MANHATTAN, IL — A local family continues to honor the memory of a Manhattan teen, by awarding a scholarship in his name to Lincoln-Way West High School graduating seniors.

Shelly Lewis’ son Jackson would have graduated from Lincoln-Way West High School in 2023. The soccer player and avid runner seemed to be a happy kid, his mom previously told Patch, when at just 15 years old he took his own life.

Since his death, Jackson’s family has continued efforts to memorialize him in the New Lenox and Manhattan communities, with the creation of the Jackson Lewis Memorial Foundation and its corresponding scholarship. Now in its third year, the scholarship will be awarded to three Lincoln-Way West seniors.

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The foundation is a nonprofit aimed at helping to raise awareness for and help combat suicide in kids 18 years and younger. It’s based on three pillars: awareness, education and research. The foundation will focus on kids with mental health issues, offering outreach programs with featured speakers at area schools.

With funds raised through the Jog for Jackson 5K and other donations, the foundation will award five, $1,000 scholarships to Lincoln-Way West seniors. Applications are available at the Lincoln-Way West High School main office.

Recipients will be chosen based on writing prompts, grades, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. Applications should be submitted to thelewisfoundation59@gmail.com.

Deadline to apply is April 1.