May 23, 2023 – Twenty twenty-three Collinsville High School graduate Jordan Gary is the first recipient of the Pat Adams Lady Kahok Scholar Athlete scholarship.
Pat Adams, a 1956 graduate of Collinsville High School, announced her decision last fall to fund a scholarship through the Collinsville Area Community Foundation. The Kahok superfan known to all as “Ms. Pat” was inspired by others she saw stepping up to support Collinsville Community Unit School District #10.
“I was planning to put something in my will to set-up a scholarship,” said the 84-year-old, “When I read about giving through the Collinsville Area Community Foundation, I decided now was the right time to do it. I can make a difference and meet people benefitting from my scholarship.”
Ms. Pat is a pioneer in women’s athletics who has seen firsthand the positive impact Title IX has had on opportunities for young women in sports. Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 “prohibits sex discrimination in any educational program or activity receiving any type of federal financial aid.”
She frequently shares her stories with students and provides them with a copy of “Let Me Play: The Story of Title IX: The Law That Changed the Future of Girls in America” by Karen Blumenthal. The scholarship is an additional way she recognizes the opportunities afforded today’s Lady Kahoks.
The Pat Adams Lady Kahok Scholar Athlete scholarship was established for a graduating CHS female student athlete who plans to attend college after graduation, selection criteria emphasize academics as well as athletics. One $5,000 scholarship will be awarded each year.
Ms. Pat said Jordan Gary’s application was strong in both areas. Gary will attend St. Louis University in the fall of 2023 to major in psychology and continue her soccer career on the SLU women’s soccer team.
Despite high school athletics being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic her freshman year, Gary went on to participate in basketball, track and soccer for the remaining three years; and cross country for one year. She lettered in all of her sports, and was named to all-conference and all-sectional teams. She was captain of the girls soccer team her junior and senior years.
Gary was on the CHS honor roll all four years of high school, and was academic all conference for cross country, basketball, soccer and track. She was active in KAHOKstrong, National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society and a contributor to the Kahoki school newspaper.
Gary says her life experiences during the pandemic, including the sudden loss of her father from a heart attack, have motivated her to persevere and succeed: “I now have a different mindset every time I step on the field, court or track. I am playing to make my dad proud as he watches me from above. Because of the lessons and qualities I have gained from this loss, I have been able to maintain good grades in school and continue to be successful in my athletic endeavors.”
“It is an honor to receive this scholarship,” said Jordan Gary, “I think Ms. Pat has a big impact and has provided some big shoes to fill.”
Support Local Scholarships
The Pat Adams Lady Kahok Scholar Athlete scholarship is supported through the Collinsville Area Community Foundation. CACF is a public charitable organization as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All contributions and gifts are tax deductible. Donations and bequests are accepted from and disbursed to individuals, groups or businesses. To learn more or to make a donation to the scholarship fund, visit the foundation website.