Rosary senior Lauryn Streid presented with Brattin Award
Rosary High School senior Lauryn Streid, daughter of Robbyn and Gene Streid of Elburn, was presented with the Brattin Civic Youth Award at the annual Pearl Harbor Day Luncheon Dec. 7 in Aurora. This award is given to students who demonstrate the qualities of citizenship, leadership, and service through their activities in the school, church, or community.
Lauryn founded the Real Swimmers Wear Pink program in 2012 to reach out and help those whose lives are affected by breast cancer. "Rather than volunteer somewhere for a day or two or participate in an event organized by another entity, she decided that she was going to be the change that she wanted to see in the world - which is exactly what we educate our Rosary students to do," said guidance counselor Lisa Sustersic, who nominated Lauren for the award.
Real Swimmers Wear Pink is an annual breaststroke clinic, raffle and bake sale hosted by the Rosary Beads swim team and organized by Lauryn and her sister Camryn. The sisters lost their grandmother and great aunt to breast cancer, and have made a commitment to help find a cure.
"Lauryn thinks on her feet, is articulate, and can organize and invigorate a large group of people of all levels to work together to achieve a common goal. As a result, Real Swimmers Wear Pink has collected approximately $50,000 over the past five years, which has been distributed to a variety of organizations that aid those fighting breast cancer," Sustersic said.
Lauryn serves as a Rosary student ambassador, and is a member of the Varsity Swim Team, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society and the Interact Club. She excels academically as well, and was recently named an Illinois State Scholar.
"Miss Streid is an asset to the Rosary High School community. She has continually challenged herself and has excelled in whatever she has done. Her gentle personality and natural leadership abilities have rightfully won her the respect and admiration of both staff and students," Sustersic said.
Sponsored by the Navy League and the Rotary Club of Aurora, the award is named for the late Ted Brattin, a World War II pilot and Aurora Rotary Club charter president who was dedicated to recognizing citizenship, service and leadership among youth.
Rosary High School is a Catholic, college-preparatory high school for young women located at 901 N. Edgelawn Drive in Aurora, and sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois. For more information about Rosary High School, visit www.rosaryhs.com.