to provide two Careers in Education Scholarship in the names of Frances Heimsath Strong and Thomas Strong, the Stong’s were tireless educators and devoted all of their careers in East Aurora School District 131. This annual donation is sponsored by their son, Tom Strong. Tom Strong, a former AEEF Board Member, went on to enjoy a wonderful career at East Aurora High School.

The Careers in Education Scholarship aligns with KCT’s mission of Building Stronger Communities Together. The Aurora East Educational Foundation and KCT both believe that education, whether academic or financial, has the power to transform lives.

Chartered in 1937, Kane County Teachers (KCT) Credit Union was formed through the efforts of Miss Martha Black, a teacher in the then Elgin Public School District, and Mr. E. Earl McCoy, then Kane County Superintendent of Schools. Since that day, KCT has been dedicated to living the credit union philosophy of people helping people.

The AEEF is thrilled to offer A Careers in Education Scholarship to a graduating senior from East Aurora High School recognizing the contributions to Kane County Teachers Credit Union. This scholarship is sponsored by the KCT Credit Union, with special thanks going to the KCT’s former president, Mike Lee. Mr. Lee was instrumental in establishing the KCT/Tomcat Affinity Card program with the AEEF and the KCT/D131 Purchasing Card Program with District 131. These programs provide scholarships with the AEEF and resources benefiting District 131.

To learn more about KCT Credit Union visit: kctcu.org

Merry Carey is a 1968 graduate of East High School and considers herself a “proud Tomcat.” In 1972, she graduated from Illinois State University in Music Education, later earning a master’s degree in educational administration from Northern Illinois University. Merry taught for 34 years in Dist. 129 and directed many youth and adult choirs in the area. She has served on numerous community boards including the AEEF Board.

Ms. Carey has dedicated this donation to Genevieve Kennedy, the long-time choir director at Simmons Middle School. Ms. Carey believes that “her [Kennedy’s] inspiring teaching and her belief in her sent me on a career path that has given me opportunities I never dreamed I could have way back in 1962.”

The AEEF is proud to offer a Careers in Education Scholarship recognizing Ms. Genevieve Kennedy with this scholarship. This donation is sponsored by Merry Carey and all those Tomcats Ms. Kennedy inspired over the years.

This Careers in Education Scholarship has been established through the generosity of Dr. Wayne Weiten in memory of Robert Davis. Mr. Davis was a math teacher at East High School in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.

Dr. Weiten, a 1968 East Aurora graduate, recently shared his memories of Mr. Davis, “Mr. Davis was a very supportive, but demanding instructor,” said Dr. Weiten. “He was the first person to get me to apply myself to math. I made the surprising discovery that I liked math and that I had a knack for it. That paved the way for the many statistics courses I would undertake in my undergraduate and graduate studies.” Dr. Weiten utilized his East Aurora academic preparations through his many advancements in higher education. He graduated from Bradley University and received his PhD in social psychology from the University of Illinois, Chicago, in 1981.

The AEEF is proud to offer a Careers in Education Scholarship in the memory of Mr. Robert Davis, and we are very proud to claim Dr. Weiten as one of our very successful Tomcats. We are grateful for his loyalty and generosity.

Terry was a teacher for 43 years and served as a Physical Education teacher at East High from 1970-86. He also coached swimming and girls’ volleyball during that time. Terry graduated from Bloomington, Illinois High School, and participated in football, wrestling, and track. He was a four-year letterman in swimming at Illinois State University, where he received his BS degree in 1966 and MS degree in 1971.

He was an unforgettable teacher and coach, with a booming voice, a huge, deep laugh, and an intense personality. He always had a story and a joke for everyone he met. He was also a proud union member and organizer in Illinois and in California.

Terry experienced freedom and adventure while sailing, flying, motorcycling, scuba diving, and doing photography. He believed in fully living life every day.

The AEEF is proud to offer a Careers in Education Scholarship recognizing Terry Shoup. Mr. Shoup was a once-in-a-generation educator. He taught many of us how to swim always with a grin and smile. This annual contribution is sponsored by Dr. Susan M. Cooper, former teacher at East Aurora High School, and many Tomcats who have wonderful memories of his love of learning and life.

