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Scholarship Fund Keeps The Memory of Slain Rockford Teenagers Alive

Olson Funeral & Cremation Services

The memory of two Rockford teenagers killed by their father in February is being kept alive through a scholarship program. A benefit concert for the fund takes place Wednesday night at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles

Heidi Ruckman began working to create the Chris and Jack Ruckman Music Scholarship Fundnot long after her children’s deaths at the hands of her former husband, Peter Ruckman. She said 14-year-old Chris and 12-year-old Jack were talented musicians and music played a big part of their lives. She wanted to honor that legacy and create something positive out of the tragedy by giving back to others.

“So that children,” Ruckman said, “that maybe weren’t as fortunate as mine were to be exposed to music can really explore and enjoy the love that they have for music.”

Ruckman said, to start, scholarships will go to graduating high school seniors for whom music has had a positive impact on their lives. She said she hopes, as it grows, the fund also can help children who can’t afford instruments or band camp.

The lineup for the Arcada concert includes The Davenport Project and Harlan Jefferson, with whose band Chris Ruckman played.

Guy Stephens produces news stories for the station, and coordinates our online events calendar, PSAs and Arts Calendar announcements. In each of these ways, Guy helps keep our listening community informed about what's going on, whether on a national or local level. Guy's degrees are in music, and he spent a number of years as a classical host on WNIU. In fact, after nearly 20 years with Northern Public Radio, the best description of his job may be "other duties as required."
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