Elmhurst Students Honored for Exemplary Community Service

Eighty-three young people from the city of Elmhurst have already learned what takes most adults a lifetime: that one person can make a difference.

Students were honored for their volunteer service to the community at the Exemplary Youth Service Awards program sponsored by the Commission on Youth on March 26. The ceremony, held at Sandburg Middle School, recognizes students who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to a voluntary cause, contributed to the health and well-being of a worthy individual, group or community at large, and promoting the spirit of volunteerism.

This year’s nominees included give groups and 17 individual students ranging in age from elementary through high school. Nominations were judged by Elmhurst College President S. Alan Ray, Diane McGinnis, director of community and government Relations for Elmhurst Healthcare, and Elmhurst Police Deputy Chief Dominic Panico.

Award winners were personally congratulated by Elmhurst Mayor Steve Morley and District 205 Superintendent Dave Pruneau. Ken Bartels served as master of ceremonies for the evening.

Members of the York All Youth Relay for Life Board, Olivia Emerick, Anna Kaleta, Lizzie Larsen and Kelly Mordini, spoke about their personal commitment as Relay for Life volunteers for the American Cancer Society. They encouraged the audience that one person can make a positive difference in the life of others.

The program available for viewing on Elmhurst TV and will air on Elmhurst government cable TV channels (UVerse Channel 99 and Comcast Channel 6) on Sundays at 7:30 PM and Thursdays at 5 PM throughout April.

Honored were the following students and groups:

Commendable Youth Volunteers (individuals)

Matt Fanelli, Kelsey Mills, Rachael Meadors, Dani Kolosieke, Jenny Murphy, Emma Jordan-Wood, Jake Lichty, Mary Margaret Koch, Charlie Eipert and Andrew Hausoul

Commendable Youth Volunteers (groups)

York High School PRIDE Board: Mary Kate Boyle, Joe Casagranda, Maria Conversa, Jessica Heinz, Sarah Heinz, Steven Roger Knopf, Francesca Sciaccotta and Grace Sopko

Access Sports: Gwyneth Burns, James Chadoin, Jack Freeborn, Lauren Healy, Lauren Kjome, Danielle Kolosieke, Joe Lansdowne, Tom Latz, Michael Morsch and Bryce Pacheco

Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS) Band: Ben Pavlik, Clark Pavlik, Reese Pavlik and Alex Stezowski

Outstanding Youth Volunteers (individuals)

Amy Landenberger, Morgan McCann, Beth Mendralla, Camden Hildy, Kim Fritsch and Kayman Klaas

Outstanding Youth Volunteers (groups)

Jefferson School Fourth Grade Study Group: Angelina Bailey, Lindsey Bingham and Sam Wit

York High School All Youth Relay for Life Committee: led by board members Olivia Emerick, Anna Kaleta, Lizzie Larsen and Kelly Mordini, committee members included Rachel Atristain, Audrey Barber, Nora Barrett, Erik Caster, Jenny Coffin, Olivia Condon, Nathan Dale, Peter DeGrace, Tommy Devereux, Jacob Evans, Madi Fafinski, Grace Foster, Kensey Gawne, Lauren Gaynor, Jack Gergets, Abby Gundrum, Collin Hamill, Robert Hanrahan, Meggie Hart, Ellen Hartley, Jack Heinle, Matt Hogan, Josh Hovance, Sophia Kilgast, Gia Kish, Bob Krissinger, Connor Lockie, Megan McCarthy, Megan McGreal, Sophie Mordini, Erin O'Neill, Ally Peterson, Ginny Watson, Veronica Wegner, Alex Wheatland, Kathryn Wheeler, Allie Wolfe, Rachel Zich and Lara Zich.