Patricia “Patti” Readey (at the time) took on her first teaching position in the Science Department at KD Waldo Junior High in 1964, intent on opening young minds and inviting students into a lifelong rapture with the sciences.

Ms. Readey Kenton received her Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Science in Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. Following her graduation, she had imagined a career in scientific research. Fortunately, as fate would have it, she turned her energies to the idea of teaching and the lofty business of inspiring young minds.

As a result of her inspiration two of her former students, Dr. Bill Park and Ken Sajeske, are very pleased to establish this donation to the Careers in Education Endowment in Patricia Readey Kenton’s name and honor. These scholarships are designed to aid motivated students interested in pursuing the sciences with enthusiasm, innovation of thought, creativity, motivation toward learning and increasingly important in this world – showing integrity.

In 2026, the AEEF is proud to offer two Careers in Education Scholarships in honor of Ms. Patricia Readey Kenton. Dr. Park, Ken Sajeske and many, many others who work tirelessly to support this contribution. Ms. Ready Kenton has made such a wonderful impression on so many students over the years.

Hailing from Clarion, Iowa and a graduate of Cornell College in Iowa, Coach Dick Paul came to District 131 in 1958. After teaching at Brady Elementary, Simmons Junior High and Waldo Junior High, he landed at East High in 1966 and invested his time, energy, and passion into leading students in the classroom and on the athletic fields. He coached basketball, cross country, and most notably was the head track coach for 24 years before retiring in 1994. For many years he was also the “voice of the Fighting Tomcats” at all home athletic events. As the head of the math department at East he was chosen as the Kane County secondary educator of the year in 1980. Coach Paul was honored with induction into both the Cornell College and East Aurora High School Athletic Halls of Fame.

The AEEF is proud to honor a Careers in Education Scholarship recognizing Richard “Dick” Paul. Dick Paul was an awesome coach and an excellent educator. This contribution is sponsored by Greg & Patti Paul and all of those Tomcats inspired by Coach Paul over the years

The Cruz Family moved to the East Side of Aurora in the 1950’s. They left their home in Puerto Rico and moved to the mainland United States in the hope of a brighter future for their five children.

The Cruz Family Education Careers in Education Scholarship has been established to honor the memory of Ms. Efigenia Cruz and her daughter Ms. Eva Cruz, who were both strong advocates of all Latinos in the Aurora area. Both women volunteered countless hours in their Church and neighborhood communities as they helped immigrant families adjust to and thrive in their new lives.
The Cruz Family wishes this scholarship to honor all immigrant families who sacrifice to secure a better future for their children.

The AEEF is proud to honor the Cruz Family with a Careers in Education Scholarship. The Cruz Family is immensely proud of their children having graduateeed from East Aurora High School and wanted to extend the opportunity to go to college to more graduating seniors. This donation is sponsored by Rich and Margie Fazio and others who have contributed to the fund over the years.

Dr. John Struck is a well-known educator and administrator in Dist. 131. Through his generosity, the AEEF has a tremendous impact on the AEEF scholarship program.

A graduate of Wisconsin State University—Oshkosh, a veteran who served in the 25th Infantry Division, US Army, in Vietnam, Struck began serving our district in 1972 as a science teacher at Simmons Middle School. After earning his MS in Educational Leadership, he advanced to become Dean of Students and later Principal at Simmons. From 1984 until his retirement in 2005, Dr. Struck has served numerous positions, including Associate Superintendent for Educational Administration, and as an adjunct professor at Aurora University. After retiring from District 131, he was a Faculty Research Fellow for one year, and then an Associate Professor in the Master’s Program at AU’s College of Education until 2015.

He has also served our community outside of the school district, notably as a Family Focus-Aurora Advisory Board chair and member since 1980.

The AEEF is proud to honor Dr. John Struck with a Careers in Education Scholarship. John impacted so many lives over the years in his various role(s) in District 131. This contribution is sponsored by Dr. Struck and the many Tomcats that Dr. Struck assisted thought their journey through Aurora East School District 131

The Bob and Judy McCue Academic Excellence Scholarship donation was established in 2020. Bob, a 1956 East Aurora graduate, and Judy, a graduate of Madonna High School in that same year, have been active in the East Aurora community throughout their entire lives. They are true Tomcats and can be said to “bleed red and black.”

