Wynner parents Nicole Mims Johnson and Riian Wynn received the Marcia Wynn Award at our Fall Kickoff held on Sept. 25, 2025. The Marcia Wynn Award honors parents in recognition of their extraordinary service to the JWF community. Nicole Mims Johnson has served on the board for over 3 years, and serves on the Red Tie Soirée and Awards Ceremony planning committees. As a member of the Family Engagement Committee, Nicole is welcoming towards and strives to engage all Wynners and their family members. Nicole’s thoughtfulness, insight, and creative problem solving greatly benefit the JWF. As a Wynner parent, board member of 20 years(!) and member of the Wynn family, Riian Wynn has given so much to the JWLA. She currently serves as the vice president and chair of the Board Development Committee. She contributes to every major JWF event. Her positivity, dedication, and leadership help the JWF continually improve and evolve. Wynners Amaya Johnson and Kamerin Stephens presented their mothers with the 2025 Marcia Wynn Award on behalf of the Justin Wynn Board of Directors. Congratulations, Nicole and Riian!

The Wynn family selected ETHS seniors K. Isaiah Gaddy and Amalia Thibodeaux as the 2025 Catherine McKnight Scholarship recipients. 

Isaiah plans to study film production at LMU. Amalia will attend the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and plans to study nursing with the ambition of becoming a nurse educator.

Congratulations and best wishes to Isaiah and Amalia!

Check out these recent news articles featuring the Justin Wynn Fund!

Evanston RoundTable, February 24, 2025: Justin Wynn Fund honors Chute principal at Red Tie Soirée

Evanston RoundTable, September 12, 2024:  Volunteers make the difference with monthly Evanston Produce Mobile

Evanston RoundTable, May 20, 2024: Festive and communal: Crowds turn out for District 65 art exhibit

The Evanstonian, May 2, 2024: Justin Wynn Leadership Academy: ‘A legacy to protect’

Evanston RoundTable, November 20, 2023: Justin Wynn Leadership Academy held annual Food Drive on Nov. 13

Evanston RoundTable, June 28, 2021: Justin Wynn Fund: Out of Grief Comes Community Service

 

Wynner parents Todd Cherkasky and Joe McQuade received the Marcia Wynn Award at our Family/Board Fall Kickoff held on Sept. 26, 2024. The Marcia Wynn Award honors parents in recognition of their extraordinary service to the JWF community.

Todd has served on the board for 5 years, and has helped out with the Red Tie and Awards Ceremony, and now is serving on the Family Engagement Committee. He has many times spoken to the parents of new Wynners about his appreciation for and dedication to the Justin Wynn Fund.

Joe has served on the board for 5 years, has helped out with the 3-on-3 every year, and has served on the Marketing Committee and now the Resource Development Committee. His thoughtful and helpful approach are most appreciated.

Wynners Micah Cherkasky and Anna McQuade presented their fathers with the 2024 Marcia Wynn Award on behalf of the Justin Wynn Board of Directors. Congratulations Todd and Joe!

The Wynn family selected ETHS seniors Kayla Rodriguez and Joseph Williams Salgado as the 2024 Catherine McKnight Scholarship recipients. 

Kayla plans to attend Grand Canyon University and major in nursing. Joseph will attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a major in film and media studies.

Congratulations and best wishes to Kayla and Joseph!

Wynner parent John Kayaian received the Marcia Wynn Award at our Parent/Board Gathering held on Sept. 28, 2023. The Marcia Wynn Award honors parents who have been consistent supporters of the Justin Wynn Fund.

John has been a dedicated supporter of the Justin Wynn Fund since his son Theo received the Justin Wynn Award. He has served on the JWF Board of Directors since 2017, including as Vice President for four years. John has been instrumental in planning the Red Tie Soirée each year, and has planned and hosted our annual Parent Mixers.

Wynner Theo Kayaian presented his father with the 2023 Marcia Wynn Award on behalf of the Justin Wynn Board of Directors. Congratulations John!