The 2025-2026 Scholarship Application Is Now Open!

HardyStrong Memorial Scholarship

2025-2026 Scholarship Application

This scholarship is given to honor the legacy of Justin Hardy, a 2018 graduate of St. Charles East High School. Justin was a pivotal force through his four years competing on the Varsity Basketball team and an admired member of the STCE community. Involved in Peer Leadership, Student Athlete Leadership Training, National Honors Society, and Illinois Special Olympics, Justin radiated with positivity. Justin – dedicated to both his academics and his sport – continued his education at Division III Washington University in St. Louis. During his junior year at Wash U, Justin was diagnosed with Stage IV Stomach Cancer. He carried positivity, strength, and determination with him over the next 13 months – completing a premier business internship, graduating early with a double major, dominating the court while receiving chemotherapy, and sharing his story with the world. He was #HardyStrong. The legacy that Justin created is one of grit, determination, and all-around excellence.

To learn more about Justin’s legacy: https://vimeo.com/717047347/8bbf0158a7

Requirements

  1. The HardyStrong Memorial Scholarship will award $1,000 scholarships, renewable for up to four years, to one or more graduating seniors who have committed to compete in athletics at the collegiate level. (Not receiving full athletic scholarship from academic institution)

  2. Scholarship recipients will demonstrate commitment to their academics, sport, and community. They will share Justin’s grit, determination, and all-around excellence in these areas.

  3. Applicants are encouraged to watch a portion Justin’s Legacy Celebration linked above (10:50 – 24:00) and reflect on The 12 Legacies of Justin Hardy. Each applicant will write one 300-500 word essay that explains how their actions and future plans reflect how Justin lived his life.

  4. Scholarship winners will be announced in May. The scholarship will be paid directly to the academic institution and may be used for tuition, room and board, and/or other academic expenses.

  5. The scholarship application must be submitted electronically by Friday, April 4th, 2025 at 5:00 pm Central. All parts of the application should be emailed to Jackie & Nathan Hardy at hardystrongfoundation@gmail.com.