Lansing, Illinois – A scholarship program offering $3,000 to a graduating student-athlete at Thornton Fractional South High School is now accepting applications, with a deadline of .
The Holba Family Scholarship, established in 2015, aims to recognize and support TF South students who excel both academically and athletically, and who demonstrate strong character and leadership qualities within their community. The scholarship fund is financed through donations from the Holba Family and accrued interest, and is administered by the school’s Athletics Office, located at 18500 Burnham Avenue in Lansing.
Eligibility requirements, as outlined by the school, stipulate that applicants must be senior students attending TF South and reside within the boundaries of District 215. Students must be in good academic standing and have participated on a varsity athletic team for at least one season. This underscores the scholarship’s commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals who contribute to both the classroom and the playing field.
The scholarship’s origins are rooted in a desire to give back to the TF South community. The Holba family, with a long-standing connection to the Lansing area – dating back to 1977 for Thomas J. Holba Sr., a 1957 graduate of Mendel Catholic HS – created the fund to honor student-athletes who embody the values of dedication, sportsmanship, and academic achievement. The scholarship is intended to inspire continued success as these students transition to higher education.
Applications are available for download from the Thornton Fractional South High School website: https://tfd215-cdn.fxbrt.com/downloads/southparents/2026_holba_parameters_and_app.pdf. Alternatively, applications can be obtained from the TF South main office. Students are advised to submit all required documentation to their school counselor at least ten days prior to the deadline to ensure timely processing and consideration.
Beyond the Holba Family Scholarship, TF South offers a range of other financial aid opportunities for its students. The school’s Guidance Department serves as a central resource for information on various scholarships, including the AAU High School Sullivan Award & Scholarship Program, the Abby Foundation Academic Scholarships, the AHEPA Foundation scholarships, and opportunities offered by the American Legion Premier – Illinois Boys State program, as well as Americorps NCCC.
The AAU High School Sullivan Award & Scholarship Program is open to high school seniors in any sport who have participated in AAU events. The Abby Foundation Academic Scholarships provide financial assistance to women pursuing higher education, offering $1,000 to students attending four-year colleges/universities and $500 to those attending two-year community colleges, with a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0. The AHEPA Foundation scholarships are available to high school seniors with a minimum “B” average who are of Greek heritage or have a parent who is an active member of the AHEPA family.
The American Legion Premier – Illinois Boys State program offers nine scholarships totaling over $15,000 annually to participants in the Boys State program, based on merit achieved during the program, with additional opportunities through essay and oration contests. Americorps NCCC provides young adults aged 18-24 with $5,645 to help finance their education or pay off student loans in exchange for a ten-month residential service program.
Students seeking further information about these and other scholarship opportunities are encouraged to contact the TF South Guidance Department. Wanda Manning can be reached at 708-802-6205 or via email at manning@sxu.edu for details regarding the Abby Foundation Academic Scholarships. The availability of these diverse scholarship options reflects TF South’s commitment to supporting its students’ pursuit of higher education and their future success.
The Holba Family Scholarship, while a local initiative, exemplifies a broader trend of community-based support for student-athletes. As the cost of higher education continues to rise, such scholarships play an increasingly vital role in enabling talented students to access opportunities they might otherwise be unable to afford. The emphasis on both athletic and academic achievement underscores the importance of a holistic approach to education, recognizing that success extends beyond the classroom and the playing field.
