District 212 honors seniors at Inspirational Eagle Award Ceremony

Leyden seniors who demonstrate excellence in academics, attendance, behavior and citizenship are recognized for their efforts. The annual event is sponsored by District 212 and the Rotary Club of Chicago-O'Hare Foundation.

Leyden faculty members from both campuses were asked to nominate students who they consider deserving of the award. Based on the four-point criteria, the principals' input, members of the Rotary Club and Frank Holthouse, Leyden's director of careers and community outreach, the committee selected 14 students as young people who embody the spirit of the Rotary organization. Award recipients received a certificate, trophy and $50 gift card.

"Many of our students find themselves in situations where they have had to overcome adversity in order to reach their potential in school," Holthouse says. "This is the case with many of this year's recipients."

The following students are this year's award winners. Salvatore Alfano, Rakan Alzagha, Gabriel Bahena, Ruben Huerta, Adriana Olvera-Cabral, Gabriel Olvera-Cabral, Adrian Ramos, Ananylee' Ruiz, Lizbeth Sarabia-Rojas, Sara Snopek, Julian Tapia, Gabriela Vanegas, Savannah Wood and Alice Zaragoza.

Parents, teachers, administrators and Rotary club members were invited to attend the ceremony. Various administrators and Rotary representatives addressed the students and congratulated them on their achievements.