A new endowed fund established in memory of a former tutor will provide support for current and future students of Cluster Tutoring.
The John Alec Kenealy Memorial Fund honors the memory of John Kenealy, who volunteered at Cluster Tutoring as a high school student. He enlisted in the U.S. Army after studying business at Elmhurst College. He was a specialist and vehicle commander in the Attack Company of the 4th Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, with whom he was deployed to Afghanistan. John died in August 2018.
Tutoring has been a family affair for the whole Kenealy family. John’s parents, Dave and Janet Kenealy, are long-time tutors and supporters of Cluster, and Janet served on the Cluster board. John’s older sister, Anne, also was a tutor as a college student. Friends of the Kenealy family set up the fund in John’s memory.
The John Alec Kenealy Fund will provide support for educational enrichment beyond the scope of the tutoring program itself. For example, students may require some financial assistance to participate in a class trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a special math program, or to purchase special supplies needed for class. Need would be identified by tutors. Requests will be submitted to a committee composed of select Cluster Tutoring staff, board members, a past Cluster Tutoring student, and a Kenealy family member. In future years, the fund could help with college and other post-graduate programs.
“John wouldn’t know what to make of the outpouring of affection he’s received, and yet I think he’d be so pleased to know the students of Cluster will be given some of the opportunities he had in his life through this fund,” Janet said. “He would be humbled.”
The fund will be managed through the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation. To donate online, access this link. Those wishing to donate by mail can make checks payable to Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation, with “Kenealy Memorial Fund” in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to:
Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation
1049 Lake St., Suite 204
Oak Park, IL 60301
