Scholarship - The Tim Althoff Scholarship

The Tim Althoff Scholarship is funded by The Crystal Lake Strikers Drumline, and is intended to help a deserving student with their college tuition.

The scholarship is named in honor of Tim Althoff, a devoted member of the community who died unexpectedly from a heart attack at a young age. Tim Althoff loved life and was always smiling and upbeat. He was devoted to his family and to his community and he loved drumming. Given Tim Althoff’s many contributions to the community the Strikers have recognized these contributions by naming this annual scholarship in his honor.

2012 Scholarship Recipients

The Crystal Lake Strikers Drumline announce the High School student chosen as the recipient of the third Annual Tim Althoff Memorial Scholarship. Mr. Todd Meyer, Senior at Huntley High School was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. Todd will study business at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in the fall.

Mr. Meyer was chosen for the scholarship from an outstanding group of six applicants, all members of the Strikers All-Stars Drumline. The Strikers All-Stars is a group of 22 percussion students from five McHenry County high schools: Crystal Lake Central, Crystal Lake South, Prairie Ridge, Cary-Grove and Huntley. The All-Star Drumline was formed in December 2009 and has performed at high school basketball games, the Team Dance Illinois Regional competition and the Raue Center Evening of Percussion.

State Senator Pamela Althoff, member of the scholarship selection committee, was impressed with the Strikers All-Stars and the scholarship candidates. "We saw tonight what a talented and dedicated group of performers the All-Stars are. With such wonderful students, it has gotten more difficult to select the scholarship winner each year." Sen. Althoff said after the 2012 Evening of Percussion.

Mr. Meyer has played music since the age of five, starting with piano lessons and adding percussion in school. He is a leader in his high school band and gives weekly lessons to three local students. Todd is captain of the Huntley Lacrosse club team and a member of the National Honor Society.

Dan Chamberlain, Scholarship Committee Chair for The Strikers, said, "The Strikers All-Stars have continued to grow each year. Honoring Tim Althoff with this scholarship is one way to give back to the community that supports us."

2011 Scholarship Recipients

The Crystal Lake Strikers Drumline recently announced the High School students chosen as the recipients of the Second Annual Tim Althoff Memorial Scholarship. Mr. Timothy Mulhern, Senior at Crystal Lake South High School and Mr. James Pinkl, Senior at Prairie Ridge High School were each awarded a $1,500 scholarship. Mr. Mulhern will study Computer Science at Georgia Institute of Technology and Mr. Pinkl plans to attend the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Mr. Mulhern and Mr. Pinkl were awarded their scholarships during the “Evening of Percussion” performance at the Raue Center for the Arts on February 18, and were chosen for the scholarship from a strong group of applicants. All applicants were members of the Strikers All-Star Drumline, a group made up of 18 percussion students from the four District 155 schools: Crystal Lake Central, Crystal Lake South, Prairie, Ridge, and Cary Grove High Schools. Messrs. Mulhern and Pinkl have both demonstrated commitment to music throughout their lives. They are leaders within the band programs at their respective schools and work with younger musicians to help them develop as percussionists.

Dan Chamberlain, scholarship committee head for The Strikers, said, "The Tim Althoff Scholarship is another way for the Strikers to celebrate music and demonstrate our desire to develop young musicians. We are thrilled with the way the All-Stars have grown and look forward to continuing for years to come."

2010 Scholarship Recipient

In February 2010, The Crystal Lake Strikers Drumline announced the High School student chosen as the recipient of the Tim Althoff Scholarship. Mr. Carl Wesa, Senior at Prairie Ridge High School was awarded the $1,500 scholarship. Mr. Wesa plans to study Music Education at either Northern Illinois University or Millikin University. This is the first Strikers scholarship to be awarded. Mr. Wesa was especially lauded for his volunteer help in teaching Middle School percussionists at Hannah Beardsley School, along with many other music activities.

Dale Hallerberg, scholarship committee head for The Strikers, called The Strikers Scholarship, "...a great way for the Strikers organization to support students in our community who are excited about music, and especially for percussion and drumming. These students represent the very best of our community – passionate and fun, dedicated and hardworking kids who are learning a lot while rockin’ the house!”

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