As a student, Bob excelled in sports, earning numerous varsity letters at both East High and Western Illinois University. Bob has served on the Dist. 131 Board of Education, the Old Timer’s Committee and as a boys’ baseball and girls’ softball coach.

Judy and Bob have six children who attended Hermes Elementary School, Simmons Middle School, and are graduates of East Aurora High School. The AEEF is proud to pay homage to Bob and Judy McCue as well as to their children, Bobby, Randy (deceased), Mary, Michael, Ron and Jeff (deceased). The McCue family all share the value of public service and are always generous with their time and resources. This contribution is sponsored by Bobby, Mary, Michael, and Ron who have contributed to the fund over the years.

Cam graduated from East Aurora High School in 1995, where he played football and wrestled, meeting his lifelong friends along the way. He attended Waubonsee Community College and Western Illinois University, graduating in 1999, and Aurora University, where he earned his Master of Arts in Educational Leadership Degree. Cam was hired by East Aurora School District #131 in August of 2000. Over the last 22 years he was a teacher, dean, coach, and Athletic Director. Over the years he also coached at Waldo and Simmons Middle Schools. Cam truly was a Tomcat; he bled red and black. He loved all his students, players, and co-workers. Cam also umpired for Boys Baseball of Aurora for many years.

The AEEF is proud to honor Charles “Cam” Leadbetter with an Academic Excellence Scholarship. Cam was a well-respected Athletic Director at East Aurora High School. This annual contribution is sponsored by Platt Electric and a host of Tomcats present and future

Lalo and Efgenia migrated from Puerto Rico in 1950 and raised their family on the eastside of Aurora. With hopes of a better life and education supported their children though the Aurora East School District 131. The Cruz’s valued education and supported their children and others on a difficult transition to the Aurora.

The Cruz Family Academic Excellence Scholarship has been established to honor the memory of Lalo and Efgenia Cruz. They ensured that their children would graduate from East Aurora and with the right support go on to college. The Cruz’s would like to extend that opportunity to other families in the East Aurora Community.

The AEEF is proud to honor Lalo and Efgenia Cruz with this Academic Excellence Scholarship, and hope that it will be the nexus for a promising High School senior with living his/her dream. The Lalo and Efgenia Cruz Academic Excellence Scholarship is sponsored by Rich and Margie Fazio and a host of other donors

Dr. John Struck is a well-known educator and administrator in Dist. 131. Through his generosity, he has annually donated a contribution to the AEEF has established an Academic Excellence Scholarship Endowment.

A graduate of Wisconsin State University—Oshkosh, a veteran who served in the 25th Infantry Division, US Army, in Vietnam, Struck began serving our district in 1972 as a science teacher at Simmons Middle School. After earning his MS in Educational Leadership, he advanced to become Dean of Students and later Principal at Simmons. From 1984 until his retirement in 2005, Dr. Struck has served numerous positions, including Associate Superintendent for Educational Administration, and as an adjunct professor at Aurora University. After retiring from District 131, he was a Faculty Research Fellow for one year, and then an Associate Professor in the Master’s Program at AU’s College of Education until 2015.

He has also served our community outside of the school district, notably as a Family Focus-Aurora Advisory Board chair and member since 1980.

The AEEF is proud to honor Dr. John Struck with this Academic Excellence Scholarship. John impacted so many lives over the years in his various role(s) in District 131. This donation is sponsored by Dr. Struck and the many Tomcats that Dr. Struck assisted thought their journey through Aurora East School District 131.

The Carol Thompson Academic Excellence Scholarship contribution is a four year donation where a deserving East High Graduated would receive partial funding over his/her four years of education. Ms. Thompson attended Bardwell Elementary School, East Junior High School, and graduated from the “new” East High in 1960. With the help of several scholarships, Ms. Thompson received a degree from Knox College in Galesburg, IL. Which enabled her to pursue a career in education and public service.

