The Alex Novak 2016 Scholarship supporting St. Francis High School
The Alex Novak 2016 Scholarship supporting St. Francis High School
Alex's Story
Alex Novak was a freshman at St. Francis High School in the fall of 2012 when he was tragically hit by a moving vehicle while riding his bicycle. The accident left Alex with severe brain injuries, and unfortunately, he was unable to return to our school as a student. Alex was involved in both band and football and had many hobbies and interests outside of school as well. He earned his black belt in karate, was a member of the Boy Scouts and Knights of Columbus, and involved with his church as an alter server and eucharistic minister at St. John the Baptist. Alex also had a passion for aviation and had begun work on his pilot’s license. Alex was a talented young man who clearly was looking at giving back to his family and community.
Alex made it back to SFHS to participate in the marching band from 2017-2020. This was made possible thanks to the help of a fellow student, who pushed him in his wheelchair for performances.
Alex currently resides at the Marklund facility in Bloomingdale, IL. Alex and his parents, Larry and Donna, still make it back to SFHS at least once a year to take in the atmosphere of a home football game.
Additionally, every April, SFHS Band Director Bob Mamminga joins Alex’s family at Marklund’s annual “Run, Walk, and Roll.” In 2024, several members of the SFHS Band and Cross Country team also participated in the event.
Alex Novak was a freshman at St. Francis High School in the fall of 2012 when he was tragically hit by a moving vehicle while riding his bicycle. The accident left Alex with severe brain injuries, and unfortunately, he was unable to return to our school as a student. Alex was involved in both band and football and had many hobbies and interests outside of school as well. He earned his black belt in karate, was a member of the Boy Scouts and Knights of Columbus, and involved with his church as an alter server and eucharistic minister at St. John the Baptist. Alex also had a passion for aviation and had begun work on his pilot’s license. Alex was a talented young man who clearly was looking at giving back to his family and community.
Alex made it back to SFHS to participate in the marching band from 2017-2020. This was made possible thanks to the help of a fellow student, who pushed him in his wheelchair for performances.
Alex currently resides at the Marklund facility in Bloomingdale, IL. Alex and his parents, Larry and Donna, still make it back to SFHS at least once a year to take in the atmosphere of a home football game.
Additionally, every April, SFHS Band Director Bob Mamminga joins Alex’s family at Marklund’s annual “Run, Walk, and Roll.” In 2024, several members of the SFHS Band and Cross Country team also participated in the event.
Thank you for your support!
The family of Alex Novak would like to honor Alex by starting a scholarship in his name. The scholarship will be given annually to a student in need who is involved in co-curricular activities (just like Alex!). The GOAL is to raise $50,000! Read more about Alex's story below.
Why $50,000? Our desire is for this scholarship to be an endowed scholarship. To achieve that goal, we need to reach the minimum endowment requirement of $50K. Until we meet the required $50K, your donation will be put in a restricted scholarship. Once we reach $50K, the scholarship funds will be transferred to an endowed scholarship and the school can earn 4% annually and award the scholarship to a student every year, in honor of Alex, forever!
In addition, each year, there is a scholarship luncheon that takes place where the Novak family could meet the student that receives the scholarship in honor of Alex and continue to stay connected and partner with the school. We would love for you to join alongside us in this endeavor!