NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. – Professor James Franklin Sharp grew up in Chester, Illinois, and graduated from Chester High School. He now lives and works in New York City, where he is an investor and philanthropist. He has provided scholarships to CHS Graduating Seniors since 1999. Including scholarships and other donations he has given more than $600,000 to CHS.
Three Sharp Scholarships were awarded to these 2023 Graduating Seniors.
Edna Sharp Memorial Scholarship is in honor of Professor Sharp’s late mother, who was a teacher, and is awarded to a future teacher. The 2023 Edna Sharp Scholarship was awarded to Camrynn Howie. Camrynn plans to first attend John A. Logan Community College, and then transfer to Eastern Illinois or McKendree to get a degree in Physical Education Teaching. After that, she would like to return to Chester and teach PE in Chester Schools.
Rosanna Sharp Myers Scholarship is in honor of Professor Sharp’s sister, who was a CHS Cheerleader, and is awarded to a graduating CHS Cheerleader. The 2023 Rosanna Sharp Myers Scholarship was awarded to Emma Eggemeyer. Emma plans to first attend St. Charles Community College, and play Softball, and then transfer to a Nursing Program.
Jake Sharp Memorial Scholarship is in honor of Professor Sharp’s late father, who was an Officer at the Menard Correctional Center, and is awarded to the child of a Menard employee. The 2023 Jake Sharp Scholarship was awarded to Trace Fricke. Trace plans to attend Murray State and major in Finance.