Beth’s Fund was honored to present the 2016 Elizabeth L. Joksimovic Memorial Scholarship to Highland Park High School graduating senior, Denisse Gaitan, Monday evening. Mike Joksimovic was our presenter this year and was thrilled to be back at HPHS for the first time since his graduation in 1982!! His remarks are below. Congratulations to Denisse and best of luck at U of I.

Mike’s Speech:

I graduated from HP in 1982 and this is my first time back since then. I believe the last time I was on this stage was when I was the recipient of the Chick Evans Scholarship, which I noticed will be awarded shortly, or when I was a member of the Charis dance club and I was dancing with Seth’s mom!
But the reason I am here along with my sister Shelley who graduated in 1985, is to honor our sister Beth by awarding the Beth Joksimovic Scholarship tonight.
Our sister, Beth Joksimovic graduated from Highland Park High School in 1980. Each of us paid for 100% of our college expenses through scholarships and by working during our high school and college years.
In addition to being an outstanding student and working at the old G’Sells Drug store, Beth participated in numerous extracurricular activities.
She went on to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign where she continued to excel academically while participating in sorority life, working as a server during school and for the city of HP cutting grass during the summer.
After graduation, Beth lived in Chicago and worked in advertising at Leo Burnett, followed by a successful career in development at Rush University Medical Center. Beth married Dr. Peter Nierman and had two beautiful children, Ike and Ella. In fact, Ike just graduated from New Trier yesterday. So that was a very proud moment for our family.
Sadly, in 2006 at age 44, Beth lost her courageous battle with cancer. To honor Beth, her strong-willed spirit, determination to overcome financial obstacles, desire for higher-learning, and love of Highland Park High School, the Beth Joksimovic Memorial Scholarship was established by the board of Beth’s foundation.

Annually we recognize one female student, who like Beth, worked throughout high school and will be attending college in the state of Illinois next fall. It is the hope this scholarship will assist with college tuition and expenses, helping the recipient pursue her dreams of higher education.

It is my understanding that this year’s recipient consistently demonstrates preparedness, positivity and grit, which will serve her well as she continues her studies at University of Illinois. Despite her remarkable academic and extracurricular achievements, she remains incredibly humble. Just like Beth, she is always looking for opportunities to grow and serve others before herself.
It is my honor to present the 2016 Beth Joksimovic Memorial Scholarship award to Denisse Gaitan.