Elmhurst Exemplary Youth Service Awards Program 3.19.15

Ken Bartels

Welcome! I am Ken Bartels, Senior Vice President and Director of Community Bank of Elmhurst, and your Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Thank you all for joining us as we honor this very special group of young people our 2015 Exemplary Youth Service Award nominees. These youth make a difference to others and their community. We are proud to celebrate their efforts and congratulate all of the youth here tonight through this awards ceremony and the reception immediately following. Thank you to the nominators and the many special family members and friends in this room.

Please allow me to introduce our host, District 205 Superintendent Dave Pruneau.

David Pruneau

I am pleased to be here tonight to help congratulate this amazing group of young people! We are thrilled to host this outstanding event and welcome Mayor Morley and members of the City Council, along with all of our honored guests.

It is important to make sure the volunteerism of our communitys youth is recognized in a public and positive way, so that we not only encourage our nominees continued involvement in the community, but serve as a role model for others.

(Additional brief comments on the importance of service learning and character development.)

And now, it is my pleasure to introduce the Mayor of Elmhurst, Mr. Steve Morley.

Steve Morley

On behalf of the Elmhurst City Council, City staff and members of our Commission on Youth, for which this program has been a cornerstone for over 17 years, we would like to thank you for joining us as we honor 160 wonderful young people.

In fact, this evening is all about them. Tonight we shine a spotlight on young people who give back...to their friends and neighbors, to their school community or to complete strangers through their own efforts and through the service organizations that help make Elmhurst such a wonderful place to live. As members of the community, we want you to know that we see and value this. We are certain your contributions thus far are the beginning of a lifetime of commitment to helping to improve others circumstances and building better, stronger communities.

Events like these encourage a spirit of volunteerism in young people and, I believe, help create tomorrow's leaders. I want to take a moment to thank three community leaders who volunteered to read and judge the entries for tonight's awards:

Dr. Michelle Fitzgerald, Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching, Elmhurst School District 205 Dominic Panico, Deputy Chief, ElmhurstPoliceDepartment and Diane McGinnis, Director of Community & Government Relations, Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare

We also want to express our gratitude to the adults who nominated these young volunteers and brought their service to the attention of our community! Would our nominators please stand? (Applause)

Congratulations to each of you!

Ken Bartels

Thank you, Mayor Morley. We are grateful to the City of Elmhurst for its support of this program and to District 205 for providing this venue. Tonight, we will be recognizing all of our nominees. Each of the young people nominated have truly demonstrated the spirit of community service.

We begin by commending the contributions of each of the following nominees.

1. Lilian Alexandrova, our first commended exemplary volunteer, was nominated by her neighbor, Teri Rogers. Ms. Rogers describes an impressive and full list of school activities, in addition to Lilians many volunteer efforts. Lilian is a dedicated member of the York High School Key Club, where she volunteers for Elmhurst Kiwanis events, such as the Charity Pancake Breakfast, and ushers for the for the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra concerts at the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church. She constantly volunteers at the Elmhurst and Oak Brook Park Districts, as well as at Elmhurst Historical Museum events. Lilian, thank you for consistently volunteering across a number of organizations. You provide a terrific example to others, demonstrating that amidst our busy schedules, we can make time to volunteer in our community.

2. Jared Applegate was nominated by Amy DeCillo of Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare. In addition to his many activities, Jared has volunteered for one year for Elmhurst-Edward Hospital. According to Ms. DeCillo, Jared has been a, Pleasure to have on our team. He volunteers as a Guest Services volunteer greeting and welcoming our visitors as they come in to the hospital. He assists with training new volunteers with a positive/kind attitude! Jared has also helped with many special community events that he has been asked to be a part of. Jared, you are to be commended for working across many roles as you volunteer. Congratulations!

3. Margaret Bennet was also nominated by Dee Panek of Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare. Nineteen-year old Margaret has volunteered at the hospital since she was a freshman in high school, continuing to return to volunteer as her school schedule allows. Margaret leads hospital tours and, according to Ms. Panek, is the, go-to teen when we need a leader or a trainer to help other teens, college students or staff. Margaret also volunteers for Loyolas Admissions Department. Margaret, thank you for your commitment!

