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Chicagoland Hooters Restaurants is celebrating Black History Month by awarding scholarships to students at Leo High School as part of its “Breaking Barriers and Building Legacies: Celebrating Black Brilliance and Achievement” program.
Throughout February, the initiative brings accomplished guest speakers to the all-boys Catholic school, located at 7901 S. Sangamon St., to share their journeys to success. Speakers include former NBA player Bobby Simmons, NBCUniversal Chicago President and General Manager Kevin Cross, actor LaRoyce Hawkins and The Law School Mentor, a legal education advocate.
As part of the program, Chicagoland Hooters is awarding a $1,000 college scholarship each week to a Leo High School student pursuing a career in hospitality or business management. Recipients were selected based on their essays, which were reviewed by a panel from HMC Hospitality Group, the owner and operator of Hooters locations in the area. In total, $4,000 in scholarships will be distributed this month.
The series launched on Feb. 3 with Simmons, who spoke about his career as a professional basketball player, entrepreneur and real estate investor. Representatives from Hooters also awarded the first scholarship to senior KamRon Dove during the event.
By combining mentorship with financial support, organizers say they hope to inspire the next generation of business and hospitality leaders.
“We’re proud to support students who are working toward bright futures and to provide them with role models who exemplify excellence,” said a spokesperson for HMC Hospitality Group.
Leo High School, known for its commitment to academic and personal development, serves young men from across Chicago’s South Side. School officials said the scholarship program aligns with their mission of preparing students for success beyond the classroom.
The scholarship presentations will continue throughout February as the remaining speakers share their stories of perseverance and achievement.