Judson honors community service volunteers
More than 300 people attended Judson University's 30th Community Prayer Breakfast Wednesday in Elgin where several Fox Valley residents were recognized for community service.
Keith Brill of Elgin received the D. Ray Wilson Volunteer Service Award. Brill is a controller for Clad-Rex Steel in Franklin Park. He's been a volunteer for the Elgin Community Crisis Center for 28 years, serving on its board as president, treasurer and now as vice president. He has served on many of the center's committees, run the Resale Shop, and helped with the annual benefit auction.
He has been a co-leader for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Elgin Junior Achievement. Brill has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, Children's Theatre of Elgin, and worked in computer labs for YWCA-Volunteer Adult Education and Family Literacy Technology.
Brill has assisted with the United Way's Day of Caring, served with First Presbyterian Church's Youth Sunday school class, helped with Elgin Area School District U-46's Career Day, served as a chaperon for Larkin High School choral and band events, and helped with the Jane Shover Easter Seals Telethon and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He coached in the Elgin Classic Little League for three years and served as a volunteer tax preparer for the elderly for more than 26 years.
Haley Wahl of Elgin received the first Bea Wilson Youth Volunteer Service Award honoring youths in the Fox Valley who give back to their community. The award includes a $3,000 annual scholarship to attend Judson.
Wahl, a sophomore in the Gifted and Talented Academy at Elgin High School, is an active member of the Youth United Way of Elgin. She has volunteered at Elgin's Centro de Informacion annual gala, Nightmare on Chicago Street, helped organize a local food drive, volunteered at the Community Toy Giveaway, helped with Streamwood's 33rd annual Luminaria event, and volunteered with PADS' (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) annual winter gala.
Wahl is an honor roll student, a member of the marching band and drum line, an elected member of the Class Council and Student Council, co-captain of the volleyball team, and manager of the boys' volleyball team. She has been honored for leadership by Camp Edwards and performs with an Irish dance troupe in the Chicago area.
Judson President Gene Crume also presented a Presidential Award for Exceptional Achievement to outgoing Elgin Police Chief Jeff Swoboda for his community service since 2010.