4. Luke Brigman was nominated as an Exemplary Youth by Erica Brady of the Elmhurst Park District. Luke volunteered to help in the Elmhurst Park Districts Mini-Sports Camp. Luke accepted the leadership role with ease and minimal direction, always encouraging the campers and genuinely caring for their well-being. He fully participated in all activities. In her nomination, Erica states, It was a pleasure to work with him. Luke, thank you for your contributions and your leadership as you volunteer!

5. Nominated by Nicole Fiehler, 15-year-old Rachel Chiappetta hosted bake sales to support Cookies for Kids' Cancer. She also inspired other students to get involved and their bake sales have raised $2,000 for the organization. Ms. Fiehler states, I have enjoyed working with Rachel and have confidence she will continue to inspire others around her to find something they are passionate about and spend time and energy on that! She is a good cookie! Congratulations, Rachel!

6. Dee Panek, from Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare, nominated Lydia Faber for her volunteerism at the hospital, which has been greatly appreciated by the patients, volunteers and staff. As a volunteer, Lydia warmly receives visitors at the front reception desk of the family birthing unit, providing the face to the public as they approach the unit. She has much responsibility: she calmly welcomes mothers that are in labor and escorts them to triage while alerting staff. She even helps train others. In addition to many school activities, Lydia volunteers for the Peer Jury at the Elmhurst Police Department and helps at her church nursery with child care. Lydia, thank you for exemplifying the maturity and skills youth can demonstrate when they volunteer!

7. Haley Goulding was nominated by Amy DeCillo of Elmhurst-Edward Healthcare. Haley has volunteered at the hospital for several years. Ms. DeCillo said she nominated Haley because, She has been a leader in the Emergency Department helping to train other volunteers. She is very consistent, friendly, and giving. The hospital staff have enjoyed having Haley as a volunteer. Thank you, Haley, for your commitment and enthusiasm!

8. Glory Jacquat was nominated by Kym Iffert of the Hinsdale Humane Society. Glory has volunteered for Hinsdale Humane Society as a parade participant, helps socialize cats in the shelter, acts as a summer camp counselor, and most recently became a founding member and the volunteer coordinator chairperson for the Junior Board: a youth-led group that organizes community fundraising and awareness events for the shelter. Glory also volunteers as a cello instructor for children in Elmhurst. Kym said she nominated Glory because of her commitment, dedication, strong work skills and ethics, and because she, Takes all of her roles seriously and has been an outstanding role model for our volunteers both young and old. Glory, the City of Elmhurst commends you for your commitment and dedication in your volunteerism. Thank you!

9. Janene Kuhl nominated 14-year-old Ryan Kenneally as an Exemplary Youth. Ryan volunteered, without pay, all summer for a friend of his family to babysit while the parent recovered from surgery. He shovels his neighbor's driveway all winter, again without pay. He frequently serves as altar server at the early mass or at funerals and helps out the high school football team by volunteering to chart all the plays and help the coaches. And, he volunteers at the Immaculate Conception Christmas tree lot. Janene said she nominated Ryan because, He is always willing to help anyone simply because it is the right thing to do his willingness to help others in many different ways... He has the true spirit of a volunteer. Ryan, thank you for modeling such strong character in the many ways you help others!

10. Brianna King, was nominated by Faith Humphrey-Hill of the Elmhurst Art Museum. Brianna has been a volunteer at the Elmhurst Art Museum for two years, helping with special events and as a Junior Counselor for EAMs summer camp, assisting younger artists who need guidance. She shares her love of art with younger children by being a junior docent. She shows exemplary work ethics and shares her perspective and passion for art with others. Hundreds of Elmhurst residents have benefitted from their interactions with Brianna. Ms. Humphrey Hill states she is, Looking forward to seeing where Briannas drive and enthusiasm for art will take her in life. Thank you for sharing your interests with others, Brianna!

