La Salle County Opens Applications for Joseph J. Hohner Scholarship

Applications for the Joseph J. Hohner Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year are now open, as announced by Christopher B. Dvorak, the Regional Superintendent of Schools for La Salle County. Interested students must submit their applications to the La Salle County Regional Office of Education by 4 p.m. on April 16, 2026. The application can be found on the official website, roe35.org.

The scholarship was established through a trust fund created by Joseph J. Hohner, an Ottawa physician who passed away in 1972. Since its inception, the fund has disbursed over $2.3 million to support local students. It specifically targets those graduating from schools in Ottawa who wish to pursue further academic or vocational education.

Scholarship Details and Usage

The funds from the scholarship can be utilized for various educational expenses, including tuition for parochial elementary and secondary schools, trade schools, and higher education, such as bachelor’s or doctoral degrees. Most awards are typically given to college students, with individual scholarship amounts ranging from $100 to $3,000, distributed in two payments throughout the academic year.

“This scholarship program is unique in its commitment to supporting Ottawa students in their academic and vocational pursuits,” Dvorak stated. He emphasized that the scholarship is available annually, meaning applicants must complete the full application process each year, regardless of whether they have received the scholarship in the past.

Application Process and Community Support

The Scholarship Committee will review applications in May, and notifications for award recipients will be announced in June. The committee also encourages past scholarship recipients to contribute to the fund once they graduate and enter the workforce. Contributions can be sent as checks made out to the Joseph J. Hohner Scholarship and mailed to the La Salle County Regional Office of Education at 119 W. Madison St., Room 102, Ottawa, IL 61350.

The Joseph J. Hohner Scholarship stands as a testament to the importance of community support in fostering educational opportunities for local students. With its rich history and commitment to Ottawa’s youth, the scholarship continues to play a vital role in helping students achieve their academic goals.