2008-09 Fox Valley Leadership Team

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Ryan F. BooneMarmion AcademyHometown: GenevaClass: SeniorParents: Daniel and Anne BooneSponsor: Daniel ThorpeCommunity service: Summer Leadership Camp, Special Olympics, peer ministry, Geneva Cares for Troops, Crayons for KidsPersonal statement: "Once you get the point of service then it is no longer work. It is something to look forward to and enjoy. Working at Special Olympics showed me the truth in this statement. You could be bored and suffer through the long hours as the seconds tediously tick by. Or you could engage in banter with the athletes, cheer them on and simply enjoy the time. The enthusiasm of the athletes is infectious if you simply lower your guard and step outside of your shell."Sponsor's endorsement: "(Boone) is very friendly, mature and has a calm personality. He is well-liked and highly respected by both classmates and faculty. With his participation in both Presidential Classroom and Notre Dame's Global Issues seminar during the summers, I see a young person who will make a major impact in the field of international relations or international economics and politics that are his passion. Your award will recognize him for what he has accomplished and encourage him to continue to serve others and make a difference."

Jessica BriguglioHuntley High SchoolHometown: HuntleyClass: SeniorParents: Katrina and Vince BriguglioSponsor: Anne PascoCommunity service: Awana leader for church youth ministry, Grafton Township Food Pantry, Home of the Sparrow, PADSPersonal statement: "I volunteer because I feel that I have been blessed with so much and I want to help others who are less fortunate. "When I was growing up my parents were way below the poverty rates. We lived in a small trailer in Oklahoma and ... there were days where they didn't know how they were going to pay their bills or have enough money to put food on the table. I can only imagine how hard it was for them. This is why I feel the need to volunteer to help others."During my time volunteering I have helped many people; however what I have given is so small compared to what I have received; (for example), seeing a child's face when we are able to help give them toys at Christmas."Sponsor's endorsement: "This student has been a tremendous asset to our school in motivating other students to participate in active volunteer activities. This student was adamant that a Community Service club was a necessary group for our school to be truly well-rounded. The club began with a handful of students ... the membership has grown to over 80 students."

Christopher DobbinsMarian Central CatholicHometown: Crystal LakeClass: SeniorParents: Tom and Jeanne DobbinsSponsor: Rebecca ReadCommunity service: Special Olympics softball, Challenger Learning Center, McHenry County Peer JuryPersonal statement: "I view my current community service as a way to learn valuable life lessons. Through my work in the community, I have learned how to become a better leader and a better person. I feel very strongly in sharing my blessings and gifts with others. I have received so much to be thankful for, but when I look around my community and the rest of the world, I see that there are many people that do not have the same opportunities I have. I have made it a personal goal to dedicate some of my time and effort to helping others work toward gaining the opportunities that I possess. To me, community service is making a difference in the lives of those who need that difference the most."Sponsor's endorsement: "He is the epitome of a gentleman. He is a very polite, caring, conscientious, well-rounded young man. He is highly respected by both his peers and the faculty at our school for who he is. He is truly a young man who is committed to helping others."

Meagan HolbrookGeneva High SchoolHometown: GenevaClass: SeniorParents: James and Victoria HolbrookSponsor: Christine ButtleCommunity service: Honor Flight Chicago, Strategic Plan Advisory Committee, student councilPersonal statement: "I wish I could help every person in this world, in one way or another. While I am only a high school student, my desire to help others has already extended beyond solitary actions. While I enjoyed helping within my school, I felt it was not sufficient, leading me to help in the community as well. I found passion in government and hope to work within the public sector. I also work with a nonprofit group, sending World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., to the memorial. I set up a dinner at my school, inviting the entire community, and involving the whole school. I wanted to raise awareness and ... to say thank you to the veterans who selflessly served our country."Sponsor's endorsement: "Every so often a young person comes along who so impresses you that you must sing their praises. For most students, a commitment to school and community leadership is more than enough, but somehow (Holbrook) finds the time to volunteer at the Lutheran Home, at a local food pantry and at a community museum. She also teaches violin lessons four times a week and performs at her church."

