Above / The Nora Moran Marovich Award is presented in honor of “Nonnie,” one of the original devotees who set the spirit for the West Suburban Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade and many festivities the organization presents throughout the year, welcoming everyone to participate. (PN File Photo)
Update, March 28, 2024 / The Nonnies Award is named after beloved West Suburban Irish founding member, Nora “Nonnie” Moran Marovich, who was an instrumental voice in shaping the WSI organization. She was known for being compassionate, caring and always willing to help. The WSI goal with the Nonnies is to honor Nonnie’s legacy of supporting others and dedication to community service.
Congratulations, Anna Aler!
A 2024 Nonnies Award recipient of $2,500, Anna Aler is a senior at Plainfield North High School. She was recognized for volunteering at an animal shelter where she built and upholstered benches. In addition to volunteering, Anna has a passion for STEM. She has been instrumental in promoting women in science and math as the President of the Engineering, Math and Science Club. Anna plans to attend the University of Illinois and study Mechanical Engineering.
A 2024 Nonnies Award recipient of $2,500, Ryan is a junior at Downers Grove High School. He is the founder of The Backpack Project, a charitable organization that donates backpacks to the homeless with supplies to help them stay warm and healthy. This organization has provided backpacks throughout the Midwest, and continues to grow and provide supplies and hope to the homeless population. Ryan has also volunteered at numerous other local charities and plans to study business in college.
Original Post, Jan. 9, 2024 / The Nora Moran Marovich Award, aka “the Nonnies,” provides financial support to high school juniors and seniors as they pursue post-secondary education. West Suburban Irish, WSI, created the award as a way to celebrate and honor high school students who have demonstrated a commitment to community service and have an Irish heritage or connection to the Irish community.
Nora Moran Marovich (1927-2021), fondly known as “Nonnie,” was a founding member of West Suburban Irish, as well as an instrumental voice in shaping this nonprofit organization. She was known for being compassionate, caring and always willing to help. Member of the WSI hope to honor Nonnie’s legacy of supporting others and dedication to service with this award.
For 2024, the Nora Moran Marovich Award will consist of two scholarships of $2,500 to help further the ability of a junior or senior in high school to pursue higher education at a 2- or 4-year institution or a trade school.
Eligibility for Nora Moran Marovich Award
– Currently enrolled as a Junior or Senior in High School in the western suburbs of Chicago
– Irish heritage or connection to the Irish community
– Intention to pursue higher education/training
Applications are due March 1, 2024. Winners be announced on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2024.
FYI: Kindly note that when you begin to fill out the application (click here), you cannot save your work and return to it later. Thank you.
West Suburban Irish Report / PN Photos
More from West Suburban Irish scheduled for 2024…
WSI Parade Chairman Rich Janor speaks at City Council Meeting on Jan. 16… I’m pleased to announce for the first time publicly that the West Suburban Irish have selected Mayor Scott Wehrli as Grand Marshal. And hope he will give consideration to wearing a different shirt to the parade. We look forward to seeing everyone on parade day (March 9).
Irish Sessions is Jan. 17… Beginning at 7:30PM Wed., Jan. 17, the West Suburban Irish will host its monthly casual gathering of musicians playing traditional Irish music on their traditional Irish instruments at Quigley’s Irish Pub, 43 E. Jefferson Ave. Come hear live reels, hornpipes, slip jigs and many favorite traditional Irish tunes.
WSI Quiz Night is Feb. 6 and March 5… Bring friends to build your own team and join West Suburban Irish hosts beginning at 7PM Tues., Feb. 6 and again on March 5, for four rounds of trivia at WSI’s Quiz Night! It’ll all be happening at Quigley’s Irish Pub, located at 43 E. Jefferson Ave. in downtown Naperville.
Annual St. Patrick’s Parade is March 9… West Suburban Irish will present its annual St. Patrick’s Parade beginning at 10AM Sat., March 9, from Naperville North High School and along Mill Street to Jefferson Avenue, and winding through downtown Naperville. Applications are now being accepted. Space is limited. For fees and registration information, click here.
Irish Mass is March 11… The West Suburban Irish also celebrate the good deeds of St. Patrick at the Irish Mass, a beautiful service in the Irish and English languages. Free and open to the public, the Irish Mass will be presented at 6:30PM Mon., March 11, 2024, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1500 Brookdale Road.
ShamRocker… 4PM to 9PM Sun., April 14, at Quigley’s Irish Pub. Rock with family fun. Find complete details at www.wsirish.org.
Looking ahead to Irish Fest… The fourth annual Irish Fest returns to Central Park on the weekend of Fri., Sept. 20, and Sat., Sept. 21.
For more info, visit www.wsirish.org.
Last Updated, Jan. 17, 2024.
