This scholarship will be awarded to a senior who has demonstrated excellent service to the community and academic excellence and plans to major in education. Paul Gamboa was the president of the Indian Prairie Education Association. A proud product of District 204, Paul attended Wheatland Elementary School, Hill Middle School, and Waubonsie Valley High School. He graduated in 2000 from Illinois State University, earning degrees in both Elementary Education and Psychology. He earned his Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Benedictine University in 2010. He taught 3rd and 5th grade at White Eagle Elementary from 2000 to 2014. In addition to being IPEA President, Paul served as IPEA Vice President - Elementary South, IPEA Secretary, and IPEA Senator. Paul passed away unexpectedly in the Fall of 2019. Selection criteria used in awarding scholarships will be based on a combination of student achievements, community service, involvement in the school and community, with particular attention paid to the student’s servant leadership. The monetary award will be given to a student who has been accepted to any accredited college or university with the intent to major in education. This will be a one-time award and is not renewable. The scholarship will be paid directly to the individual winner and must be utilized for educational expenses during the following school year. A monetary award of $1,500 will be given to each scholarship recipient. A committee of IPEA members will review all completed applications received by the deadline and will select the recipient(s). Scholarships will be awarded and announced in the Spring.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Monday, March 16th, 2026 by 4:30 p.m.