Matthew R. JohnsonSt. Edward Central Cath.Hometown: West DundeeClass: SeniorParents: Mark and Donna JohnsonSponsor: Kerry O'BrienCommunity service: Special Olympics, WACO children's holiday shopping, Heartland Blood Center, church soup kitchen, conservation club, volunteer at Elgin FoxFireFest and St. Catherine of Siena Irish FestPersonal statement: "For me, volunteerism is not a type of work; it is the means to provide opportunity for the underprivileged. Volunteerism is being able to make a family's Christmas bright by providing them with gifts for their children. It is giving a group of mentally challenged boys the ability to know the feeling of competition and victory. It is providing the homeless with a warm meal and a warm smile in a cold world. I truly believe that if everyone gave back their fair share to society, we would have the ability to make the ideal of equality in opportunity a reality."Sponsor's endorsement: "(Johnson) has exhibited leadership in a number of arenas. He was chosen by our faculty to attend the prestigious Hugh O'Brian Leadership Conference as a sophomore. He gives his all, whether that be on the field of play or in the classroom. The choices he has made and the energy he has invested in those choices indicate someone we will be hearing about for quite some time."

Sara J. KokkelenbergElgin AcademyHometown: McHenryClass: SeniorParents: Dr. Mackie Snebold-Kokkelenberg and Dr. Lawrence KokkelenbergSponsor: Sharon WilliamsCommunity service: PADS, Angel Tree, new student and freshman tutor program, orphanage outreach, fundraiser for injured gymnastics teammatePersonal statement: "Community service can build bridges across differences. I have seen this happen as a volunteer with PADS, and as a participant on a weeklong service trip to the Dominican Republic. As a PADS volunteer, I was frustrated at first because the service only involved serving breakfast and cleaning up the shelter. I did this without ever saying a word or making eye contact with anyone. The next month, I brought my sheet music and sat down to play the piano at PADS. I was surrounded by many of the men and women who had never spoken to me on other occasions. Music bridged that gap ... and I was able to walk out of there having met people who are identical to me in basic hopes and desires. I feel my best knowing that I can relate to the people I am helping."Sponsor's endorsement: "This nominee is an enigmatic bundle of energy whose absence next year will truly be felt throughout our community. Curious, capable and concerned, she has impressed us most with her humble manner and genuine spirit."

Lauren MichelsWest Aurora High SchoolHometown: AuroraClass: SeniorParents: Jeffrey and Sara MichelsSponsor: Andrew ScharmCommunity service: Student Ambassadors, church youth group worship assistant, environmental club, National Honor Society, student council secretary, team captain for Bowl for Kids' SakePersonal statement: "Imagine what the world would be like if everyone led lives guided by faith and inspired by the knowledge that they could make a difference. My mission trip experiences are perhaps the best way for me to express what the meaning of volunteerism and community work mean to me. Working side by side with other teens painting homes and running a child-care center changed me in a way that is hard to describe. I left South Dakota, Maine and Texas knowing that serving and showing love to others will always be part of who I am."Sponsor's endorsement: "Going above and beyond the call of duty is what this nominee is all about. She is not just part of various groups, but always seems to rise to the top as an officer, a leader or an agent for change. Instead of relaxing and hanging with friends during the summer, she visits Indian reservations in South Dakota and communities in need in San Antonio, Texas, and Calais, Maine, to help others. I am confident she will do amazing things for others throughout her life."

Drew MixonJacobs High SchoolHometown: AlgonquinClass: SeniorParents: Mike and Nancy MixonSponsor: Anthony MiocicCommunity service: Peer tutoring, youth ministry, D.A.R.E. speaker, Relay For Life, student council, National Honor Society, Adopt-a-Family, nursing home volunteerPersonal statement: "Tom Brokaw once said, 'It's easy to make a buck. It's a lot tougher to make a difference.' To me, volunteerism is a priceless gift of time, talent or treasure. It does not matter whether the gift is big or small, every little bit of effort makes a positive difference. Furthermore, every positive difference means the world to the recipient(s). There is not one act of volunteerism that goes unappreciated. The pure sense of satisfaction that I receive after completing some form of community service is worth more than any daily wage."Sponsor's endorsement: "This student is, by far, one of the most involved young men at our school. Rarely does an event go by without hearing his name as being involved. When speaking to this young man, you often forget that you are actually speaking with a student and not a colleague. When someone needs assistance he is the first to volunteer. An example of this is when one of the special-needs students needed help in the washroom. Without hesitation, (Mixon) went in to help the student with special needs."

