News

Wynner parents Nicole Mims Johnson and Riian Wynn received the Marcia Wynn Award at our Fall Kickoff held on Sept. 25, 2025. The Marcia Wynn Award honors parents in recognition of their extraordinary service to the JWF community.

Nicole Mims Johnson has served on the board for over 3 years, and serves on the Red Tie Soirée and Awards Ceremony planning committees. As a member of the Family Engagement Committee, Nicole is welcoming towards and strives to engage all Wynners and their family members. Nicole’s thoughtfulness, insight, and creative problem solving greatly benefit the JWF.

As a Wynner parent, board member of 20 years(!) and member of the Wynn family, Riian Wynn has given so much to the JWLA. She currently serves as the vice president and chair of the Board Development Committee. She contributes to every major JWF event. Her positivity, dedication, and leadership help the JWF continually improve and evolve.

Wynners Amaya Johnson and Kamerin Stephens presented their mothers with the 2025 Marcia Wynn Award on behalf of the Justin Wynn Board of Directors. Congratulations, Nicole and Riian!

The Wynn family selected ETHS seniors K. Isaiah Gaddy and Amalia Thibodeaux as the 2025 Catherine McKnight Scholarship recipients. 

Isaiah plans to study film production at LMU. Amalia will attend the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and plans to study nursing with the ambition of becoming a nurse educator.

Congratulations and best wishes to Isaiah and Amalia!

Check out these recent news articles featuring the Justin Wynn Fund!

Evanston RoundTable, February 24, 2025: Justin Wynn Fund honors Chute principal at Red Tie Soirée

Evanston RoundTable, September 12, 2024:  Volunteers make the difference with monthly Evanston Produce Mobile

Evanston RoundTable, May 20, 2024: Festive and communal: Crowds turn out for District 65 art exhibit

The Evanstonian, May 2, 2024: Justin Wynn Leadership Academy: ‘A legacy to protect’

Evanston RoundTable, November 20, 2023: Justin Wynn Leadership Academy held annual Food Drive on Nov. 13

Evanston RoundTable, June 28, 2021: Justin Wynn Fund: Out of Grief Comes Community Service

Wynner parents Todd Cherkasky and Joe McQuade received the Marcia Wynn Award at our Family/Board Fall Kickoff held on Sept. 26, 2024. The Marcia Wynn Award honors parents in recognition of their extraordinary service to the JWF community.

Todd has served on the board for 5 years, and has helped out with the Red Tie and Awards Ceremony, and now is serving on the Family Engagement Committee. He has many times spoken to the parents of new Wynners about his appreciation for and dedication to the Justin Wynn Fund.

Joe has served on the board for 5 years, has helped out with the 3-on-3 every year, and has served on the Marketing Committee and now the Resource Development Committee. His thoughtful and helpful approach are most appreciated.

Wynners Micah Cherkasky and Anna McQuade presented their fathers with the 2024 Marcia Wynn Award on behalf of the Justin Wynn Board of Directors. Congratulations Todd and Joe!

The Wynn family selected ETHS seniors Kayla Rodriguez and Joseph Williams Salgado as the 2024 Catherine McKnight Scholarship recipients. 

Kayla plans to attend Grand Canyon University and major in nursing. Joseph will attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a major in film and media studies.

Congratulations and best wishes to Kayla and Joseph!

Wynner parent John Kayaian received the Marcia Wynn Award at our Parent/Board Gathering held on Sept. 28, 2023. The Marcia Wynn Award honors parents who have been consistent supporters of the Justin Wynn Fund.

John has been a dedicated supporter of the Justin Wynn Fund since his son Theo received the Justin Wynn Award. He has served on the JWF Board of Directors since 2017, including as Vice President for four years. John has been instrumental in planning the Red Tie Soirée each year, and has planned and hosted our annual Parent Mixers.

Wynner Theo Kayaian presented his father with the 2023 Marcia Wynn Award on behalf of the Justin Wynn Board of Directors. Congratulations John!

