HomeNora Moran Marovich Award

The Nora Moran Marovich Award (the 'Nonnies')

The West Suburban Irish (WSI) Nora Moran Marovich Award, affectionately known as the "Nonnies Award,” aims to help provide financial support to high school juniors and seniors pursuing post-secondary education at a two- or four-year institution or a trade school, while also recognizing students who demonstrate a strong commitment to community service and have an Irish heritage or connection to the Irish community.

Originally established as the Celtic Service Award, the Nonnies Award was renamed to honor Nora “Nonnie” Moran Marovich, a founding member of WSI and a guiding voice in shaping the WSI organization. Known for her compassion, generosity, and willingness to help others, Nonnie’s legacy of service and support lives on through this meaningful award.

The West Suburban Irish will select three (3) $2,500 Nora Moran Marovich Awards from all the submitted applications with the goal of helping to further the ability of high school juniors or seniors to pursue higher education at a two- or four-year institution or a trade school. Award winners are announced in early March 2027 and are welcome to attend the WSI St. Patrick's Day parade and participate on the WSI Float.

Eligibility:

Currently enrolled as a high school junior or senior in the western suburbs of Chicago
Irish heritage or connection to the Irish community
Intention to pursue higher education/training

2027 APPLICATION OPENING SOON!

Submission Deadline: February 19, 2027

Past Award Recipients

2025 Award Recipients

Shatakshi Chatterjee, Illinois Math and Science Academy
Natalie Finnegan, Nazareth Academy
Shaye Kelliher, Naperville North High School
Teah Oviedo Navarro, Illinois Math and Science Academy

2024 Award Recipients

Anna Aler, Plainfield North High School
Ryan Gustis, Downers Grove South High School

2023 Award Recipients

Maeve Begley, Amos Alonzo Stagg High School
Dylan Roberts, Benet Academy

2022 Award Recipients

Margo Paluch, Waubonsie Valley High School
Alexis Hedstrom, Neuqua Valley High School
Julia Smith, Metea Valley High School
Vincent Wronski, Waubonsie Valley High School

2021 Award Recipients

Timothy Pipal, Benet Academy
Elaine Carroll, Neuqua Valley High School
Michael Wronski, Metea Valley High School
Colin Reilly, Metea Valley High School

2020 Award Recipients*

Lucia Wileman, Rosary High School
Karly Keating, Benet Academy