Leonard Chaikowsky Academic Award
Established 2004
Leonard Chaikowsky was born in Shenandoah on December 13, 1913 to Lithuanian immigrants and became well-respected throughout Schuylkill County. His extraordinary character reflected in the work he did and the people he helped. Well-regarded for his comforting, positive attitude and energy, in 2002 he was honored for decades of service to the community when he was named Grand Marshal of the Shenandoah Heritage Day Parade.
Except for his years of service during WWII in the Pacific as a First Lieutenant in the US Army, Leonard spent his life in his home town as a business proprietor. An active parishioner and lector of St. George Roman Catholic Lithuanian Church, he continued lifelong associations with Lithuanian-American organizations. Leonard was also a charter member of Catholic War Veterans, a volunteer with the Polish American Fire Company for more than six decades, and a member of several fraternal and veteran societies.
Throughout the years, numerous business contacts and friends, both local and from outside the area, wanted to recognize his indomitable spirit and inspirational generosity. The Leonard Chaikowsky Academic Award, established in celebration of his 90th birthday, acknowledges a graduating senior of Shenandoah Valley who is dedicated to academics and service to the community.
