3 local high school graduates receive $500 scholarships from an Illinois motorcycle club

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Three local high school students have been gifted scholarship money to apply to their post-secondary experiences thanks to a state-wide organization.

The Buffalo Troopers Motorcycle Club of Northwestern Illinois is an organization that promotes the history of African American veterans and supports motorcycle safety in the community.

The club used fundraising money to provide scholarships to three students in the area who will attend various post-secondary educational institutions for the 2024-2025 school year. Secretary of the club Michael Williams said the scholarship program is an opportunity for students to grow.

“Our purpose is to help the community, to give back to the community and to inspire our young people to do well in life,” Williams said. “The purpose of our scholarship is to help those young people along in their in their pursuits and professions.”

To be considered for this award, the students were required to show academic scholarship and to submit a written essay highlighting a Buffalo Soldier that they found inspiring.

One of the students Jordan Happ graduated from Rockford Christian High School and said the entire process was rewarding.

“During the scholarship process, I really learned about just how brave this troop was,” Happ said. “I didn’t really know much about the trip before I discovered this scholarship, and I’m really grateful for it because it was just really, really enlightening to learn.”

The other two recipients were Rakim Chaney of Auburn High School and Alexia Tresemer of Hononegah Community High School. Williams said each of the students submitted strong applications.

“With giving the scholarships, they do a little bit of education, keep the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers alive to help our young people move on to college, and come back and help our community,” Williams said. “Just like the Buffalo Soldiers.”

Happ said her and the others will be using the scholarships towards their futures.

“My plans are going to Taylor University, which is in Upland, Indiana, and I am going to study to be an art therapist,” Happ said. “I can hopefully be a missionary in Latin America.”

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