11. Jillian Maher was also nominated by Nicole Fiehler of Cookies for Kids Cancer. In her nomination, Ms. Fiehler explains that when Jillian heard about Cookies for Kids' Cancer, a national non-profit that raises funding for new and less toxic treatments for children battling cancer, she jumped in to start making a difference. Half a dozen bake sale events in her community later, Jill had raised around $3,000 for Cookies for Kids' Cancer. And the "sweetest" part - when it was time for her to go to college, she inspired younger girls at her school to get involved and carry on the Good Cookie legacy. More events are still taking place in her community in the months since she's been away at school! Jillian, thank you for demonstrating the power of community engagement in your volunteerism.

12. Evan Parat was nominated by Julie Stiegemeyer from Redeemer Lutheran Church. Evan serves at his churchs week-long youth mission trip in the summer in Linville, North Carolina. Here, he cut down trees and cleared land for Habitat for Humanity. He also regularly helps distribute food at the Garfield Park Food Pantry and finds ways in and outside of church to make a difference in the community. Ms. Stiegemeyer says that, Whenever there is a need at his school (York H.S.), at home, or at church, Evan finds a way to help with his time, energy, and positive attitude. Evan, your service to others is a model of reaching out to help others within and across communities. Thank you!

13. Thirteen-year-old Gabriel Remy was nominated by Jane Connors from Immaculate Conceptions Religious Education Office. Gabriel has worked with the first grade Catechist for two years in the religious education program. He has taken on much responsibility, always coming to class early to set up and staying late to clean up. He engages in the teaching aspects of the class and plays games with the children. Gabriel also volunteers at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora and the Northern Illinois Food Bank in Geneva, as well as for Soles for Kids. Gabriel, your contributions to the community show commendable spirit. Thank you!

14. Twelve-year-old Brenton Russo was nominated by Kim Calkins and Sarah Burnside from the Elmhurst Public Library. They state: Brenton began volunteering as a summer reading volunteer as soon as he was old enough and has been a consistent presence in the Kids Library ever since. They estimate he has given well over 100 hours. At the library, he stands out for the quality of his work and his attitude. Brenton is consistent, thorough, engaging, and helps wherever he can. He is forever asking, Whats next? He has gained the trust of the staff and handles responsibility well. Thank you, Brenton, for your enthusiastic service to your community and for being a role model for others.

15. Will Salek was nominated by Angie Flesch of the Elmhurst YMCA. Will contacted Angie about doing a service project at the YMCA for his Eagle Scout badge. Although Will brought some ideas to his meeting with Angie, he was eager to meet the needs of the YMCA - an organization where he felt a strong connection as a younger child. When Angie shared that small children love to watch the trains in front of the YMCA, Will designed, sought community donations for, and built four Adirondack chairs and a table to place in front of the YMCA for children to watch the trains go by. The City of Elmhurst and the YMCA commend Will for using his gifts to give back!

Several groups of youth were also nominated as Exemplary Volunteers.

When named, all group nominees should come to the front of the stage to be recognized. Following the reading of the description, designated group leaders will be asked to come up on stage to accept the certificates.

1. Circle of Friends

Our first group of youth to be commended for their exemplary volunteerism was nominated by Ms. Patti Blazejak and Principal Linda Fehrenbacher of Sandburg Middle School. Twenty-seven 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students at Sandburg are volunteers in the Circle of Friends, acting as peer buddies with students in the multi-needs classroom. The young people who are a part of the Circle of Friends help other Sandburg students with multiple needs to develop social and friendship skills in school. The Youth engage in a variety of activities which include crafts, cooking, games, writing news stories, and going to grocery stores and restaurants to reinforce skills and be good role models. As Ms. Blazejak and Principal Fehrenbacher point out, their service is exemplary not only for their good works, but because they give time out of their school day and have to make up the work they have missed in their own classes. Thank you for your time, your dedication, and your giving of yourself to help other young people!

