Fenwick skater Story awarded Blackhawk Alumni scholarship

Lake Barrington-02/24/13, Sun./Barrington Ice Arena #7 Jaclyn Story, of Fenwick in game play vs. Barrington Sunday night. | Joe Shuman~For Sun-Times Media

Updated: April 1, 2013 6:54AM

Guerin senior Jaclyn Story, who plays on the Fenwick girls hockey team, takes great satisfaction in helping others.

That is one of the many reasons the Chicago resident was awarded the Blackhawk Alumni Association college scholarship. The award is given annually to the three most deserving high school hockey players in Illinois based on level of community service, volunteerism, good citizenship, academic performance and hockey talent.

“I was shocked,” Story said. “I was jumping up and down when I found out. I didn’t think I’d win, so I feel pretty accomplished. I take joy in helping others. It teaches me a lot. It’s something I love doing.”

Story has worked at a neighborhood food pantry the past four years. She’s also served at summer camps as a helper or camp councelor.

“I really enjoy it,” Story said. “It has taught me to appreciate what I have. So many people have less. I see people that have nothing, but they are so grateful for anything and they have such high spirits. I have learned so much from them.”

It was the second year in a row a Fenwick player won the scholarship. Fenwick’s program has actually earned the scholarship four consecutive years, dating back to when it was affiliated with Oak Park-River Forest.

Story, who is still cementing her college plans, will receive an annual $5,000 grant for the next four years.

“She’s a selfless leader; always sacrificing her time and energy to help other people,” Fenwick hockey coach Mason Strom said. “She has some pretty outstanding qualities in a young person. She is very community oriented.

“Jackie is one of the most polite individuals I’ve ever had the privilege of coaching. She is always thanking you for your time, whether it’s during dry land workouts, practices or games.”

Story first started playing hockey when she was 8 — about three years after she wanted to begin the sport.

“It took me three years to convince my mom to let me play,” Story said. “I used to play with the boys, so I think she feels better about be playing on the girls team now. My dad has always been a big hockey fan and played when he was younger. I’ve always loved it and wanted to play. My mom and dad both love to come to my games.”

Story is an assistant captain on the hockey team and plays left wing.

“It’s an honor to be a captain,” Story said. “I know how I felt coming in freshman year, feeling I didn’t know much and wasn’t that good. I want to encourage them.”

Strom has been impressed by the strides Story has made on the ice through the years.

“She’s a first-line player for us this year,” Strom said. “She goes out and kills penalties and she’s on the power play. She’s taken on a role of mentoring a lot of young players, not just freshman but other first-year hockey players.”

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