Alumni Spotlight: CCSD59 Ed Foundation Scholarship Recipient
Every spring, the D59 Education Foundation awards three academic and three trade scholarships to six former CCSD59 students attending Elk Grove, Prospect, or Rolling Meadows High School.
We recently caught up with one of last year’s recipients, Tirth Patel, to learn more about his time in our district, what the Ed Foundation scholarship meant to him, and the advice he has for students preparing for high school and beyond.
Today, Tirth attends the University of Virginia, pursuing degrees in Business and Computer Science. Just a few years ago, he was walking the halls of several CCSD59 schools, attending Brentwood, Forest View, and Robert Frost Elementary before heading to Friendship Junior High.
Reflecting on his time at the district, Tirth said the District’s commitment to social-emotional learning stood out most.
“Beyond academics, D59 intentionally emphasized empathy, self-awareness, and thoughtful decision-making. It reinforced the importance of understanding people holistically, as it helps recognize that diverse circumstances, challenges, and growth are rarely one-dimensional,” Tirth said. “This SEL focus shaped how I think about leadership and responsibility, as it has taught me the belief that accountability and compassion are not opposing forces, but complementary ones.”
That focus on empathy and intentional growth was also reinforced by teachers like Mr. Cameron Dall, a former band teacher at Friendship Junior High. Tirth recalled that Mr. Dall often shared stories and lessons passed down from his father that emphasized honesty, integrity, and pursuit – a principle that continues to guide him.
“Mr. Dall didn’t just help me become better at music. He helped me understand what it means to pursue something with intention,” said Tirth. “The standards he set and the values he modeled continue to shape the way I carry myself today.”
Now a first-generation college student, Tirth says the D59 Education Foundation Scholarship helped ease the cost of purchasing a MacBook for college, allowing him to continue his coursework at the University of Virginia. Beyond the device, the scholarship reduced financial stress and let him focus on academic growth and long-term goals – putting into practice the same intentional pursuit encouraged by Mr. Dall.
Speaking of achieving goals, Tirth has one piece of advice for students entering high school, applying for scholarships, or applying for college:
“There’s one thing you cannot afford to overlook: advocate for yourself. This was the biggest thing for me: self-advocacy was the most important skill I developed in high school. It allowed me to pursue my goals, apply confidently for opportunities, and earn multiple national and local scholarships/awards,” Tirth said. “There is not a single person who will care about your future as much as you do, so speak up for your needs, ask questions, and go after what you want.”
CCSD59 and the D59 Education Foundation are proud of Tirth, the other scholarship recipients, and all of our students. We look forward to spotlighting more alumni as they continue their education.
