advertisement

Elgin YWCA doles out honors in numerous fields

Editor’s note: Story was modified May 10 to correct an error in a photo caption.

adjusted If you were to look up the definition of “volunteerism” in the dictionary, YWCA Elgin CEO Julia McClendon said, it would be fitting to find “the life of Marlene Shales” as the description.

Shales was honored with a lifetime achievement award by the YWCA at its 30th annual Leader Luncheon, held Thursday at The Seville in Streamwood.

“The depth of her commitment is truly unparalleled in the Elgin community,” McClendon said.

Seven other women were honored for their work in business, the arts, communications, education, public service, social service and volunteerism.

Kimberly Spagui, a tireless worker and volunteer for low cost legal services firm Administer Justice, went home with the Racial Justice Award.

And the Bear family McDonald’s restaurants were recognized for enhancing the role of women within the company.

These women won in their respective categories for the individual awards:

Ÿ Risé Jones won in the arts category. She is the co-founder of Hamilton Wings, an arts-based youth development nonprofit.

Ÿ Linda Deering, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Sherman Hospital, won the business and professions category.

Ÿ Kimberly Gilmore, a local marketing business owner, won in the communications and technology category.

Ÿ Carole Peto, former Elgin Area School District U-46 administrator and founding staff member of Harvest Christian Academy, beat out the rest of the education nominees.

Ÿ Dundee Township Supervisor Susan Harney won in the public service category.

Ÿ Marlene Pokorny, a leader in service to area seniors, won for social service.

Ÿ Deanna Young, an active volunteer for Sherman Hospital and its auxiliary, won the volunteer and community service category.

Rise Jones
Deanna Young, left, pictured with the Elgin Garden Club. She was honored Thursday at the Elgin YWCA’s 30th Leader Luncheon. Daily Herald file photo
YWCA Leader Luncheon honoree Linda Deering, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Sherman Hospital, is at the far right during a ribbon-cutting for the opening of Sherman’s new hospital. Daily Herald file photo
Marlene Pokorny, Elgin’s administrator of business services, was honored for social services Thursday at the Elgin YWCA Leader Luncheon. She is the Oak Crest Atrium’s administrator of business services. Daily Herald file photo
Marlene Shales, pictured accepting an Elgin Image Award with her husband, Jack Shales, left, and Mayor David Kaptain, was given a lifetime achievement award Thursday by Elgin YWCA. Daily Herald file photo
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.