Mayor Ruben Pineda Honors Students

West Chicago, Illinois: June 18, 2013 - Mayor Ruben Pineda recently enjoyed two opportunities to support and encourage community youth and impress upon them the value of their education.

Earlier this month, he attended the first annual award ceremony that took place at Kumon Math and Reading Center of West Chicago. “I was proud to be there to celebrate the success of our community's students,” he said of the gathering of students, family and friends. The new business, which opened at Tower Station at 946 North Neltnor Avenue last July and has classes on Mondays and Thursdays from 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., recognized the academic success of several students studying at the school. They achieved significant academic improvement and are now studying above their school grade level. “At Kumon, we believe children have unlimited potential to succeed,” said Kumon Director, Yasmeen Syed. “My goal is to help each child develop strong academic skills, a love of learning and the confidence to excel beyond the classroom.” She and her husband have sponsored a limited number of children of the West Chicago community with a scholarship to receive Kumon services.

On Friday, June 14, 2013, Mayor Pineda addressed students, parents and school staff at the West Chicago Middle School 8th grade graduation ceremony. As a 1974 graduate of what was then called West Chicago Junior High, he spoke about the impact of the many wonderful educators and mentors that shaped his life, and reminded students of the opportunities that lie ahead when they take that next step into high school. “One day you'll look back and say, ‘Wow, I wouldn't be where I am today without Mr. Dexter or Mr. Nelson or Mrs. K., or Mr. Owens'. These were my mentors. They will teach you life's lessons that you will never forget.”