Get to know Bennet Taft
Where do you begin to describe a 13-year old boy who was bigger than life?
If you were to ask anyone who was close to Bennet Taft, they'd all agree that Bennet was athletic, passionate, competitive, talented, intelligent, caring, and loving. The amount of love he received from his family and friends, he happily returned and then some. That was Bennet. He succeeded in anything he set his mind to. Bennet was looking forward to wearing #8 as a catcher for Lake Park High School, and his dream was to catch at Vanderbilt.
On February 27, 2023, the unimaginable happened and Bennet passed away due to asthmatic complications at the age of 13. To say everyone's lives were flipped upside down is an understatement. While grieving the loss of Bennet, his family established the BT8 Foundation, a non-profit foundation which raises funds towards a scholarship to honor Bennet and to provide assistance to other organizations within the local community.
The Bennet Taft Memorial Scholarship
What is the Bennet Taft Memorial Scholarship?
Partnering with the Lake Park Educational Foundation, The Bennet Taft Memorial Scholarship is a $5,000 scholarship that will provide financial assistance to a graduate from Itasca, IL planning to attend a four-year college/university, a junior/community college, or a technical institute.
Bennet, a F.E. Peacock Junior High School graduate, showed great respect, care, and sensitivity for those around him. A young man of compassion, he made others feel comfortable while exuding kindness and fostering a sense of generosity and altruism in others. An active participant in baseball and basketball, Bennet was competitive, yet humble, in his enthusiastic pursuit of excellence both on and off the field/court.
Who can apply for the scholarship?
To be eligible for the Bennet Taft Memorial Scholarship, the applicant must:
Be a Lake Park High School graduate of the Class of 2025
Plan on attending an accredited junior/community college, a four-year college/university, or a technical institute leading to a certificate or degree
Have a current cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
Be a resident of Itasca, Illinois
Have participated in the Lake Park athletic program
Where can I submit my submission essay?
Please click here to learn where to submit your essay application. All submissions are due by Friday, March 7, 2025.
