Zarzycki Manor Chapels Honors Local Graduates with Annual Academic Merit Scholarships

Zarzycki Manor Chapels Honors Local Graduates with Annual Academic Merit Scholarships WILLOW SPRINGS and CHICAGO, IL  June 1, 2026

— Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd., a historic family-owned and operated business serving the southwest suburbs and Chicago, is proud to announce the six student recipients of its annual merit-based academic scholarships for the Class of 2026. Since 1989, these scholarships have recognized outstanding eighth-grade graduates who exhibit exemplary academic achievement, personal integrity and a steadfast dedication to continuing their journey toward higher education.

As long-standing business owners and community pillars, owners Claudette Zarzycki, her mother Charmaine, and her sister Andrea recognize that the future of the local community rests entirely upon the success and intellectual development of its youth. The firm continues its multi-generational tradition of identifying, rewarding and encouraging academic excellence as a foundational milestone for lifelong success.

This year’s awards carry profound historical significance. While the presentation at Willow Springs School marks the continuation of a proud annual partnership, the awards presented at Sts. Bruno & Richard School represents a bittersweet farewell. Due to the upcoming closure of the historic Chicago school, this graduation marks the final time Zarzycki Manor Chapels will bestow these academic honors at the institution. However, the Zarzycki family emphasizes that while the physical building may close, the exceptional foundation, school pride, and intellectual drive forged within its walls will live on eternally through its final graduating scholars.

The 2026 Zarzycki Manor Chapels Scholarship recipients, chosen by their respective school faculties for outstanding academic performance, are:
Willow Springs School (Willow Springs, IL)
• Ejay Mora — Zarzycki Manor Chapels Scholarship Award
• Natalie Dlugosz — Zarzycki Manor Chapels Scholarship Award
• Leah Hernandez — Agnes Zarzycki Achievement Award


Sts. Bruno & Richard School (Chicago, IL)
•Leslie Anaya — Zarzycki Manor Chapels Scholarship Award
• Marie Aguirre — Zarzycki Manor Chapels Scholarship Award
• Ava Olvera — Agnes Zarzycki Achievement Award

The proprietary Agnes Zarzycki Achievement Award specifically honors a female graduate who demonstrates exceptional capability, intellectual independence, and leadership. The award is presented in memory of Agnes Zarzycki, who founded the family firm 111 years ago. After immigrating to the United States in 1887 during an era of significant educational and systemic barriers for women, Agnes demonstrated an unyielding commitment to higher learning. Through academic merit, she graduated from mortuary school to become the very first Polish American woman funeral director in the city of Chicago in 1915, charting a courageous path for generations of women to follow.

"True community support extends far beyond the professional services we provide inside our chapels; it requires an active, intentional investment in the next generation.  We are deeply honored to recognize these six exceptional students. As they navigate seasons of change and take their next formal steps toward higher education, we are confident they will serve as trailblazers and leaders in our communities."
- Claudette Zarzycki

About Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd.: Established in 1915, Zarzycki Manor Chapels, Ltd. is a premier, family-owned and operated funeral service provider with state-of-the-art facilities located in Willow Springs, Illinois, and the Archer Heights neighborhood of Chicago. Celebrating 111 years of continuous service, the firm is managed by three generations of women funeral directors committed to professional excellence, deep community philanthropy and compassionate, personalized care for the families they serve.