Award Categories
Join us for an evening of celebration as we honor the exceptional leaders, affiliates, and partners who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to our mission and made significant impact in the lives of scholars across the Hope Ignites Network.
🏆 PMT Excellence Award
Recognizing affiliates with very high aggregate scores in Compliance and Key Performance Indicators
The PMT Excellence Awards, presented for the first time in 2024, serve as role models for excellence in mission impact and operational execution.
💙 Vatterott Award
Celebrating visionary philanthropic leadership and lasting impact
The Vatterott Award celebrates the legacy and impact of an extraordinary visionary — an exemplary man or woman for others — whose generosity, determination, and philanthropic support has sustained the vital work of Hope Ignites on behalf of scholars, collegians, and children in need.
Mark Wilhelm
Mark is being honored for his decades of exceptional generosity and dedication to Hope Ignites. Introduced to the mission around 2000, he has donated immense time and talent, including serving a nine-year tenure on the network board, driven by his belief in the critical importance of supporting youth during their middle and high school "formational years."
🌱 Legacy of Hope
Alumni who exemplify being well-educated, career-ready, and community-minded
Awarded to two members of the alumni community who embody the Hope Ignites mission through their leadership and community impact.
Santonio Cathery
Santonio has overcome multiple personal challenges to achieve excellence in his finance career, all while serving as a guardian to his siblings, teaching financial literacy to local youth, and giving back to the Hope Ignites Chicago community.
Serena Cooper
Serena Cooper, a recent University of Southern California graduate, is being celebrated for her relentless drive and decision to invest her talents back into her hometown by mentoring younger scholars and preparing to serve as a Teach For America educator.
🌟 Hero of Hope
An outstanding team member who has gone above and beyond the call of duty
Recognizes contributions to affiliate success, scholar success, and the broader Hope Ignites Network.
Carolina Dolan-Dominguez
Carolina is being recognized for her tireless dedication to student success, which recently included stepping up to help graduating seniors secure full-ride college scholarships, as well as providing critical support and advocacy for immigrant families.
Marie Merchant
Marie is being honored for her extraordinary compassion and leadership, highlighted by her selfless decision to welcome an at-risk scholar into her own home so the student could safely finish high school and prepare for college.
