Michael Buche Receives Blackhawk Alumni Scholarship

By Marco Rodriguez, St. Laurence Class of 2013

St. Laurence Senior Michael Buche (’13) was recognized by TV announcer Pat Foley during the television broadcast of the Chicago Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild game on March 5. Michael was one of three students who received the prestigious Blackhawk Alumni Scholarship this year. The scholarship was founded in 1987 by a group of retired Blackhawk players who wanted to “give something back” to the city of Chicago and the sport of hockey. The result was a scholarship rewarded to the “most-deserving” hockey players in the state of Illinois in an effort to create a community of players who help each other and become involved in charitable affairs. Since its inception, the scholarship has been awarded to over 50 players from all over the state of Illinois. Recipients of the scholarship can look forward to annual events such as the Scholarship Awards Luncheon, Stan Mikita Golf Outing, Annual Blackhawk Alumni Family Picnic, alumni games versus other alumni teams, and game appearances during the regular season in addition to the scholarship money.

When asked about his initial reaction when he learned he had won the scholarship, thoughts along the lines of “There is no way I won! This is all a dream, I cannot believe I won!” raced through Michael Buche’s head.  “While it is a big scholarship and will help relieve the financial burden of college tuition from my family, being a part of the Blackhawks Alumni Association has already proved to be amazing. Everyone from the association made me feel like part of the family immediately. I cannot imagine a greater group of people,” said Michael Buche when asked about the importance of this scholarship.

St. Laurence High school would like to extend its congratulations to all three recipients: Jacyln Story of Guerin College Preparatory High School, Duncan Coogan of Glenbrook North High School, and STL’s very own Michael Buche.