Evanston, IL 60204-0944, United States 
847 475-1065
About
Our Mission
The mission of the Warren W. “Billy” Cherry Scholarship, named in memory of a much loved and respected Evanston educator, is to perpetuate his acceptance of all people, his commitment to the highest standards of educational excellence and his energetic dedication to enriching the children and institutions of Evanston. The Cherry Scholarship was established in 1993, three years after Warren Cherry’s untimely death.
“I knew from the time that I was seven years old when my mother passed away, and teachers were there for me, that I wanted to be there for students and let them know they could be successful.”
Chairperson’s Message
It’s been a spectacular year for the Warren Cherry Scholarship Fund!
In WCSF’s 32 years, the Fund has awarded 380 grants, all to ETHS graduates. And the Fund continues to reach out to make a difference for ETHS graduates who are interested in education or working with youth.
The Annual Award Dinner on April 27 honored the 2025 Class of Cherry Scholars. This year’s dinner was amazing; families, friends, the community and WCSF gathered to celebrate and honor the scholars. WCSF awarded a record amount of $160,000 to 26 ETHS graduates!
WCSF welcomes Jesse Chatz and Alando Massie to the Board of Directors and thanks Joe Keitel (for his many years of service and golf leadership) and Collin Sallee as they leave the Board. Pat Hughes, Sr., CPA, is WCSF’s volunteer “bookkeeper.” He provides the Fund extraordinary support with his knowledge, experience and expertise. Also, Pat serves on the finance committee and this year he co-chaired the golf committee. The Fund is very grateful for Pat’s tremendous commitment and ongoing support to WCSF. Thank you, Pat!
As always, my heartfelt thanks to everyone on our outstanding board and our wonderful community of supporters and friends.
Please mark your calendar for the Annual Award Celebration on Sunday, April 26, 2026 and the Annual Golf Outing on Monday, June 22, 2026 at The Evans at Canal Shores golf course.
In closing, for 32 years Warren Cherry Scholarship Fund has reached out to young men and women so their dreams may become a reality. Thank you in advance for your support. Every contribution makes a difference.
About Warren “Billy” Cherry
Warren was a charismatic educator and community leader. He lived the Golden Rule and worked relentlessly to create equity and balance in services and access. He was widely known and respected. His impact was legendary.
It is less widely known that “Billy” (as he was known by his ETHS classmates, friends and family) while popular and active in high school, was not a serious student. Back in the 1950s, few recognized his tremendous potential to lead and to help others realize their potential.
Warren “Billy” Cherry went to barber school after high school graduation and had a brief career as a barber before enrolling at Trinidad Jr. College in Trinidad, Colorado. His education culminated in a PhD program at Northwestern University.
Warren’s service to the Evanston/Skokie community included teaching at Timber Ridge School (now Bessie Rhodes Magnet School) and serving as Associate Principal of Skiles Middle School (now Martin Luther King Lab School). He was Principal at Central and Lincoln Schools. He also found time to serve on the boards of the ETHS Boosters Club, the Girl Scouts, the Justin Wynn Memorial Fund, the Mental Health Association, United Way, the McGaw YMCA and tutored at the Salvation Army.
Beloved by all, his life was cut dramatically short by cancer when he died in 1990. A small group of friends, colleagues, educators and fans (yes, fans) established the Warren “Billy” Cherry Scholarship Fund in 1993. Today, the fund has made funding a college education a little less burdensome for 164 Cherry Scholars.
Officers
Patty Cherry Reece
Chairperson
Robert Reece
President
Abby Trueblood
1st Vice President Mentoring
Mimi Spivack
2nd Vice President
Sandra Vitantonio
Secretary
Lynn Hammell
Treasurer
William Speth
Scholarship Chair