The youth to be commended include:

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Erin AndersonFrank Burke-OlsonAndrew CzechIsabella DeBlasioEmily DowIsabella FilosaCaroline FritschMarianna Gatti Haley GraneDavid HansenCooper HausJimmy JurasekAriana KapotasLily Karwowski Ryan Leonard Ian MbaEva McGivney Brigid O'BrienHolt PuckettBen RogersStephen Rosario Jason SchmuhlNikki Spyropoulos Kaitlin Templeman Jake TruettPayton Wasserman Finley Wells

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Will the Circle of Friends Group please stand and be recognized?

Will the group leaders, Ben Rogers and Lily Karwowski, please come forward to accept the certificates on behalf of the Circle of Friends Group?

2. York All Youth 2014-2015 Relay for Life

Anne Sullivan, advisor to the York All Youth Relay for Life team, nominated the four Senior Chairs and the 50 York Relay for Life Committee members.

Ms. Sullivan nominated the York All Youth Relay for Life due to their continued level of dedication to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Elmhurst. The YAY Relay students volunteer to plan, organize and staff the many Relay awareness and fundraising events throughout the year at York. This year, they added the Amateur Musicians Club Relay for Life Concert and the Boys Cross Country Conference Meet to their annual Paint The Gym Purple, Paint the Track Purple, VolleyBALD, and Men In Tights efforts.

These students volunteer to promote and decorate, staff and clean for every event, and some work at their lunch hours to help sell Relay T shirts. They have mastered the art of running the concessions stand and preparing all funds for deposit. These students not only volunteer to be on this committee, but also to be part of (and often captain) a Relay Teamwhich means raising a minimum of $100 individually on top of the efforts mentioned above. The York All Youth Relay for Life 2014-2015 team is breaking fundraising goals this year, having raised more than $11,000 with three more significant events to go! Thank you to the Senior Leadership Team and all the committee members. Your dedication and enthusiasm truly unites the Elmhurst community!

The Committee Members include:

Rachel AtristainAudrey BarberNora BarrettJackson BodeMadison CaseyErik CasterOlivia CondonNathan DalePeter DeGraceTommy DevereuxDaylee DumasJacob EvansGrace FosterCam FowlerKensey GawneLauren GaynorIzzy GilLucie GleasonAbby GundrumMarissa GuzmanCollin HamillMeggie HartEllen HartleyJosh HovanceCara HovanceSophia KilgastBob KrissingerLuke LibertConnor LockieMegan McGrealRicky MendozaGrey MillerSophie MordiniJack MorrisseyAnnie Mundle Lauren MurphyKaitlyn NovyWalker O'BrienBennett O'BrienMolly O'ConnorAlexis OlsonJoey PerezAlly PetersonHayley RossianoGinny Watson,Kathryn WheeleAllie WolfeBrooke WrasseLara Zich Rachel Zich

The Senior Leadership Team for the York All Youth 2014-2015 Relay for Life includes:

Jack GergetsMatt HoganErin O'NeillVeronica Wegner

At this time, I would ask that the York All Youth Relay for Life committee members please stand and be recognized? (Wait for standing and applause).

Will the Senior Leadership Team please come forth to accept the certificates?

3. The York High School Hockey Club

Patricia Wycislak nominated The York High School Hockey Club.

For the past six years, the York Hockey Club has supported the Toys for Tots holiday toy drive program by sponsoring a toy drive during the Christmas season. This year, 38 York varsity and JV players solicited family, friends and neighbors and collected close to 2,000 toys to give to the Toys for Tots program. The players handed out collection bags, then brought the full bags to the Addison Ice Arena for presentation on December 5th to two Marine Corps officers who came as representatives of Toys for Tots. Congratulations to these young men for developing such a successful effort! Thank you!

