Associated Orthodontists is proud to announce the winners of its 2025 Scholarship Program. The annual program is open to all current and former patients that are graduating high school seniors with a GPA of at least 3.0 and have received full orthodontic care. A total of five scholarships are awarded, and each winner will receive a $1,000 to be applied directly to their tuition at a college, university, vocational training or technical school. Applications were reviewed by a panel at Associated Orthodontists, and were chosen based on submitted essays, academic achievements, and participation in school and community activities.
CONNOR AHEARN
Connor attends Morris Community High School and will be continuing his education at Carroll University this fall. He is a member of the Student Council, currently serving as Executive Board Secretary and the Ski Club. Connor also stays active as a member of the school’s soccer, football and tennis teams. Academically, Connor has been named an Illinois State Scholar, a recipient of the Grundy Area Vocational Center Director’s Award, plus has been recognized at the Academic Honors Recognition Program. Outside of school, he stays busy working as a Certified Nursing Assistant at local healthcare facilities — and also volunteers at We Care of Grundy County and Morris High School as a student assistant.
ABIGAIL BENOIT
Abigail is a senior at Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School and looks forward to attending the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to study business. She has been named to the High Honor Roll, an Illinois State Scholar, plus is an inductee to the National Honor Society. Abigail stays active at her school, serving as class president and school spirit leader, plus is a member of Best Buddies, Unified Special Olympics, the prom committee and volleyball team. She donates her free time in the community as a confirmation retreat letter, and volunteers at CCD, the Night to Shine event, 12U club volleyball and helps with concessions at her school’s sporting events. You will also find her working at her family’s greenhouse business.
LAYLA KELLY
Layla is a student at Victor J. Andrew High School and will be attending New York University this fall. She has been named to the Honor Roll, National Honor Society and is an AP Scholar with High Distinction. Additionally, she has received the French High Achievement and Cook County Sheriff’s Awards. Her extracurricular activities include involvement in the Drama Club as President, Project Save, Senior Leaders, Theater Lighting Crew, ACES and French Club. She has spent over 279 hours volunteering with Together We Cope, All God’s People, Feed My Starving Children, plus several more community organizations.
MADELINE MORAN
A senior at Joliet Catholic Academy, Madeline will be attending the College of Nursing at Creighton University this fall. She is a member of the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and JCA Honors Program. Madeline has also been named a JCA Top 25 Student and has been awarded the JCA Heritage Award and Joliet Region Education Hawk Scholarship. She has stayed active as a member of the school’s basketball and volleyball teams, plus Student Council, KEY Club, Medical Sciences Club and Student Ambassador Club. She serves her community by volunteering at Ascension Saint Joseph Hospital, Daybreak Center Joliet, Feed My Starving Children and Cal’s Angels for pediatric cancer.
SKYE VARGAS
Skye attends Lockport Township High School and will be majoring in actuarial science at the University of Iowa. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and has been named an Illinois State Scholar and to the High Honor Roll. Skye has also received several awards for her citizenship at school, including the Lockport Character Education Winner and Porter Pride Breakfast winner. In addition to classroom dedication, she has been involved with the Ski and Snowboard Club, LTHS Climate Crew, Student Government, Best Buddies, Beta Club and Interact Club. Skye also stayed active as a member of the school’s softball team and the Illinois Select Travel Softball Team. Outside of school, she volunteered at Feed My Starving Children, ShareFest of Will County, Kelvin Grove Girls Softball Team and Camp, Northern Illinois Food Bank and held an internship at the Lockport City Hall.
About Associated Orthodontists Since 1969, Associated Orthodontists has been providing patients with care that is focused on wellness, satisfaction and perfection. With cutting-edge treatments and extraordinary outcomes, its team of highly trained orthodontists are committed to creating a customized, stress-free and rewarding experience for patients and families. The partners at Associated Orthodontists include the most experienced and renowned orthodontists in the area, committed to improving smiles and making a positive impact in the communities they serve. For more information on Associated Orthodontists, or to schedule a Complimentary Consultation, please visit greatbraces.com.