Join Mount Prospect in celebrating its Shining Stars

Each year, the Mount Prospect Special Events Commission honors individuals and organizations that help make Mount Prospect a great place in which to live and work. They are celebrated as "Shining Stars" and recognized at a gala banquet. The 22nd annual Celestial Celebration will be held 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at The Cotillion Banquets, 360 S. Creekside Drive, 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 A. Juracek. "It brings people together to celebrate those who have done so much for our community."

The Shining Star Awards are presented on the basis of nomination by community leaders, by business people, by residents, and others. Nominations were submitted online and by mail.

Here are the winners:

Best Business Award: StayFit PT, Diana Sahakian

To recognize a business in Mount Prospect that has gone out of its way to be a good corporate citizen. The contribution this business has made to the community makes Mount Prospect a better place in which to live and work. The hard work of the employees and generosity of the firm can serve as an example to others that Mount Prospect is a vibrant community with potential for new residents and new businesses.

StayFit has been actively involved in various local organizations with community events to encourage and educate the community on wellness.

Good-Better-Best Neighbor: Bob and Louise Kubycheck

To recognize a resident of Mount Prospect who exemplifies the meaning of a good neighbor.

Bob and Louise have lived in Mount Prospect for more than 30 years. Bob and Louise are the "go to" couple for anything their neighbors need without even asking them. They are always lending a helping hand.

Home Town Award: Russ Bechtold

To recognize a group or individual who has done something special to promote the feeling of community or to further unify the diverse groups within our community and who exemplifies the Village's motto, "Where Friendliness is a Way of Life."

Pastor Bechtold has been serving Mount Prospect for 34 years. Pastor Bechtold goes above and beyond his call of duty. He serves as the Chaplain for the police and fire department since 2002.

Stand and Deliver Award: Karen Gubbins

To recognize an individual in a higher position who leads by example as an positive influence to his or her staff members and as part of his or her job or its professional responsibilities, enriches the lives of young people in Mount Prospect in some meaningful way.

Above and beyond Karen has gone for her service at Holmes Jr. High. Mrs. Gubbins is a leader without even knowing. She has initiated a Day of Services for Holmes Jr. High. Day of Service is a day the students help in every classroom to teach them the importance of giving back to the community.

Rising Star Award: Nolan Hahn

To recognize a junior high or high school student who goes beyond that which is expected of them. This is a young person who deserves to be honored for the example he/she sets for others and for their leadership - not just for the positions they may hold. These are the Shining Stars of tomorrow.

Nolan is a third-grader at Lions Park School. He is a very determined young man that is willing to make his community better. Nolan has been making and selling jewelry to raise money for the Historical Society.

There Ought To Be More Like You Award: Janice Farley

To recognize a person(s) that is virtually indispensable in the life of a group or organization. The person takes on multiple tasks, helps wherever a hand is needed or takes charge when the occasion demands it. The village of Mount Prospect and the world in general is a better place just because this individual is alive.

Janice Farley has taken on countless volunteer assignments, always willing to help, always contributing her time, her talents and her efforts for the good of Mount Prospect. She has served on many commissions and continues to do so. She is the prime example of what this award means …. Mount Prospect is a better place because of Janice Farley.

Volunteers Volunteer Award: Jack and Eloise Decarlo

To recognize a person that exemplifies the idea of a volunteer. This organized person make him or herself available and is often thought of as a "go to" person who takes on multiple tasks volunteering to help whenever needed.

Jack and Eloise have been volunteers in Mount Prospect since the day they came here more than 50 years ago. This special couple volunteer for a wide variety of jobs from being Mr. and Mrs. Claus to working the fish frys at the Moose Lodge and serving on the Mount Prospect Nurses Club. Jack and Eloise are the "go to" couple if ever in need of a volunteer or two.

The Star Spangled Award: John "Dutch" DeGroot

This Mount Prospect resident demonstrates pride in America through service, attitude and commitment. This resident may never have served in the armed forces but has assisted this country or a veteran in some meaningful way.

Champion for Youth Award: Jeremy Morton

To recognize an individual, organization, or program that, as part of his or her job or its professional responsibilities, enriches the lives of young people in Mount Prospect in some meaningful way. Through special or unique techniques or simply through enthusiastic effort, this person, organization, or program is a true advocate for the next generation. This Award is for a professional individual or group as opposed to a volunteer.

Jeremy Morton is the Fine Arts coordinator for the Prospect High School. He spends many hours coaching students to be confident, to take chances and to develop their talents, whether it is onstage or behind the curtains. He gives countless hours of his free time to his students and their families.

Open Arms Award: Jeanne Foster

To recognize and individual or organization that has readily opened its arms and its heart to the needy, lonely or less fortunate.

The entire community is invited and encouraged to attend. The cost of the event is $45 per person, which includes dinner, dancing, live entertainment, silent auction and more. It is truly a heartwarming evening.

Online reservations are available at mountprospect.org. Reservation forms can also be picked up at village hall, 50 S. Emerson St., for those that wish to mail in checks. For more information, (847) 392-6000.