Jr Spartan Scholarship Program

To be considered for a scholarship, applicants must have:

• Participated in the Jr Spartan Football & Cheer program for at least one season.
• Longer participation strengthens an application, as extended involvement often leads to a greater impact.
• Played football or participated in cheer at GBN.
• Four years at GBN is not required, but more involvement strengthens an application.
• This includes tackle football, flag football, and cheerleading.
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 (academic performance is considered but not the primary focus).
• Submit an application and two letters of recommendation (one from a coach, and one from a teacher or administrator)

💡 Extenuating Circumstances: If an applicant does not meet the standard qualifications but has unique circumstances that warrant consideration, they may explain their situation in the application.

These awards recognize student-athletes who have:

✅ Led by example – Demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication to their team and the community.

✅ Lifted others up – Serving as mentors, fostering team spirit, and supporting teammates.

✅ Embraced personal growth – Overcoming challenges, showing resilience, and developing strong character through their experience in the Jr Spartan program and beyond at GBN.

🏆 This prestigious award honors the legacy of Coach Doug Cooke, whose passion for mentorship, inclusion, and dedication to youth sports left a lasting impact.

Coach Cooke was an incredible coach for over 15 years in the Jr Spartan program. He had a special touch with all of the players and was universally respected and adored. He met the players where they were and focused on them as people, naturally gravitating toward those who needed him the most. His ability to instill confidence, discipline, and a love for the game left a lasting impact on every athlete he coached. Whether it was offering words of encouragement, staying late after practice to help a struggling player, or simply being a steady presence on the sidelines, Coach Cooke embodied what it meant to be a true mentor. His legacy lives on in the countless young athletes he inspired, both on and off the field.

The recipient of the Doug Cooke Memorial Award must exemplify the highest level of the expectations of the Jr Spartan Achievement Award with a special focus on making everyone around them better, especially - in the mold of Coach Cooke - those who need it the most!

🔹 Special Consideration:

• This award is only available to a tackle football player.
• All eligible Jr Spartan Achievement Award recipients will automatically be considered for the Doug Cooke Memorial Scholarship.
• The GBN Varsity Football Coaching Staff will provide key insights into candidates’ contributions on and off the field.

📌 To apply, students must submit:

1. Completed Application Form (available here).

This application will include the following short essay questions:

• As a Jr Spartan alum, how have you stayed involved in the program?
• How have you given back to the Northbrook community?
• What impact did the Jr Spartan program have on you personally?
• Share a specific example of a time when you put the success of your team ahead of your own personal goals?
• Please describe at least three different times when one of your teammates was struggling. How did you support them?
• What do you think makes a great teammate, and how do you personally embody those qualities?

2. Two Letters of Recommendation:

• One from a GBN Football or Cheer Coach.
• One from a GBN Teacher or Administrator.

3. Agree to GPA Verification (provided by the GBN staff; no transcript required).

Scholarship Committee

The Jr Spartan Board President, Executive Director, and Tackle Director will evaluate applications and present a recommendation to the Jr Spartan Board.

Selection Criteria

• Essay Evaluation – Depth of reflection on personal growth and community impact.
• Participation & Contributions – Level of engagement in the Jr Spartan program and Northbrook community.
• Letters of Recommendation – Strength of endorsements regarding leadership and character.
• Varsity Coaching Staff Feedback (for Doug Cooke Scholarship candidates only) – Insights into teamwork, mentorship, and impact on others.

Interview Process (Doug Cooke Scholarship Finalists Only)

Finalists for the Doug Cooke Memorial Scholarship will participate in a brief interview to further discuss their experiences, leadership, and impact.

📆 March 21st - All applications and Letters of Recommendation Due!

📆 April 5th – Doug Cooke Award finalist interviews scheduled

📆 April 30th – Final selections made & communicated to GBN administration

📆 May 23rd – Scholarships awarded

🏆 Presentation: Recipients will be honored at the GBN Senior Awards Ceremony on May 23rd.

📢 Public Recognition: Winners will be celebrated through:

• Local media announcements
• Features in the GBN Jr Spartan Football & Cheer newsletter
• Recognition on the Jr Spartan Football & Cheer website

💰 Disbursement: Scholarship funds will be provided directly to recipients.

🔄 Annual Review: The scholarship program will be assessed annually to ensure its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

💵 Funding & Donations:

• Jr Spartan Achievement Awards are funded through Jr Spartan operations.
• The Doug Cooke Memorial Scholarship is endowed by a dedicated fund, provided by Coach Cooke's dear friends and family.

The GBN Jr Spartan Scholarship Program is more than an award—it’s a legacy of leadership, character, and service.

By recognizing exceptional student-athletes, we honor those who go beyond the game, leaving a lasting mark on their teammates, coaches, and the Northbrook community.

This year, we proudly introduce the Doug Cooke Memorial Jr Spartan Scholarship, an award dedicated to honoring the memory of a mentor, coach, and champion of youth sports. Doug Cooke’s unwavering commitment to developing young athletes through leadership, inclusion, and perseverance lives on through this scholarship, inspiring future generations of Jr Spartans.

🏆 We are proud to celebrate the next generation of leaders through the Jr Spartan tradition.