The Wynn family selected ETHS senior Maria Martinez as the 2023 Catherine McKnight Scholarship recipient.  Maria plans on attending Northern Illinois University.  The Catherine McKnight Scholarship was presented to Maria at the Senior Scholarship Night held on May 10th.

Congratulations and best wishes to Maria!

The Justin Wynn Fund Board of Directors presented the Marcia Wynn Award to the Max Shure and Tracey Denlow.   Max and Tracey have been dedicated supporters of the Justin Wynn Fund for many years.   Max and Tracey were honored at the Parent/Board Gathering held on Sept. 12, 2022.

The Wynn family awarded the 2022 Catherine McKnight Scholarships to ETHS seniors Taryn Robinson and Timothy Russell.  ETHS honored Taryn and Timothy at the virtual ETHS Senior Scholarship Night held on May 11, 2022.

Taryn plans to attend Duke University and major in Psychology with a minor in Dance.  Timothy will attend Northwestern University and study Mechanical Engineering.

Congratulations and Best Wishes to Taryn and Timothy!

We honored Wynner parents, Carmen Wallace and Megan McDermott at 2021 Parent Board Gathering on September 27.  Wynners Maya Wallace and Logan McDermott presented their mothers with the 2021 Marcia Wynn Award.

The Marcia Wynn Award honors parents who have been consistent supporters of the Justin Wynn Fund and the JWLA.

Congratulations Carmen and Megan!

The Wynn family selected ETHS graduates Abigail Roman and Alex Johnson to receive the 2021 Catherine McKnight scholarship.  ETHS honored Abigail and Alex at the virtual ETHS Senior Scholarship Night held on May 12, 2021.

Abigail plans to attend Tulane University.  Alex will attend Georgetown University.

Congratulations and Best Wishes to Abigail and Alex!

Kendra Morrill and Tom O’Hare received the 2020 Marcia Wynn Award at our Parent/Board Gathering on September 29.

The Marcia Wynn Award honors parents who have been dedicated volunteers and supporters of the Justin Wynn Leadership Academy.  The Justin Wynn Fund created this award in memory of Justin’s mother, Marcia.

Thank you Kendra and Tom!

The pandemic couldn’t stop us from having a great 2020 JWLA Leadership Camp on August 8 and August 9.  We held camp at the Evanston Lighthouse Beach Shelter.  We had two different groups of Wynners each day; close to 70 Wynners in all.  The Wynners safely participated in team building activities and had discussions about being a leader and the needs of our community.  They also had fun doing yoga, playing games and doing tie dye.  It was great way to start off the 2020-21 program year!

ETHS graduates Mya Allen and Nicole Mosquera were selected to receive the 2020 Catherine McKnight scholarship.  Mya and Nicole were honored at the virtual ETHS Senior Scholarship Night held on May 13, 2020

Mya will pursue her education at Reed College and will major in Computer Science.  Nicole plans to study Neuroscience in college.

Congratulations and Best Wishes to Mya and Nicole!

The 2019 Marcia Wynn Award was presented to Kathy McDermott and Ronda Reneau at the Parent/Board dinner on September 25th.

The Justin Wynn Fund created the Marcia Wynn Award in 2016 to honor parents who have been dedicated volunteers and supporters of the Justin Wynn Leadership Academy.

Congratulations and thank you!

Pictured from left to right: Kaila Holland, Ronda Reneau, Kathy McDermott, Drew McDermott

Thank you to all the participants, volunteers, sponsors, and partners for helping to make the 2019 SoccerFest a huge success!

Results and photos are found on the SoccerFest Event page.

Over the August 9-11 weekend, 56 Wynners came to the YMCA Camp Duncan for the annual JWLA Leadership Camp. It was a weekend packed with meetings, team building, plenty of fun, and very little sleep! What a great way to start the new program year!

Congratulations to ETHS graduates, Jacelyne Myrthil and Shawn Johnson, Jr., recipients of the first annual Catherine McKnight Scholarship Awards.  This fall, Jacelyne will be attending Western Michigan University and Shawn will study at MoreHouse College.

