Wheaton Announces This Year's Good Citizen Award Recipients

Submission by the city of Wheaton

WHEATON, IL - Each year, Wheaton’s Community Relations Commission puts out a call for the community to nominate outstanding students, volunteers, neighbors and others who embody the spirit of service to others within the community.

From these nominations, the commission recognized fourteen Good Citizen Award recipients at the May 16, 2016 City Council meeting.

Student Good Citizen Award Recipients

Kathleen Kleeve, St. Francis, helped residents with special needs participate in holiday activities through the Wheaton Park District and Western DuPage Special Recreation Association. She also helped with St. Francis High School’s Christmas Adopt-a-Family project.

Katherine Howard, St. Francis, contributed more than 90 hours of service to Marianjoy Rehabilitation Center during her junior and senior years. She also drives Marianjoy patients to Sunday services.

Clara Baumgarten, home schooled, volunteers at STARS resale shop benefitting mentally disabled adults, and volunteers as a teacher's aide. She also saved the life of a refugee woman who was caught between the guard rails on the train tracks.

Sophia Jenz, Wheaton North, is president of Key Club, a mentor in the Freshman Academic Advisory Program and a volunteer at Central DuPage Hospital. She also organized a summer mission trip through her church, where she is a member on the Student Leadership Team.

Adult Good Citizen Award Recipients

Sue Haines was the former School Board President at St. Michael and was on the committee to find its new principal. She is a member of St. Vincent DePaul, Bridges organization and Naperville Cares, all of which assist families in need of serious financial aid.

Stephanie Sweeney is a volunteer with Cub Scout Pack 382, Feed My Starving Children and Phil's Friends. She launched a monthly hiking effort to get scouts more in tune with nature.

Pamela Paulsen revitalized the New 200 Education Foundation to help expand educational opportunities. The organization has grown exponentially under her leadership with more members and more funding.

Russ Boone received this award for helping his retired neighbors, shoveling their driveway on a regular basis and going above and beyond as a neighbor.

Michelle Bejla has held leadership positions on the Wiesbrook PTA, co-chaired the Fun Fair and helped with many other volunteering opportunities at Wiesbrook. She personally catalogued all computers in the classroom, and she organizes meals and donations for those in need.

Group Good Citizen Award Recipients

Tracie Joyce, Ann Bond, Desiray Young, Cara Wills and Jen Alpers make up The Whittier Dream Foundation. They help disadvantaged students fit into Wiesbrook Elementary by providing resources. Through this group’s efforts, students in need can participate in activities and receive tutoring, and they receive assistance for things like class pictures, eye glasses, Halloween costumes and school supplies. The Whittier Dream Foundation also puts on a Secret Santa program to provide holiday gifts for things like class pictures, eye glasses, Halloween costumes and school supplies. The Whittier Dream Foundation also puts on a Secret Santa program to provide holiday gifts for disadvantaged students.