By: Marc Schulman, President of Eli's Cheesecake

For 35 years, Chicago has had the unique distinction of having the premiere public high school in the country dedicated to developing future leaders in food science, animal science, horticulture, agricultural economics, biotechnology and agricultural mechanics. The Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences is located on what was the last working farm in the Mt. Greenwood Neighborhood with a 72 acre campus that includes a land laboratory, a barn, animals and a new riding center.

From its founding, the School has been fortunate to have the support of the business community and institutions of higher education through its Business Advisory Board. As the Food and related industries in Chicago and nationally have grown, the need for a better trained and motivated work force makes the graduates so important as student go onto to Land Grant and other top programs.

The Class of 2020 is one of the best in the history of the School. Regrettably, they missed out on so many of the senior traditions including the Flower & Garden Show, the FFA Banquet, Prom and Graduation.

The School is seeking your support for our virtual awarding of Scholarships to Graduates in the Class of 2020. We are seeking donations of $500, $1000, $2,500, $5,000 or any amount that will be given 100% to scholarships. You have the opportunity to name a Scholarship for your organization or to honor an individual. By May 29th, we would ask you for your scholarship commitment and if the School can select the awardee or if you would like to designate the scholarship for a certain University, program or other criteria.

Checks should be sent to “Friends of the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences” and sent to 3857 W. 111th Street, Chicago Illinois 60655 Attn: William Hook, Principal. For any questions, you can contact William Hook at wehook@cps.k12.il.us 773-535-2696 or Sheila Fowler, Assistant Principal at SRFowler@cps.edu 773-535-2938.