Students to be honored at Bruno Bertucci luncheon in Highwood
The Highwood Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the 30th Annual Bruno Bertucci Student Honor Luncheon at noon Thursday, May 14, at the Highland Park Country Club, 1201 Park Ave. West, Highland Park.
The program features the Ralph Pottker Awards and special guest speaker Judge Christen Bishop. It recognizes students from area grade schools who demonstrate academic excellence, good citizenship, sportsmanship and exemplary leadership skills.
"Every year, the luncheon provides the Chamber of Commerce with the opportunity to show how important a solid educational program is to the growth of our community and our business district," said Jennifer Zanotti Ori, president of the Highwood Chamber of Commerce.
"We are so excited to be celebrating the 30th anniversary of this heartfelt event that recognition the children of our community, who continually impress us with their accomplishments, especially with their very active and work-filled lives."
For the past 29 years, Bruno Bertucci and the Highwood Chamber of Commerce have honored 1,000 outstanding students from Oak Terrace School (K-5), Wayne Thomas School (K-5), St. James School (K-8), and Northwood Junior High School.
The award program has been met with overwhelming support by the schools' principals, superintendents, and the Highwood community. Students are chosen on the standards based on teachers' discretion, and each receives a framed certificate along with a luncheon.
This year, more than 40 children will be honored (approximately 10 from each school) and will be joined by their families, school officials, and other members of the community to congratulate them.
"I am very proud of our school system and the exceptional students that come out of it," said Bruno Bertucci, the namesake of the luncheon. "We honor our high school student achievers with scholarships, and now the Bruno Bertucci Student Honor Luncheon recognizes our grade schoolchildren as well."
Bruno Bertucci has always had an interest in education and has played an integral role in the surrounding communities' education systems. Bertucci served on the old District 111 School Board for two terms as a young man before the districts merged.
He was also the Highwood Chamber of Commerce Director for 20 years. He wanted to find a way to honor students, especially those in grade schools that are not often honored.
"I am thankful to the businesses and community members that support our students and make this event possible," Bertucci said.
Featured guest speaker Judge Christen Bishop graduated from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1994. She began her legal career in the Lake County State's Attorney's Office, where she served in every division of the Criminal Division. She served as the chief of the Juvenile Division from 2001 until 2006.
She then served as the chief of the Special Investigations Division and the Lake County Children's Advocacy Center from 2006 until 2012. In September, 2012, she was appointed as an associate judge of the 19th Judicial Circuit in Lake County. She is currently assigned to hear traffic and misdemeanor cases. She lives in Lake County with her husband and two children.
In celebration of the luncheon's 30th anniversary, the Highwood Chamber of Commerce will also be presenting each student honoree with a copy of the book "The First Thirty." Based on a true story from suburban Chicago, the book tells the tale of an educator's efforts to make a difference during the first 30 years of his life, his experiences growing up which shape that interest in service and philanthropy, and the first 30 lessons he learns along the way.
It was NSDLC Multicultural Relations Book of the Year. The book is available at www.TheFirstThirty.com.
For more information, call (847) 433-2100 or visit highwoodchamberofcommerce.com.