Recipients of the 2026 Monee Chamber of Commerce scholarships are honors students and volunteers looking to make a difference in the community.
Alfredo Solis Jr. and Caleb Greenquist were named recipients during the June meeting of the Chamber.
“A total of seven applicants applied for this scholarship,” Chamber President Dianna Kroll said.
“The scholarship committee received applications with names all blocked out to make an unbiased decision,” she added. “They were scored by a rubrics system.
“Prior scholarship awards were $1,000 each. The Monee Chamber voted to raise it to $2,500 each.”
Students do not receive the funds. They are sent directly to the college or university.
Alfredo Solis, Jr. is a graduate of St. Laurence High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society.
He participated in organized service events and school-wide volunteer activities. He was active in Peer Tutoring and Academic Support, helping other students prepare for tests and improve their understanding of science and math courses.
He was an elementary classroom volunteer, along with special education classroom support, the band and music department, and school service events.
Alfredo will attend Texas Christian University this fall, working toward a degree in business finance.
“I want to be in a position where I can help organizations make smart financial decisions while also creating opportunities for growth and stability,” he wrote in his scholarship application.
“I am motivated not only by personal success, but also by the desire to make a meaningful impact through my work.”
Scholarship recipient Caleb Greenquist is a member of National Honor Society and a member of the Faith Connection Media Team. He is a soccer coach at Peotone Junior High School and for MYSA and OMSA.
He will pursue a criminal justice degree at Illinois State University, with the goal of becoming a police officer.
“Law enforcement has always been a career that interests me because it combines service, leadership, and commitment to keeping communities safe,” he wrote in his scholarship application.
“I am drawn to the idea of helping others, maintaining order and being a positive presence that people can rely on in times of need.
“In the future, as an active police officer, I want to be a role model and contribute to strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the community.
“Ultimately, I see a career in law enforcement as more than just a job. It is a calling to serve others,” he wrote, “and make a lasting difference.”
