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 and its many festivities presented throughout the year, welcoming everyone to participate. Whenever the time came to create the signature scarf for the year, Nonnie, center, lent a hand during work sessions at Quigley’s Irish Pub. Every year commemorative scarfs are sold during the WSI St. Patrick’s Parade to raise funds for scholarships and chosen charities that receive grants from WSI. (PN File Photo)
West Suburban Irish Report
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, aka 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. Members of the WSI hope to honor Nonnie’s legacy of supporting others and dedication to service with this annual scholarship award.
For 2025, the Nora Moran Marovich Award will consist of three 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 / Apply by Feb. 16, 2025
– 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 February 16, 2025. Winners will be announced on, March 1, 2025. Winners are welcome to attend the St. Patrick’s Day parade and participate on the West Suburban Irish Float.
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.
2024 Recipients of Nora Moran Marovich Award
Two Nonnie Awards, each $2,500, were presented to high school seniors in 2024. Recipients were Anna Aler of Plainfield North High School and Ryan Gustis of Downers Grove High School.
For more information about West Suburban Irish and its many year-round activities, events and programs, including WSI Quiz Night at Quigley’s, visit www.wsirish.org.