All of the team members participated in this volunteer effort, including:

Thomas AlbinScott Blair Daniel Byrne Josef Calzante Shane Cassidy Anders Caster Trevor Corsello Alex Crum Matthew Davis Mark Dorsey Matthew Dufort Elliott Fafinski Mark Feilen John Foley Liam Gardner Ethan Horne Marcos Kapsalis Nolan Knupp Nicholas Lee Joseph Levin Jake McCreadie Liam McFarlane Grey Miller AJ Orlando Ryan Pedote Dylan Reynolds Michael Rouzer Matthew Sabatini Matthew Shepherd Kyle Spiller Parker Stasica Anthony Trankina

Captains representing the team are:

Dominic GattiJoey Hayes Zach Johnson Mitchell KurzweilJack Redick Tom Sieracki

At this time, I would ask that the members of the York Hockey Club please stand and be recognized.

Will the Team Captains team please come forth to accept the certificates? 4. Feed My Starving Children

Marilyn Maurella of Feed My Starving Children nominated a group of young volunteers from this organization for their exemplary contributions. The youth nominated include:

Katelyn LeonardGrace ManiolaMartha MiklyukhLola OdorisioMaryalice Shockey

Feed My Starving Children is a 501(3) non-profit organization with the goal to eliminate starvation and malnutrition in children around the world by instilling compassion in people to hear and respond to the cries of those in need. Maryalice Shockey was inspired after reading Yellow Star, the story of Sylvia Perlmutters survival during the Holocaust, and meeting Ms. Perlmutter. Maryalice and Sylvia Perlmutter agreed that no kids should go hungry. As a result, this group of five friends decided to organize a fun event called Kartwheels 4 Kids. The girls raised $840 for Feed My Starving Children. This is enough to provide 3,818 lifesaving meals for children in desperate need. I think that we can all agree with Ms. Maurella when she says, These girls most definitely are changing their world for the better! Thanks to all of you for sharing your inspiration!Will the nominees from Feed My Starving Children group please come forward to accept your certificates?5. First United Methodist Church Youth Group

The First United Methodist Church Youth Group was nominated by Ruth Zervas. The youth groups Youth Leadership Team includes:

Carly Laurx Emily LockeBecca RogersEmma Jordan Wood

The Youth Leadership Team is responsible for running the Elmhurst First United Methodist Church Youth Breakfast Ministry, which provides clothing for anywhere from 60 to 90 guests from the church's Clothing Closet and free breakfast twice a month. The youth run the Breakfast Ministry. Their duties include creating and updating an inventory list, training youth and adult volunteers, planning fundraisers, evaluating the efficiency of the service and making improvements, as well as proposing, planning and carrying out a Christmas gift ministry for the young guests.

The youth have also participated in mission trips to West Virginia's Appalachian region to help build homes and they do environmental work in Green Lake, Wisconsin. Ms. Zervas explained in her nomination, The Youth Breakfast Ministry is a true source of pride for the First United Methodist Church. All those who serve at the Youth Breakfast Ministry, but in particular, the four people on our leadership team, consistently demonstrate exemplary commitment, desire to contribute to the well-being of a worthy group of people and the spirit of volunteerism.

Will the Youth Leadership Team from the United Methodist Church Youth Breakfast Ministry please come forward to accept your certificates?

(NEXT PAGE for AWARD/PLAQUE WINNERS)

In addition to celebrating the good work of all of our nominees, our judges have identified six individuals and two groups to receive plaques noting their outstanding and exemplary service. These awards are based on truly exceptional service in the area of commitment to others; providing for the health and well-being of the community at large; and promoting the spirit of volunteerism.

1. Our first recipient of the Exemplary Service Award is Emily Belcher, nominated by Ashley Skinner of Churchville Middle School. In addition to Emilys rigorous academic and extracurricular activities, she volunteered to maintain the Churchville Middle School prairie, encouraging fellow students to aid in the cleanup efforts and embrace the beauty of the outdoors. Daily, she supports the local charity, Children Up, by helping to run the schools Snack Shack. The profits are donated to support the education of children in Uganda. Emily has also taught other students through her advocacy for student participation in a charity basketball game, played annually in honor of a former Churchville teacher, Marsha Amerio. She has also volunteered at the Schaumburg Feed My Starving Children facility, and is passionate about generating awareness for ALS. Ms. Skinner states, Emilys ability to connect with people of all ages and develop creative ideas makes her an invaluable part of Churchville Middle School and the Elmhurst community. Congratulations, Emily, for making a difference in so many different ways!