Ms. Thompson believes that the education she received in the East Aurora Schools has shaped her whole life and that the skills she acquired there formed the foundation of her moral and ethical life. As a result, she learned how to seek out more knowledge and risk experiences that have enriched her life.

The AEEF is proud to recognize Ms. Carol Thompson with an Academic Excellence Scholarship. Ms. Thompson’s generous gift of a four-year scholarship is currently the only the AEEF offers. Ms. Thompson explains that without the help she received so many years ago, she might not have gotten her degree, and she hopes that this donation will help a struggling student from East Aurora High School

Realizing the importance of the arts and sciences to our society, Mr. and Mrs. Rich and Margie Fazio believe that education can be a great equalizer. They believe that students of all backgrounds can attain amazing personal and professional goals with internal determination and dedication to learning. Mr. and Mrs. Fazio have established this scholarship in honor of students who have dedicated themselves to learning their craft and who wish to pursue a career in the arts or sciences.

The Fazio’s are tireless supporters of the AEEF and have had a major impact on the AEEF Scholarship program. The graduating seniors of East Aurora High School can be thankful for the contributions of the Fazio and Cruz families, especially Rich and Margie.

It is a great honor to recognize Rich and Margie Fazio with the Fazio Family Excellence Scholarship. They take great pride in knowing that there is a college student out there that they are supporting.

The Michelini family resided on South Lincoln Avenue from 1959 to 2015. All five of the Michelini children attended Aurora East School District 131 Schools (Bardwell, Krug, Waldo, and East Aurora High School). The Michelini’s have five children: Thomas ’72, Marie Lynn ’73, Mark ’77, Lisa ’80, Tina ’90.

The Michelini’s began their contribution to the AEEF Academic Excellence Scholarship Endowment fund in 2022 as a celebration of the wonderful education the Michelini children received in Aurora East School District 131. One of the proudest accomplishments of Dick and Marilyn Michelini was that they were fortunate enough to send five children to college. The entire family is incredibly pleased to add another student to the list of family and friends that our parents have helped along that journey.

The AEEF is honored to assist the Michelini family by providing this Academic Excellence Scholarship, both our of parents would be happy to see that their vision of helping others continues with the next generation of high school graduates. The donation is sponsored by Debbie and Mark Michelini.

Terry was a teacher for 43 years and served as a Physical Education teacher at East High from 1970-86. He also coached swimming and girls’ volleyball during that time. Terry graduated from Bloomington, Illinois High School, and participated in football, wrestling, and track. He was a four-year letterman in swimming at Illinois State University, where he received his BS degree in 1966 and MS degree in 1971.

He was an unforgettable teacher and coach, with a booming voice, a huge, deep laugh, and an intense personality. He always had a story and a joke for everyone he met. He was also a proud union member and organizer in Illinois and in California.

Terry experienced freedom and adventure while sailing, flying, motorcycling, scuba diving, and doing photography. He believed in fully living life every day.

The AEEF is proud to honor Terry Shoup by providing an Academic Excellence Scholarship in his name. Mr. Shoup was a once-in-a- generation educator. He taught many of us how to swim always with a grin and smile. The Academic Excellence Scholarship in Mr. Shoup’s name is sponsored by Dr. Susan M. Cooper, former teacher at East Aurora High School, and many Tomcats who have wonderful memories of his love of learning and life.

When the Fazio and Cruz families merged with the wedding of Rich Fazio and Margie Cruz the beliefs of both families became one. Those beliefs, hard work, the value of education, being proud of your heritage and an entrepreneurial spirit provided an environment where the next generation would succeed.

Both Margie and Rich lived that vision and now they would like to assist other East Aurora families in shaping the future of their children. The Fazio’s would have contributed to the AEEF Academic Excellence Endowment which will provide a scholarship to a graduating student who shares those beliefs and who has demonstrated this through academic excellence.

The AEEF is proud to recognize Rich and Margie Fazio with this scholarship, and hope that there are East Aurora graduates that share Rich and Margie experience. The Rich and Margie Fazio Academic Excellence contribution is sponsored by Rich and Margie Fazio and a host of other donors.