Catherine McKnight, lovingly known as “Granny”, was Justin’s grandmother and the matriarch of the Wynn family.  She was a beloved teacher in Evanston School District 65 for more than 30 years and an unwavering supporter of the Justin Wynn Fund.  The Justin Wynn Fund Board of Directors created the Catherine McKnight Scholarship in 2019 to honor both her memory and her passion for education and community service.

Congratulations to the 2011 Justin Wynn Award recipients on their graduation from ETHS this spring.  This senior class was recognized at the Justin Wynn Awards Brunch held on May 5, 2019, at the Hilton Orrington Evanston.  Their leadership will be missed in the Justin Wynn Leadership Academy.

Many of the 2011 Justin Wynn Award recipients will be continuing their educations at schools that include:  Northwestern University, University of Illinois, Amherst College, DePauw University, Tufts University, and Oberlin College.  Best wishes on their journeys!

Photo courtesy of Genie Lemieux/Evanston Photographic Studios

In a ceremony at the Hilton Orrington Evanston, the Justin Wynn Fund honored the 32nd class of Justin Wynn Award recipients.  Attendees included Mayor Hagerty, Dr. Witherspoon, Dr. Goren, Alderman Braithewaite, and Former Mayor Tisdahl.

Pictured with the 2019 recipients from left to right are: Riian Wynn, Laura Wynn-King and Kelli Wynn.

Photo courtesy of Genie Lemieux/Evanston Photographic Studios

Over 200 players, from 1st through 8th grade, participated in the JWLA 3-on-3 Tournament on March 10.  A portion of the proceeds from the 2019 tournament were donated to Connections for the Homeless. Thank you to all the participants!

For tournament results, please go HERE

At the annual Justin Wynn Fund Red Tie Soiree, the founders and leaders of Girls Play Sports received the 2019 Buddy Portugal Award.  Megan Livatino, Chris Livatino, and Liz Brieva were honored for their outstanding contributions to Evanston’s youth.

Pictured from left to right:  Andrew Denlow, Megan Livatino, Chris Livatino, Tracey Denlow, and Liz Brieva.

Photo courtesy of Genie Lemieux/Evanston Photographic Studios

On a hot and humid September day, 115 soccer players from 1^st through 8^th grade came together to play in the annual Justin Wynn SoccerFest at ETHS Lazier Field.  The day was a true celebration of community and soccer as players affiliated with area organizations like AYSO, JaHbat, Team Evanston, Chicago Fire Juniors North Shore, plus players not affiliated with any organization participated in the tournament.

Each year a portion of the funds raised at SoccerFest are donated to a local organization chosen by the youth in the Justin Wynn leadership program.  This year’s recipient is Books and Breakfast, a before school program offering a healthy morning meal and homework help to Evanston elementary students in need of additional support.

Congratulations to the 2018 Justin Wynn Award recipients!  These 24 fourth grade students from across District 65 were honored at the annual brunch held at the Hilton Orrington/Evanston.  Close to 300 people attended the ceremony, including Mayor Hagerty, Dr. Witherspoon, and Dr. Goren.

Pictured with the 2018 Justin Wynn Award recipients from left to right are: Riian Wynn, Laura Wynn-King and Kelli Wynn.

Photo courtesy of Genie Lemieux/Evanston Photographic Studios

Thank you to the over 200 players who participated in our tournament.  New this year, we added a 7th/8th grade tournament and it sold out!

The Justin Wynn Fund Red Tie Soirée was a huge success!  Thank you to the almost 200 attendees who helped us raise over $41,000.  This money will be used to support our community service based youth leadership program.

More than 60 youth (grades 5-12) from the Justin Wynn Fund leadership program gathered in Kingsley School’s gym to sort and bag food that they had collected from their neighbors as part of the organization’s 10th annual November Food Drive.  Some of the students and their families then delivered over 200 bags of groceries to three community organizations:  Hemenway United Methodist Church Pantry in Evanston, Gates Manor in Wilmette, and A Just Harvest in Chicago.

140 players from all the Evanston soccer organizations participated in SoccerFest, held on September 3rd at ETHS.