2. Our next individual award is presented to Lucas Gough. Lucas was nominated for the award by Melissa McGivney. She wrote, Lucas, Is a true volunteer from his heart; helping others is his nature. Throughout all aspects of his life, he reaches out to give back to others. Amidst a heavy course load and commitment to sports, he has found much time to dedicate to other people in his community. Matt has used his athletic skills to volunteer for Access Sports, a sports program for the physically handicapped. And, he voluntarily coached his grade school-aged YMCA basketball to second place, receiving much praise from parents for his enthusiasm and patience. He volunteers for Grace Caf, PADS, delivers food for the Elmhurst Food Pantry, plays the keyboard during Sunday Services and is active in his church youth group, as well as the York High School Ambassador program. Ms. McGivney, as well as the rest of us, look forward to watching as Lucas continues to make a mark on our community. Lucas, you serve as a role model to us all!

3. Exemplary Youth Award recipient Andrew Harman was nominated by Emily Milleville of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Andrew has completed two summers as a volunteer Junior Keeper at Willowbrook Wildlife Center, home to various native animals with permanent disabilities that live in enclosures along the centers outdoor exhibit trail. He continues to volunteer on a weekly basis as part of the centers family program. Andrews service is extremely helpful in the centers day-to-day operations, consistently impressing adult volunteers and staff members by improving his abilities, taking guidance and correction to heart and applying feedback to his service in a respectable and mature fashion. Ms. Milleville states that Andrew, Always shows a great deal of compassion and respect to the animals in our organizations care, and we are glad he is a part of Willowbrook Wildlife Center. Andrew, thank you for your exemplary service and, importantly, your interest in constantly improving yourself and the experience of others!

4. Katelyn Kolosieke was nominated by Jim Karwowski, a fellow church volunteer at Bethel United Church of Christ. Mr. Karwowski described Katelyns dedication in caring for the pre-school aged children of their church by safely and creatively overseeing the children while their parents attend services. Many times, once worship is over, the children do not wish to leave, because they are having so much fun with Katelyn. Katelyns volunteerism extends beyond childcare to cleaning/landscaping the church grounds, taking initiative to do what tasks need to be done, and recruiting other teens to participate. She also participates in the PADS program. In past years, Katelyn has volunteered in church mission trips to other states. Mr. Karwowski states that, Katelyn participates freely and her smiles bring joy to those she is working with, as well as those she is lifting up. Katelyn, thank you for your enthusiasm and dedication to your community!

5. Brenton Russo, a 7th grader at Churchville Middle School, is our next Exemplary Volunteer Award recipient. Unbeknownst to him and to his nominators, Brenton was nominated three times! One of his nominators, teacher Ashley Skinner, states, This student arrived at middle school with an enthusiasm for helping others already in place. Brenton volunteers to maintain the Churchville Prairie and participates in the G.T.O. (Give to Others) Club by running the Snack Shack and has put his marketing skills to use to raise Snack Shack profits and expand awareness of Children Up. Brenton has also applied his skills to the stage, painting sets for Churchvilles annual fall play, musical, and variety show. Ms. Skinner states that Brenton does not wait for ideas on how to help or directions for tasks, he generates his own or reads situations and sees where there is a need. Brenton, thank you for using your many talents and interests wisely to help others!

6. Julian Wrobel, age 12, was nominated by Kelli Godawa of the Elmhurst Park District for his exemplary volunteerism. Julian has spent much time as a first year Leader in Training, exemplifying a positive attitude, enthusiasm, and confidence, while assisting counselors in activities and games and acting as a good influence on the campers and fellow Leaders in Training. Julian has asked for more responsibility at every turn; he both took and gave direction without complaint. His love of camp and nurturing the campers, along with all of the behaviors stated above, are what caused most campers and counselors to request that he be in their groups on pool day and onsite days. All of this is a testament to his abilities as a volunteer and natural leader. He was successful in helping to provide a safe, creative, and FUN summer. According to his nominator, the program would not have been the same without him. Please help us recognize Julian with this Exemplary Youth Service Award.

