ECC wins first place in Illinois organ and tissue donor campaign

Elgin Community College earned first place for the second year in a row in the Illinois Secretary of State Organ and Tissue Donor Program's "Be a Hero" campaign.

This campaign allows students at state community colleges the opportunity to earn service hours while launching their own campaigns to promote organ and tissue donor awareness and increase registration in Illinois.

The contest featured 19 Illinois community colleges. The top three schools were recognized based on the creativity and effectiveness of the campaign, as well as the number of registrations. Awards were presented at a special ceremony with Secretary of State Jesse White in Springfield April 30.

ECC reached a total of 125 organ and tissue registrations this year, earning a $1,500 scholarship through Donate Life Illinois partners. The check was presented to the ECC Foundation at the nursing students' pinning ceremony on May 7.

Donate Life Illinois partners include American Liver Foundation-Illinois, Biological Resource Center of Illinois, Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, Saving Sight, Illinois Eye-Bank, Illinois Secretary of State Organ & Tissue Donor Program, LifeSource, Mid-America Transplant Services, Rock River Valley Blood Center, and National Kidney Foundation of Illinois.

To join the donor registry, visit the Illinois Secretary of State's Organ and Tissue Donor Program's website at LifeGoesOn.com, call (800) 210-2106, or visit the local driver services facility.

Apply now for ISBE's Student Advisory Council:

High school students eager to learn about state education and policy decisions can apply for one of 13 open positions on the Illinois State Board of Education's Student Advisory Council.

Students entering public high schools in the upcoming school year as sophomores, juniors or seniors are eligible to apply by 5 p.m. May 29. Applications are available online at isbe.net.

Students attend three or four state board of education meetings held in Springfield and elsewhere. Transportation costs are reimbursed by ISBE.

"ISBE's student representatives provide an important perspective on issues in public education," state board of education Chairman James Meeks said. "The board looks forward to meeting and working alongside such talented high school students from across the state."

Members of the Student Advisory Council (SAC), established in 1975, share student concerns and provide feedback on ISBE's existing and proposed programs, policies and regulations and annually tackle one major issue and present findings to the state board.

"The SAC has made me value my education and opportunities more deeply," said Isabella Ruggiero, a member of this year's council and a senior at Downers Grove North High School. "I have gained perspective and new insight because of my experience working with individuals from all across the state."

This school year members of ISBE's Student Advisory Council are exploring a possible statewide program that will demonstrate students' career technical education skills. They will present their research project at the state board of education's June 17 meeting. In previous years, the council has examined issues related to cyberbullying, mandatory physical education for high school students, and high school dropouts.

Interviews will be scheduled in July for applicants chosen as possible members.

For more information, call Vincent Camille at vcamille@isbe.net or (217) 782-5396.