Hoffman chamber announces scholarship winners

The Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce announced the recipients of its ninth annual scholarship program.

The program offers $1,000 to students 17 and older to help assist with tuition costs. There are three categories. The graduating high school scholarship is sponsored by the village of Hoffman Estates. The current college student category is sponsored by Palatine Elementary School District 15. The graduate student category is sponsored by Hoffman Estate's own Laser Quest entertainment center.

The scholarships winners are:

Stephanie Maree Casstevens earned the graduating high school senior scholarship. She's set to attend Carthage College in Wisconsin and major in music education. She organized a Girl Scouts project with volunteers cleaning the home of a disadvantaged woman. She also participated in yearbook and drama club, and was recognized as an Illinois State Scholar. She'll graduate from LaSalle-Peru High School this year.

Jennifer Grabowski won the college current college student award, and attends Carthage College and majors in education. She served as rock-climbing instructor and taught religion classes. Grabowski also captained the Fremd High School water polo team, having graduated in 2006. She's a National Honor Society member, and helped children holiday shop via the Woodfield Area Children's Organization.

Julie Duffield was the graduate student award. She's been a church missionary in Austria, Germany and the former Yugoslavia. She and her husband have two special-needs children and a have a newborn. She's a stay-at-home mom and nurse, teaching her children sign language and other communications skills. Duffield graduated from Cottonwood High School in 1993 and currently attends Grand Canyon University. She scored a perfect 36 on her math ACT.