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Heather Howiler Memorial Fund

Established 2021

Heather Marie Howiler was born on October 2nd, 1972 in Auburn, Indiana to Jeanne and Terry Howiler. She attended public school in Garrett, Indiana and graduated from Garrett High School in 1991. She continued her education at Ball State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1995.

Heather moved to the Naperville area shortly after having graduated from Ball State. She furthered her education by earning her Master of Arts degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Aurora University in 2002. She also earned a Certificate of Technology Instruction from the University of Saint Francis in 2018.

Heather was a beloved educator, having spent 24 years teaching in the Indian Prairie School District (District 204). She became a National Board Certified Teacher in 2011, earning one of the highest honors one can as an educator. She taught 3rd and 5th grades at Kendall Elementary, Builta Elementary, Wheatland Elementary, and most recently she taught Project Arrow (Gifted and Talented) at Peterson Elementary, touching so many young lives along the way.

Heather was invested in her church community as well. Her enthusiasm for people and love of Jesus were infectious and she poured herself into the lives of those around her through Women’s Bible study and small group leadership, teaching VBS, and taking short-term missions trips to Latvia, Albania, and the Czech Republic. She provided a warm and welcoming presence to whatever ministry she touched, and she strengthened and impacted the hearts of those with whom she interacted.

Heather was also an avid traveler and always up for an adventure, having traveled to Nicaragua, Mexico, Canada, many of the 50 states, and extensively in Europe–having visited most of that continent.

Heather was well-known for her larger than life personality, her forging of deep relationships with so many friends from all over the world, and her ability to light up the room with her positivity and enthusiasm wherever she went. She knew no stranger.

Unfortunately, Heather’s time here on earth was cut short by cholangiocarcinoma, which she battled courageously with such positivity, strength, and grace for 2.5 years.

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

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

Marianne Renner

Past Scholarship Recipient & Current Leadership Coach

…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

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

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

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