2020 Winners

Now in its third year, the ‘Write On!’ Lakeside Creative Writing Challenge is open to graduating Chicago Public High School seniors with financial need. Despite the unprecedented times due to COVID-19 and the uncertainty for college in the Fall, we received submissions from all over the City.

Winner Diana Salinas from Senn High School will attend Wellesley College in Massachusetts this fall.

Winner Lori Watson, a Lindbloom High School grad, heads to Dominican University in California.

Because school buildings were closed, we worked with school administrators and parents to surprise the winners at their homes with giant checks and helium balloons, “Publisher Clearing House” style! Congrats, Diana & Lori!

About Write On

Lakeside Bank believes in the power of education. In 2018 we established the “Write On!” Creative Writing Challenge for Chicago Public High School Seniors the opportunity to win $2,500 College Scholarships.

Applicants must be a current CPS High School Senior, graduating in June in good standing, accepted to a two or four year accredited college or university, and have demonstrated financial need.

Essay topics can be about anything! Science fiction.  Social issues.  The future. The only requirement: weave Lakeside Bank’s tagline, “It’s about time,” into the story, and be between 750-1000 words.

Applications are usually available in January via the CPS scholarship system, Academic Works, and are due in early May.

A committee from Lakeside Bank reads and assesses all entries to select winners.

“Some (essays) are fictional, some are entertaining and some come right from the student’s heart and reflect their life experiences. The stories are moving and provide insight on the many challenges facing this generation. I’m very happy to participate in the scholarship process and so proud Lakeside Bank provides this opportunity. These students are incredibly deserving and in need of the financial assistance.”

Pat McNulty, Vice President, Human Resources, and member of the Lakeside scholarship review committee.

2019 Winners - 2nd Annual

Congratulations to the Lakeside Bank 2nd Annual “Write On!” Creative Writing Scholarship Winners!

Following a city-wide contest with more than FOUR TIMES the number of entries as last year, three Chicago Public High School seniors were selected as 2019 Lakeside Bank Creative Writing Challenge Scholarship Winners! Each winner receives a $2,500 Lakeside College Scholarship Award.

The Lakeside Bank 2019 Scholarship Winners are:

Mateo Bajana – Whitney Young High School

Daron James – Charles Schurz High School

Jasmine Martin – Whitney Young High School