And now we recognize those students nominated for outstanding community service as a group.

1. Our first group Exemplary Award goes to Access Sports, nominated by Kristin Boxall. This group consists of eight seniors from York High School:Courtney AmiotMary Kate BoyleKate ChaudoinCailin HickeyMatt HoganLuke LibertSamantha SeidenfussVinu VazhakoottathilEach member of this group has served as a youth volunteer for all four years of high school and most were also volunteers as middle school students. They have all volunteered for Access Sports during multiple sports and for multiple weeks, serving as 1:1 one-to-one volunteers to athletes with disabilities, as well as positive role models for the athletes and younger volunteers. Many have acted as coaches, organizing athletes and volunteers. This group has been successful in working through challenging behaviors exhibited by Access Sports athletes and have been able to get players back on track. They arrive early, leave late and help with whatever needs to be done. They understand the meaning of volunteering and serving others. Their commitment and attendance every season over the years has been outstanding. According to Ms. Boxall, They will leave a lasting impression! Congratulations, you have truly demonstrated commitment in your volunteerism, and we are sure you will continue to make lasting impressions in the future!

2. Our second exemplary group award goes to the Give to Others Club (GTO) at Churchville Middle School, nominated by Kristen Olsen. The main purpose of the Give to Others Club is to raise money through bake sales to donate to organizations in need. So far this year, the club has sponsored three families through the United Community Concerns Association (UCCA) by holding a Nickels Unite fundraiser. They have also donated money to the Churchville Library to put toward bringing in an author. In addition, the GTO Club became a Partner in Hope with St. Jude Children's Hospital. The students nominated for the group award independently run the groups Snack Shack, which is open to students for ten minutes after school. The youth include:

Emily BelcherBrenton RussoEmmett ZumerchikHenry's Hut makes a profit of about $800 a semester to support the education of a student in Uganda through Children UP. On top of running Henry's Hut, these students help out at GTO Club on Mondays, and they helped sell baked goods at FAM night, as well as selling concessions at the Churchville student/faculty basketball game. Ms. Olsen states, These students dedication to give back is unbelievable. They are extremely involved in the school and community and never seem to be overwhelmed because they love it! Congratulations to Emmett, Brenton and Emily on your outstanding dedication and service to others in your school, your community, your country, and abroad!

And now, lets hear from our student representatives, in their own words, the importance of volunteerism. Representing the York All Youth Relay Team are seniors Jack Gergets, Matt Hogan, Erin O'Neill and Veronica Wegner.

Conclusion of the program:

Many thanks to the Commission on Youth for organizing this wonderful program. Over the past 17-plus years, the Commission has also: published a Directory of Youth Services, been involved in supporting Operation Snowball/Snowflake programs, laid the groundwork for the District 205 mentoring program, as well as worked to promote various youth and family-oriented activities, including this falls highly successful community forum, The New Face of Heroin. We look forward to more Youth Commission-sponsored community forums in the future. The Commission is in the process of partnering with a number of Elmhurst organizations to sponsor a Youth Job and Volunteer Fair on April 15, from 3:30 to 7:30, in the York High School Commons.

Would members of the Commission on Youth please stand and be recognized?

I'd like to ask all of our youth who were recognized here tonight to sign the poster that's located in the Sandburg cafeteria. If you signed it when you came in, great...but if you didn't, please make sure to autograph it before you leave. This poster will be on display at City Hall.

You are all invited to join us for a dessert reception in the cafeteria next door. Members of the Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS) Band, a band of young people who play music for and with shelter service recipients, and who were recognized at last years Exemplary Youth Service Awards, are demonstrating their continued service by playing for our reception.

Thank you to the PADS band,to City Centre for providing a $5 gift certificate to each nominee, toour nominators, judges and those here in attendance with our youth volunteers, who have supported and encouraged their service. Lets have one more round of applause for all of our young honorees!