OSD135 Honors Community Member With New Award

You do not need a fancy title to be a leader; you just need a heart that is dedicated to helping others. During the June Regular Board Meeting, Orland School District 135 honored a neighbor who has spent decades doing exactly that.

Anita Tracy was named the very first winner of the Community Leader in Action Award. This new honor recognizes individuals who show extraordinary kindness, big initiative, and a deep commitment to helping their community.

A selection committee reviewed over 15 different nominations from the Orland Park community. Tracy’s decades of work with empathy, inclusion, and strength stood out as a perfect example of what the award means.

Breaking Down Language Barriers

For more than ten years, Tracy worked as a Spanish-language translator for Orland School District 135. She did much more than just translate words on a page. She made it her goal to personally connect with families who did not speak English. At school events and meetings, she made sure these parents felt truly welcomed, informed, and included in their children's education.

This passion for language is also a family tradition. One of the nominations came from Tracy’s own grandchild. They shared that Tracy always taught her family that being bilingual is a gift. She believed that speaking more than one language allows a person to help others and make them feel safe and welcome.

Empowering Young Girls

Tracy’s impact on local youth stretches far beyond the classroom. As a long-time Girl Scout leader, she has inspired generations of young girls to build confidence, learn creative skills, and believe in themselves.

In her troops, Tracy brought together girls from many different backgrounds. She created a safe space where every girl felt valued and encouraged to share her ideas. By teaching teamwork and kindness, she has spent years helping young women grow into strong, supportive community members.

Turning Tragedy into Hope

The most powerful example of Tracy’s strength began during the hardest moment of her life.

In April of 2000, Tracy suddenly lost her 21-year-old son. Despite their grief, Tracy and her family made the brave decision to donate his organs, bones, and corneas. Because of that single, selfless choice, "Johnny" saved and improved the lives of seven people across the Midwest.

Instead of hiding away from her loss, Tracy turned her grief into a 26-year mission to help save more lives. She has spent decades sharing her personal story with students, community groups, and families to teach people about organ donation. By speaking out, she has broken down myths, comforted other grieving families, and inspired countless people to register as donors.

A Community Thank You

At the presentation, Tracy received an engraved plaque honoring her "welcoming heart, inclusive spirit, and tireless dedication."

As the first-ever winner, Anita Tracy has set a very high bar. Her life shows everyone in Orland Park that leadership is not about a title. It is about the positive difference one person can make in the lives of others.