Lemont Students Win Award From Rep. Lipinski

LEMONT, IL — Several Lemont students were recognized at Congressman Dan Lipinski's annual “All-American Boy and Girl Program" awards ceremony for seventh and eighth grade students on March 4 at Moraine Valley Community College. According to a release, 100 finalists were recognized at the event out of the more than 1,000 students who applied for the award.

Lemont students honored at the event were:

• Seventh grade girls: Alessandra Sarno of St. Alphonsus/St. Patrick won third place.
• Seventh grade boys: John Paul Ramirez of Everest Academy won second place.
• Eighth grade boys: Max Kulaga of St. Cyril and Methodius School won second place.
• Eighth grade boys: John Vranas of Koreas Elementary tied for third place. Vranas is a Lemont resident.

The top 100 students underwent formal interviews with a panel of judges, who then selected first, second and third place winners in each category, Lipinski's office said in a release. Criteria for the award includes academic achievement, community involvement, and extracurricular activities.

“The All-American Boy and Girl Program awards ceremony is one of my favorite events every year,” Lipinski said in a release. “This is a program with a long, rich tradition and it makes me so proud every time I come in contact with a former award winner who has gone on to have great success in life. This year’s finalists have all worked very hard in and out of the classroom making a difference in their communities and I commend them on all they’ve been able to accomplish at such a young age."

According to the release, each finalist was awarded a certificate for their hard work and superior essay. The 13 winners were given a plaque and a gift card.