Richard “Dick” Schindel is a 1966 graduate of East High School and a graduate of the University of Illinois. He spent his entire professional career, from 1970 until 2005, as an educator. He began teaching in Dist. 131 in 1973, and at East High School in 1979. He became head of the Business Education department in 1986, served as varsity head coach in football and softball, and as a lower-level baseball coach.
Mr. Schindel has always been involved in community activities and organizations that give back to those in need. As the small business owner of Dick’s Mini Donuts, LLC, which he began in 1996, he has been able to help individual schools and organizations raise funds for needed projects. Mr. Schindel believes that this scholarship is another means to help fund projects that will benefit the greater good.

The AEEF is honored to assist Dick Schindel family and Dick’s Mini Donuts by providing this scholarship donation, Dick’s contributions have inspired, helped, guided, and supported a host of East Aurora High School graduates. This scholarship donation is sponsored by Dick and Susan Schindel and the many other Tomcats coach Schindel has coach or had in class over the years at East Aurora High School

The Chris and Diamanto Mesiacos Vocational Scholarship donation has been established through the generosity of their son, Aurora Alderman Ted Mesiacos wto honor the memory of his parents, their plentiful successes, and their belief that life is a calling beyond oneself.

Seeking the American Dream, Chris Mesiacos left Greece and for the United States in 1956. He married Diamanto, in 1960 and raised a loving family of three children in Aurora. Chris was a machinist for 32 years and Diamanto was a seamstress in Aurora for two decades. They spent countless hours volunteering in support of their local church and community, setting an example for their children on the importance of paying it forward and assisting immigrant families to find work and housing.

Born and raised on the East Side, and an East Aurora Graduate, Ted Mesiacos realized the importance the trades played in his growth and success as a husband, father, architect, and public servant.

The AEEF is honored to assist the Mesiacos’ by providing this scholarship. This scholarship donation is sponsored by Ted and his wife, Kate, who are very active in the Aurora Community.

Mr. and Mrs. Rich and Margie Fazio have established the Mario and Shirley Fazio Excellence Scholarship donation in tribute to Rich’s parents.

Mario and Shirley Fazio were married when Mario returned from service in the US Navy after World War II. He worked as a milkman for over 30 years, then began a successful career in real estate. “Dad was a self-made man that never looked past a challenge,” recalls Rich. “He also volunteered with Boy Scouts, church committees, and the local Lions Club”. After they won the Harvest Moon Ballroom Dance competition of 1956, Shirley and Mario founded a dance school. Shirley volunteered as a Sunday school teacher, den mother, and for many school programs. She later sought public office and became a member of the city planning board, was a township trustee and president of a women’s political organization.

Rich Fazio remembers his parents “were always generous of their time and money. They believed that given the OPPORTUNITY, hard-working people can do great things.” The Fazios are hopeful that the scholarship recipient will use his or her spirit of entrepreneurship to make a positive impact within the community.

Three generations and one hundred years later, the Theisen family and Malcor have become two of the most respected names in the roofing industry in Chicago’s western suburbs. Providing quality, professional roofing and repair services, Malcor Roofing of Illinois, Inc. specializes in the application of single-ply, built-up and modified roofing systems for industrial and commercial buildings.

Today, and with over 35 years of industry experience, third generation owner Scott Theisen continues the family born commitment of developing quality relationships with local communities and customers. This history of dedication to customer service and quality have earned Malcor the respect that consistently creates repeat business and life-long customers.

The AEEF is proud to honor Malcor Roofing of Illinois, Inc., and Scott Theisen with this scholarship. Malcor Roofing and the Theisen family have been long supporters of Aurora East School District 131. This scholarship donation is sponsored by Scott Theisen and family.

The Juvenile Protection Association of Aurora brings compassionate, innovative mental health resources directly to children in need and the adults who support them.

Since 1901, when our founder Jane Addams set out on a mission to provide probation officers for children, JPA has been improving the social and emotional well-being of Aurora’s vulnerable kids, along with their families, teachers, and communities.

For over 120 years, the JPA has shown up every day to protect children’s ability to be heard, to heal, to learn and to thrive in difficult circumstances. By working not only with children, but also their most important adult influences, we are helping ensure that the process children make in the therapy room can be sustained at home and in the classroom.

