Elgin business gives laptops to contest winners

At 4 p.m. today, three Boys and Girls Club of Elgin members will be presented with brand new laptop computers, courtesy of Aaron's Sale & Lease in Elgin.

The business worked with the agency's staff to provide members the opportunity to take part in a contest to win the computers. The contest included a coloring contest for members in kindergarten through sixth grade, and essay contests for teen members.

"We want to give something to the kids of our community," said manager Dave Lepperts. "We want to learn from the kids and reward them for their hard work."

More than 40 members in kindergarten to sixth grade took part in a coloring contest, with sixth-grader Zenia Stevens selected as the winner.

The Teen Club members participated by writing an essay on either "Why college is important to me" or "Who influences me."

The teens were limited to one typed sheet of paper. Two winners were selected by the Boys & Girls Club of Elgin staff -- one from middle school and one from high school. Camry Daniel won the middle school category with her essay focusing on her desire to become important when she grows up. She focused on getting a job in nursing and working with babies.

Victor Aguilar won for the high-school level with his essay on "Who influences me."

Aguilar wrote a passionate essay explaining how influential his father has been in his life. Aguilar refers to his father in his essay as "a friend, a teacher, a mentor, but what he is most to me is a great father."

All three of the award-winning projects will be on view at the Aaron's Sales and Lease Center located at 300 S. McLean Blvd. in Elgin.