Arlington Heights honors its Hearts of Gold
The Rev. Arnold Perham quietly reports to St. Viator High School every morning, settling in its math lab, where he tutors students and designs projects for its scholars.
On Saturday, the 85-year-old priest found himself front and center before the sold-out crowd at Arlington Heights' Hearts of Gold dinner, as the first award winner of the evening, Mentor of the Year.
The dinner took place at Rolling Green Country Club in Arlington Heights and was sponsored by members of the Special Events Commission as a way to celebrate the village's unsung heroes.
"Someone noticed you doing something out of the ordinary," said Steve Fromm, chairman of the Special Events Commission. "But your actions weren't ordinary; they're exceptional."
Perham began teaching mathematics at St. Viator High School in 1962, one year after it opened. While he formally retired in 2001, officials said he continues to inspire students and colleagues alike.
"When I see him come in every morning, it just hits me how much he reflects our mission," said Principal Eileen Manno, who nominated Perham.
In all, 11 residents were honored throughout the evening. Their stories ran the gamut, from a beloved school secretary, to a senior helping others with tax preparation, to a social studies teacher who created South Middle School's largest club: Ping-Pong.
"Students just feel welcome," said Greg Lendy, who won the Educator award, of his Ping-Pong Club. "It draws a variety of kids who participate. We play music. It's more like a teen club."
Three of the tables were filled with members of the Arlington Heights police and fire department, who were given the Heroic Award, for their response to a 2013 domestic dispute which turned into a hostage situation.
Police Officer Michael McEvoy was shot during the incident and critically wounded. Firefighters were credited with saving his life, and he was on hand Saturday at the dinner.
Other winners of the 2015 Hearts of Gold awards included:
Best Neighbor: Fran Rozanski, described as the heart of Windsor School for 27 years and a friend, mother figure, counselor and confidant to 80 staff members and 450 students.
Young at Heart: Nadine Macfadden, who inspires fellow residents at the Moorings of Arlington Heights, by making sleeping mats for the homeless and leading food drives, mitten and hat collections, and school supply drives.
Young Champion: Emily Davidson, a Buffalo Grove High School student who leads food drives, co-edits the school newspaper, tutors in the literacy lab, and represents her classmates in student government.
Volunteer: Janice Krinsky, who helped to start a foundation for Elk Grove Township Elementary District 59 and ultimately was appointed to fill a vacancy on the District 59 school board.
Community Spirit: Wayne Arden, longtime volunteer with Frontier Days and the village's Special Events Commission, serving more than 20 years as a commissioner and three years as chairman.
Business Leadership: Bentley's Corner Barkery. Owners of the downtown pet food shop offered their expertise and backing to the creation of a dog park in Arlington Heights, and now are working to place pets in group homes.
Pam Stocking Heart of Gold: Marilyn Neuman, a 30-year math teacher, found her niche in assisting seniors with their tax preparation. She volunteers with AARP's Tax-Aide program at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library.
"I just have a passion to help people," Neuman said. "This fit right in with my math and problem skills. I love it."