History
In 1974, when Billy Galindo was a sophomore at Illinois Valley Central (IVC) High School, he broke his neck and severed his spine while making a tackle during the varsity Homecoming football game. As a result, he was paralyzed and spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair. This, of course, was tragic. But, during the years that followed, Billy taught many people numerous things about life as he persevered.
Billy touched people’s lives by the simple, selfless way he lived his life. His ability to connect with people was amazing; this is one way his wheel chair became a strength. Because of his physical limitations he became a great communicator. He always treated people like they were special and important to him. He loved to comfort everyone, making them smile and being there for them in any way he possibly could.
Those fortunate individuals who knew Billy believe that he would want everyone to understand that they have everything it takes to be the best version of themselves. If he could do it, so can they.
When Billy attended his 25th Illinois Valley Central (IVC) High School Class Reunion in 2002, he thought that he knew exactly how the evening would go. Along with several other classmates from the IVC High School class of 1977, Billy had helped plan the event. Behind the scenes, however, the others on the reunion planning committee plotted to present Billy with an honorary award from his class.
The Billy Galindo Inspiration Award was created and presented to Billy that night in 2002. The award then became an annual award given to an IVC senior who had overcome adversity and demonstrated the following characteristics and qualities that Billy possessed:
- a regular participant in extra-curricular activities
- a strong commitment to community service and volunteerism
- a positive attitude toward all with whom he/she associates
- an effective leader
- the ability to foster cohesiveness among the students of IVC
The award recipient was selected by a vote of the senior class to determine three finalists, followed by a vote of the faculty and staff to select the winner.
Scholarship Creation
When Billy Galindo passed away on January 25, 2016, he bequeathed funds to be used to transform the existing Inspiration Award into an award that also provided the recipient financial assistance with educational expenses. As a result, beginning in May 2016, the award was renamed the “Billy Galindo Inspirational Scholarship.”
The Scholarship remains an annual award given to an IVC senior with the same criteria as before, with an additional requirement being that the senior will attend college or a vocational school in the following academic year such that the award recipient will receive assistance with college or vocational expenses.
The process to determine the award recipient begins with a vote of the senior class to determine the three to five finalists who then write and submit an essay to the Billy Galindo Inspirational Scholarship Award Board.
The essay should:
- be approximately two pages in length
- summarize the extra-curricular, community service and/or volunteer activities that the student has participated in
- provide examples of how the student has demonstrated a positive attitude and/or leadership skills while interacting with their classmates
- summarize how the scholarship would be used to assist with college or vocational expenses
The Board selects the recipient after reviewing the submitted essays and presents the recipient with the award at the annual IVC High School Awards Ceremony.