Michael Reese Health Trust Scholarship Award
For Sunrise Day Camp Staff
This award is granted to those individuals who showed commitment and dedication in their work towards a health-related field. The scholarship granted will support education in health-related fields such as nursing, child life specialist, social work and physical therapy.
Each year, Sunrise Day Camp staff are able to apply for a scholarship to pursue their academic studies.
2024 Award Winners
Emma Zislis
“Sunrise Day Camp Chicago has taught me the power of play, friendships, and community over the past two summers. I have always been extremely devoted to helping others and working with young children. There is an indescribable feeling that I get when the kids walk off the bus. They immediately run to play tag with their friends, sit with each other participate in various activities, and just chat. Watching the connections between the campers flourish throughout the summer is something I never thought would impact me the way it has. Knowing that the children and their siblings whose lives were put on hold because of cancer makes these friendships even more unique and special.”
Kyndall Robinson
“My passion for working with children, particularly those with special needs, has always been deeply rooted in my personal experience of growing up with a twin sister who has cerebral palsy. This passion has driven my commitment to becoming an occupational therapist. The hands-on experience I gained at Sunrise has been invaluable, providing me with practical skills and insights that I would not have acquired in a classroom setting. The strength and resilience of the campers, particularly those who have siblings with cancer, inspired me and deepened my commitment to helping children overcome their challenges.”
Sylvia Plucinski
“The little moments are what fill life with happiness. Being a counselor at Sunrise Day Camp helped me value this motto. Each day was about the small things such as a camper telling me their favorite joke, reaching the top of the climbing wall, or even showing me their Lego bakery they made. These moments made campers feel empowered and joyful. Realizing how resilient and courageous these kids were even when they’re dealing with so many outside factors is something I strive to embody. Being somebody that they could look up to was a heartwarming feeling but in many ways they were also role models to me.”
Zach Marcheschi
“Working at Sunrise Day Camp-Chicago has allowed me to experience working with children of different ages who are all battling different issues. As a psychology major, I knew I wanted to be a therapist, but I did not know what demographic I wanted to work with. After my summer at Sunrise, I have decided that I would like to be a therapist for adolescents and help them through the “awkward phase” of their lives or help them if they have behavioral issues, traumas, or just need someone to talk to. Sunrise Day Camp Chicago has also surrounded me with a community of people I know will support me; a second family in a sense.”
