Joliet Central High School Student Given Chicago Bears 2026 Community High School All-Star Award

(The following edited press release is from Kristine Schlismann, director of Community & Alumni Relations with Joliet Township High School District 204.)

JOLIET, IL —The Chicago Bears have announced that Amaya Crowder, a senior student-athlete at Joliet Central High School, is the second recipient of the 2026 Community High School All-Star Award, brought to you by Athletico Physical Therapy.

As part of its ongoing recognition of high school student-athletes throughout March and April who demonstrate leadership, character and a positive impact beyond the game, the Chicago Bears highlight Crowder for her contributions to her community and those around her.

Crowder was nominated by her coaches for the leadership, compassion and resilience she demonstrates both on and off the field. Known among her peers as a positive role model, she consistently dedicates her time and energy to uplifting others and strengthening her school community.

Volunteering in the community has long been an important part of Crowder’s commitment to helping others. She dedicates her time to volunteering through Buddies Unite Support, a program focused on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for students of all abilities. Through her involvement, she helps ensure classmates feel supported and included, demonstrating patience, empathy and a genuine commitment to making others feel valued. Her work with the program has helped her develop a strong sense of compassion and an understanding of the importance of building a supportive school culture where every student feels a sense of belonging.

Within the Joliet Central community, Crowder is known as a dependable and encouraging presence among her peers. She regularly makes time to assist fellow students with classwork, offering support and encouragement to help them succeed academically. Teachers also recognize her for the respect and kindness she shows to everyone around her, as well as her willingness to step in and help staff with tasks across the school whenever support is needed. Through these everyday actions, Crowder has built a reputation as someone who leads with compassion and consistently puts others first.

Crowder is also an important part of Joliet Central’s girls flag football program, where she contributes as a team manager supporting both athletes and coaches behind the scenes. In this role, she helps ensure practices and games run smoothly while providing encouragement and support to her teammates. Her involvement reflects the selfless approach she brings to the sport and her desire to help the program succeed in any way possible.

Her journey with the team also highlights remarkable perseverance. During her junior year, Crowder was unable to participate in girls flag football due to a medical condition that required significant lifestyle adjustments and careful health management. Rather than allowing the challenge to discourage her, she focused on understanding her condition, managing stress and making changes to her daily routine to support her well-being. Through discipline and determination, Crowder was able to return to participate in girls flag football during her senior season, in time to help her team.

As part of the Community High School All-Star Award, each recipient will receive a custom hand-painted football, a gift bag and an invitation to a future Chicago Bears event. Additionally, the Chicago Bears will donate $500 to a charitable organization of the honoree’s choosing.

About Community High School All-Star Award

Now in its sixth year, the Community High School All-Star Award continues to highlight student-athletes who make meaningful contributions to their schools and communities. In partnership with Athletico Physical Therapy, the Chicago Bears created this initiative to recognize high school football and girls flag football players who use their leadership, teamwork and service to create a lasting impact beyond the season.

The program encourages student-athletes to stay engaged in their communities during the offseason, using their platform to give back through volunteerism, mentorship and service initiatives. Since its inception, the program has recognized more than 45 student-athletes and contributed more than $22,500 to charitable organizations selected by the honorees.