Scholarships
One Application: Two Scholarships
Through the generosity of two very special women, the Rockford Park District Foundation has the privilege of awarding two scholarships each year to girls that have been impacted by the game of golf. By applying, you are automatically eligible for both scholarships.
JANE LYONS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Jane Lyons Memorial Scholarship for young women was established at the Rockford Park District Foundation to assist girls who are pursuing an undergraduate degree and who have demonstrated that they enjoy playing golf. This scholarship is made possible by the generosity of Jane Lyons, a longtime Rockford resident who loved the game of golf and was an avid supporter of girl’s golf programs.
The recipient does not have to participate on a college golf team to be eligible for this scholarship.
One $2,500 scholarship will be provided annually, and will be renewable for up to an additional three years for a cumulative total of $10,000, provided the recipient meets the required criteria for renewal.
About Jane Lyons
Jane Lyons was more than a golf enthusiast, although golf played an integral role in her life, and kept her young. Jane played in the Women's City Golf Championship for more than 60 years. She also played in the first Girls Junior Classic, winning the C Flight in 1941. The Women's City and Girls Junior were the only sporting competitions open to women at that time.
Jane had fond memories of participating in golf championships, and said, "The thing I liked about it is you met people from different courses and different clubs. You met people from all over town, and they were all good sports."
Jane graduated from West High School in 1945, earned a B.A. from the University of Arizona, and received her M.A.T. degree from Rockford College. She was dedicated to serving children throughout her career, and committed to women participating in athletics. She was president of the Women's Athletic Association at the University of Arizona, and received the Outstanding Senior Woman Award.
This scholarship is Jane's gift to young women who enjoy the game of golf as much as she did!
Helen Spencer Junior Girls Scholarship Award
The Helen Spencer Junior Girls Scholarship Award assists girls who are pursuing an undergraduate degree and who have demonstrated that they enjoy playing golf. This scholarship is made possible by the generosity of the Illinois Women’s Golf Association and Helen Spencer. She loved the game of golf, and was an avid supporter of girls golf programs. Criteria for the award includes character, leadership and sportsmanship.
The recipient does not have to participate on a college golf team to be eligible for this scholarship.
This $2,500 award is a one-time scholarship provided annually. The scholarship will be distributed to the award winner’s college or university to assist with educational expenses.
About Helen Spencer
The Illinois Women’s Golf Association established the Helen Spencer Junior Girls Award in 2019 to annually honor an outstanding young woman who is pursuing an undergraduate degree with a financial contribution to her education. The IWGA transferred the scholarship to the Rockford Park District Foundation in 2024.
A real-life “Rosie the Riveter,” Helen worked at Caterpillar Tractor in Peoria during World War II, and later worked for nine years at Family Circle Magazine. For over 35 years, Helen worked as a bookkeeper for Sinnissippi Farms until her retirement in 2001.
Helen worked hard in many different endeavors, yet still found time to participate and compete in sports. Helen was an avid golfer and member of the Oregon Country Club, taking up golf in her 30s. She played in the IWGA State Amateur and Senior State Amateur Championships from 1958 to 1994!
Helen Spencer’s love of competition and the camaraderie of the sport of golf led her to establish the IWGA Helen Spencer Junior Girls Award in 2019. The first scholarship was awarded in the Spring of 2020.
HOw to Apply
Applicant Eligibility
Female students who enjoy playing the game of golf
Resident of Winnebago/Boone County or a participant in a Rockford Park District golf program
Enrolled or plan to enroll in a full-time 2- or 4-year degree program
Application Requirements
1. Provide a letter that includes the following:
Name, address, e-mail, and phone number
Cumulative GPA, class rank (if available), and achievements – high school and college
Detailed description of your involvement in golf in your community, and what role golf has played in your life
Description of your involvement in extracurricular activities during high school and college – include any leadership roles in which you served
Description of community involvement during high school and college – include any leadership roles in which you served
2. Provide a minimum of two letters of recommendation — one from a principal, teacher, or coach.
Send completed application letter with letters of recommendation to:
VIA MAIL
Rockford Park District Foundation
Scholarships
401 S. Main St.
Rockford, IL 61101
VIA E-MAIL (Preferred)
jenniferbowman@rockfordparkdistrict.org
Questions may be directed to Jennifer Bowman at 815-987-1630, or the above e-mail address.
DEADLINE: MAY 1
All applications will be reviewed by a selection committee, and all applicants will be notified of their status.