Mt. Prospect announced 'Shining Star' award winners

The Mount Prospect Special Events Commission Tuesday announced this year's "Shining Star" winners, who will be recognized at a gala banquet for helping make the village a great place in which to live and work.

Winners will be feted at the 22nd annual Celestial Celebration Friday, Feb. 6, at The Cotillion banquets in Palatine.

"This tradition has a rich history, as it was first started at the 75th Anniversary of the Village. It is an event many residents and business leaders look forward to each year," said Mayor Arlene Juracek. "It brings people together to celebrate those who have done so much for our community."

Nominations were submitted online and by mail. Here are the winners:

• Best Business Award: StayFit PT, Diana Sahakian

• Good-Better-Best Neighbor: Bob and Louise Kubycheck

• Home Town Award: Russ Bechtold

• Stand and Deliver Award: Karen Gubbins

• Rising Star Award: Nolan Hahn

• There Ought To Be More Like You Award: Janice Farley

• Volunteers Volunteer Award: Jack and Eloise Decarlo

• Star Spangled Award: John "Dutch" DeGroot

• Champion for Youth Award: Jeremy Morton

• Open Arms Award: Jeanne Foster

The gala is open to all. The cost is $45 per person, which includes dinner, dancing, live entertainment and silent auction. Reservations are at mountprospect.org/celestialtickets, or reservation forms can be picked up at village hall, 50 S. Emerson St. More information is at mountprospect.org by clicking on the Shining Stars logo in the lower, left-hand corner, or call (847) 392-6000.