Skip to content

Aurora Central Catholic High School Scholarship Fund in Honor of Father Jerome Leake

Established 1995

Father Jerome Leake
Father Jerome Leake

These scholarships are reserved for graduates of Aurora Central Catholic High School who are entering the seminary or pursuing a career in the area of religious life, the field of education or the social services.

The fund was created in 1995 and continues to be funded by an anonymous donor.  The fund was named for Father Jerome Leake, who serves as an exemplary role model for youth.

Father Leake was ordained to the priesthood in 1968. He has served Our Lady of Good Counsel, Sacred Heart, St. Rita of Cascia and St. Joseph churches in Aurora.  He also was pastor of St. Joseph Church in Elgin.

In addition, he was assigned to Rosary High School and also to Aurora Central Catholic High School, where he was assistant principal and coach.

In 1975, Father Leake was appointed chaplain of the Aurora Police Department.  He currently is the pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Aurora.

Father Leake’s interests include driving a race car – aptly named “Padre’s Faith” – and participating in the discipline of Hapkido where he has earned a 2nd Degree Black Belt.

In 1989, he received the Kiwanis Club of Aurora’s “Service to God and Man Award.”

…you can always start small, even $25 can make a difference. Remember we can’t take our money with us. Even if it’s just your gift of time. Volunteer and get involved.

Cris Anderson

Cristina & Thomas S. Anderson Endowment Fund | Tom & Cris Anderson Colonial Advisory Fund

We chose the Community Foundation because of its reputation. It’s well known, established and we can trust them to do the job for us.

Dick Schindel

Richard and Susan Schindel Scholarship Funds

Thank you very much for supporting my college education for these four years. I will never be able to repay you for the opportunity that this scholarship has given to me.

Julia H.

[Renewing Scholarship Recipient] Graduate of Hinkley-Big Rock High School

A community foundation is a donor-driven organization that helps donors custom-design funds that reflect their charitable interests. Through the years, grants from these funds have made a significant impact on our local communities.

Sharon Stredde

President Emeritus

There’s no question in my mind that the scholarship I received opened up possibilities.

Marianne Renner

Past Scholarship Recipient & Current Leadership Coach

As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, I was worried about how I was going to pay for books and supplies. This scholarship will allow me to focus more on my studies instead of worrying about how to afford college. I am working to not only create opportunities for myself but to motivate future generations. Thank you so much for helping me along this journey!

Moises J.

Claude & Alice Allen Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

Install Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

Install this application on your home screen for quick and easy access when you’re on the go.

Just tap then “Add to Home Screen”

Accessibility Toolbar