On May 17, 2016, Eugene received the Rising Star Award from the Hanover Township Committee on Youth (COY) at the Celebration of Leadership reception.
At the reception, I delivered the following remarks…
A dozen years ago, Eugene was named after a pioneer, whose namesake lives on in a small town in Oregon. Like a pioneer, Eugene has had the opportunity to engage in rich learning experiences and to build lasting relationships with diverse people around him along the way.
With the support of his family, teachers and friends, Eugene wanted to make a difference in his community and promote volunteerism among young people. Through his experience at and recognition from the Northern Illinois Food Bank, his story has been shared near and far in almost every media – whether it be newspaper, brochure, newsletter, radio, e-mail, Web or social media.
The Rising Star award is appropriate for Eugene. It is a celebration of yet, of the potential he has yet to reach. My wish for Eugene can be summed up in the words of the late Casey Kassem, “Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.”
The Rising Star Award is given to an elementary school student who lives in Hanover Township and is in grades K – 6th grade. It is one of five award categories (others are Junior Leader Award for the middle school student, High School Leader Award for the high school student, Community Adult Leader of Youth Award, and Principal of the Year) that recognizes community youth and adult leaders who work with youth for their leadership and for being a positive role model within Hanover Township.
Criteria for nomination include:
- Leader provided an example to others and created a positive change.
- Leader was actively involved and took initiative.
- Leader used methods that demonstrated genuine leadership.