Thank you to all the volunteers, community members and in-kind donors who helped make SoccerFest a big success!

The youth in the JWLA have been collecting pennies over the years and donating them to Pennies for Peace. This money goes to support educational opportunities for children in Central Asia.

Read about the JWLA on the Pennies for Peace website.

Congratulations to the 2017 Justin Wynn Award recipients!  They were honored at the 30th Annual Justin Wynn Awards Brunch on May 7, 2017.

Check out the article in the Evanston RoundTable.

Check out the article on the District 65 website.

Congratulations to the 200 players who participated in the JWLA 3-on-3 Tournament. It was an exciting tournament!

The first place winners in the 3rd/4th grade tournament were Kaloyan Mirtchev (Lincolnwood), Will Macdonald, Conlon Kane and Gunnar Worth (all from St. Athanasius). The second place winners were Malachi Gonzalez (Oakton), Nathaniel Commons (Oakton), Amare Leflore (Walt Disney Magnet), Tony Horton (Rogers).

Taking first place in the 5th/6th grade tournament were Daniel Goes, Gus Berne, Will Collins, and Jameson Kane (all from St. Athanasius). The second place winners were Eyan Simms, Jacob Hall, Devin Fox (all from Chute), and Riche McCourty (King Arts).

Read about the tournament in the Evanston RoundTable.

The Justin Wynn Fund held its 2nd Annual Red Tie Soirée on Saturday, February 11 at the Evanston Art Center. Close to 200 people enjoyed food and drink from local establishments, along with music and great raffle prizes. Additionally, Willie Miller, Jr. was awarded the 2017 Buddy Portugal Award, given annually to an adult that has made significant contributions to the youth of Evanston.

Check out the photos from the Red Tie Soirée in the Evanston Review Trend section and in Evanston Magazine.

Read about the Red Tie Soirée in the Evanston RoundTable.

Thank you to our Red Tie Soirée sponsors, partners, and in kind donors.

Photo courtesy of Lynn Trautmann/LTPhoto

The 29th Annual Justin Wynn Awards Brunch was held on Sunday, May 1st.  Congratulations to the 24 recipients!

Check out the article and photo of the new Wynners in the Evanston RoundTable.

Forty five teams competed in the 12th annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament on Saturday, March 5. A portion of the proceeds from the tournament will go to Evanston Scholars, a non profit organization that improves college access for a diverse group of Evanston students.

Congratulations to the 1st and 2nd place teams!

The Justin Wynn Fund 1st Annual Red Tie Gala on February 13, 2017 was a great success!

An article and photo about the Gala can be found in the Evanston RoundTable

Photo courtesy of Genie Lemieux/Evanston Photographic Studios

The JWLA held their 8th Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive on Monday, November, 16, 2015 at Washington School. Over 50 Wynners collected food from their neighbors and then sorted and bagged food for 3 recipient organizations: A Just Harvest, Hemenway Church Food Pantry and Gates Manor. More than 250 total bags of food were donated.

Read the article about the Thanksgiving Food Drive in the Evanston RoundTable.

On Saturday, September 19th, over 30 people from the Justin Wynn community came out to clean up Clark Street Beach sponsored by the Alliance for the Great Lakes .  This group included Wynners and their families, Board members and their families, and staff. Thanks to everyone for supporting a great cause!

Here are some numbers from the cleanup:
Approximately 40 pounds of trash was collected over an area of 0.75 miles
The top three most collected items – cigarette butts, food wrappers, plastic/foam packaging
Some of the stranger items collected – balloons, fireworks, construction materials

On August 14-16, 53 Wynners and 7 chaperones attended Camp Duncan for a weekend of fun, relationship building and discussions about being a leader. Despite the bee stings, major mosquitos, passing storms, everyone had great time.

Local artists Lea Pinsky and Dustin Harris worked with the students in the JWLA to create a mural that celebrates 25 years of the Justin Wynn Fund.  Ms. Pinsky and Mr. Harris installed the mural on the exterior wall of the Davis Street Metra station.

Read more about the mural in the Evanston RoundTable.