The JPA is happy to partner with the Aurora East Educational Foundation to provide scholarships for those students wishing to pursue additional education that will prepare them for a career in the trades

In 1965, Daniel D. Dolan and James O. Murphy combined their talents as Commercial Industrial Real Estate brokers and formed Dolan & Murphy, Inc. creating the first real estate firm in the Fox River Valley exclusively specializing in commercial, industrial, and investment properties.

In the subsequent years, Dolan & Murphy, Inc. played a significant role in the annexation and zoning of vast acres in Aurora, encompassing Kane County. During the 1960s, they actively supported the designation of extensive tollways and major highway land for commercial and industrial purposes. This strategic approach has been instrumental in fostering much of Aurora’s current economic development, leading to the generation of substantial tax revenue for the City of Aurora.

The AEEF is proud to assist Dolan and Murphy in providing a Careers in Technical Education Scholarship donation for a deserving Aurora East High School student. This donation is sponsored by Brian Dolan and Daniel T. Dolan, as well as the entire Dolan and Murphy organization.

Dr. John Struck is a well-known educator and administrator in Dist. 131. Through his generosity, the AEEF has established the Dr. John Struck Scholarship donation.

A graduate of Wisconsin State University—Oshkosh, a veteran who served in the 25th Infantry Division, US Army, in Vietnam, Struck began serving our district in 1972 as a science teacher at Simmons Middle School. After earning his MS in Educational Leadership, he advanced to become Dean of Students and later Principal at Simmons. From 1984 until his retirement in 2005, Dr. Struck has served numerous positions, including Associate Superintendent for Educational Administration, and as an adjunct professor at Aurora University. After retiring from District 131, he was a Faculty Research Fellow for one year, and then an Associate Professor in the Master’s Program at AU’s College of Education until 2015.

He has also served our community outside of the school district, notably as a Family Focus-Aurora Advisory Board chair and member since 1980.

The AEEF is proud to honor Dr. John Struck with this scholarship. John impacted so many lives over the years in his various role(s) in District 131. This scholarship is sponsored by Dr. Struck and the many Tomcats that Dr. Struck assisted thought their journey through Aurora East School District 131

The family of William McCormack, who passed away in 2018, has established the William R. McCormack Aurora East Educational Foundation Vocational Scholarship. Mr. McCormack was born in Kansas, joined the US Air Force at the age of 18, and was trained as an air traffic controller. He was transferred to the Aurora control center in 1965, and with his wife, Dorothy, built a house on the East Side. He was an active controller for 30 years, and an instructor for an additional 20 years. Mr. McCormack’s three children attended East Aurora schools, and were involved in several sports, activities, and music

He became an active supporter at all of his children’s events, and thus his love for East Aurora ran deep. Mr. and Mrs. McCormack supported other athletic teams and the arts because of their devotion to East Aurora. After his children graduated, he continued to support the Tomcats by attending athletic events and musical productions. He also became an athletic official, and occasionally worked at East High girls’ matches and games. Mr. McCormack was proud to have been a Tomcat fan for over 60 years. He would have been honored to support East Aurora students in pursuing their futures.

The AEEF is honored to assist Marc Roberts and Ken Donart in funding an Annual Careers in Technical Education Scholarship.

Marc and Ken are long-time residents of East Aurora, and have watched the community, as well as Aurora East School District 131, grow. Marc, as a Second Ward Alderman, knew that the community and school district struggled through the 1980’s and 1990’s, was always available to lend a helping hand on the near eastside. Ken, on the other hand, was raised in Aurora and became a full-time educator in Oswego School District 308. Throughout his career in education, Ken knew the struggles for schools, and especially those on the Eastside of Aurora. Reflecting on their lives in Aurora, they wanted to share their success and experience with the next generation of East Aurora graduates by providing a Careers in Technical Education Scholarship.

The AEEF is proud to recognize Ken Donart and Marc Roberts for their support of the Careers in Technical Education endowment. This annual donation is sponsored by Marc Roberts and Ken Donart plus other community members of Aurora East School District 131.