The Niles Education Foundation is kicking off its 2016-17 fundraising campaign with its Third Annual Legendary Evening at Orchard Hills Country Club at 6 p.m. Aug. 20.

This year the foundation will honor two Exemplary Vikings: Staff Sergeant Kenneth A. Brook and Dr. Scott H. Maurer.

Kenneth Brook

Kenneth Brook is a 2000 graduate of Niles High School. After graduation he joined the Army and has served his country with three deployments. He was one of the first deployed to combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. He also served two tours to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2006 and 2009.

Brook is currently an Army recruiter in Chicago.

In his free time, he helps condition the University of Illinois Chicago baseball team and the Tinley Park Bobcats travel soccer team. Brook was also recognized by the Chicago Cubs with the honor of tossing a ceremonial first pitch.

The recognition from the Cubs is through their Hero of the Game program, which recognizes those who are giving back to the nation through service. His love of baseball is carried to the field where he serves as an assistant varsity baseball coach at Hubbard High School in Chicago. Brook also volunteers with the Allen J. Lynch Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation for Veterans.

 

Scott Maurer

Scott Maurer, MD, graduated from Niles High School and the Berrien County Math & Science Center in 1996.

After graduation Maurer continued his education at Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine and completed his residency in pediatrics at the University of Washington/Seattle Children’s Hospital. His fellowship was at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee. There he was a pediatric hematology/oncology physician and completed training in pediatric hospice.

He is board certified in Pediatrics and pediatric hematology-oncology with a special expertise in myeloid leukemia and cancer. He also holds a faculty position as an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine and is Director of Pediatric Palliative Care at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Maurer provides clinical care to children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and hospice care to children with incurable disease.

Since its establishment in 2009, the Niles Education Foundation has invested more than $100,000 for the enhancement of public education at Niles Community Schools. The role of the Niles Education Foundation is to garner private support and public engagement for Niles Community Schools. As a tax-exempt, non profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the Foundation provides Niles Community Schools with funding that is typically more flexible than restricted tax dollars.

The funding and extra resources for the students, teachers, and schools helps to cover the gap that exists between what school budgets can cover, and what is needed to ensure the academic success of our students. Gifts are tax deductible for income and estate tax purposes.

For more information on specific giving call the foundation office at (269) 683-0732 or www.nileseducationfoundation.org.