Kelsey RollerJacobs High SchoolHometown: Lake in the HillsClass: SeniorParents: Neal and Lisa RollerSponsor: Anthony MiocicCommunity service: Crystal Lake soup kitchen, Rachel's Challenge presentation, nursing home visits, Interact Club Breakfast With Santa, Reading Buddies and WACOPersonal statement: "Sacrificing time to the things in life that crave the most attention such as the environment, the elderly, the children, the unhealthy, the poor and the homeless allows for me to get the most out of the one life I have to live. These are the activities that put a smile on my face and a warmth in my heart. My first mission trip will be to Costa Rica in the fall of next year, and my heart jumps for joy when I think of all the people's lives I will be able to touch by laboring, listening and teaching. I believe that becoming a physician will give me the knowledge and skills needed to devote my work to the unhealthy and underprivileged population right here in the U.S., as well as in other countries with far less medical resources."Sponsor's endorsement: "She is one of the finest students within the walls of our school. Her volunteer work within the school and outside is second to none. She helps out with those in need, including the elderly, the homeless and students younger than her. I am proud to have known this student."

Kelsey TrueSt. Charles North High SchoolHometown: St. CharlesClass: SeniorParents: Sandy and Kevin TrueSponsor: Jeanine JamesCommunity service: Relay For Life, nurse assistant at St. Joseph's Hospital, St. Patrick's Catholic Church liturgy and sacristan ministriesPersonal statement: "My passion to serve others took an unexpected twist when my older brother was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor at the age of 16. Because of his experience, I was able to witness firsthand the lifesaving works of all the medical professionals who journeyed with our family through this desperate time. Following my brother's illness, I pursued a certification as a nurse's assistant at the age of 16. I am able to serve patients. Right now I can help with the little things, but I want to do so much more. With service as the cornerstone of my being, I can build my future on a strong, healthy foundation."Sponsor's endorsement: "She is one of the best students I have worked with over the years. She is a humble person whose cheerfulness and calm self-assurance endear her to others. As the editor of the yearbook she accepts responsibility and can be counted on to complete what she starts. She leads by example, always putting forth her best effort. She is outstanding in leadership and commitment to our school through her many extracurricular activities."

Honorable mentions

Tiffany AuCary-Grove High SchoolHometown: CaryClass: SeniorParent: Quy AuSponsor: Jim KellyCommunity service: Cary-Grove Food Pantry, Rotary, student council

David BrouchMarmion AcademyHometown: AuroraClass: SeniorParents: Bob and Patti BrouchSponsor: Rev. Michael BurrowsCommunity service: Special Olympics, First Tee of Aurora, Crayons for Kids

Derek J. BroadheadSt. Charles EastHometown: St. CharlesClass: SeniorParents: Sean and Cindy BroadheadSponsor: Bonnie DearbornCommunity service: Boy Scouts service projects including coat drive, Fox River Trails cleanup, and identifying and cleaning of veterans' headstones

Lindsey CasebeerLarkin High SchoolHometown: ElginClass: SeniorParents: Scott and Angie CasebeerSponsor: Mark Elliott HattendorfCommunity service: Connie-a-thon, WACO, canned food drive

Leah ChimisElgin High SchoolHometown: ElginClass: SeniorParents: Ralph and Lynn ChimisSponsor: Martin AburtoCommunity service: Class Council, National Honor Society, retreat leader

Chanel Cochran-MooreCrystal Lake SouthHometown: Lake in the HillsClass: SeniorParent: Rebecca HebertSponsor: Brian AdcockCommunity service: Best Buddies, Breakfast with Santa, soup kitchen

Emily DelaneyRosary High SchoolHometown: St. CharlesClass: SeniorParents: Darin and Pamela DelaneySponsor: Sandy IwanskiCommunity service: Hospital Messenger, day camp aid, Religious Education teacher

Colleen DwyerRosary High SchoolHometown: AuroraClass: SeniorParents: Linda and Ralph DwyerSponsor: Sister Patricia BurkeCommunity service: Naperville Humane Society, Campus Ministry, Girl Scouts

Daniel Richard GravesWestminster Christian Hometown: St. CharlesClass: SeniorParents: Richard and Elizabeth GravesSponsor: Carolyn PalmerCommunity service: Christ Community Church projects including video production volunteer, mission volunteer and Great Day of Serving

Jessica HamiltonWest Aurora High SchoolHometown: AuroraClass: SeniorParents: Keith and Cindi HamiltonSponsor: Andrew ScharmCommunity service: Student Ambassador, New Life Center volunteer, Board of Education School Board Student Member

Molly HaywoodBatavia High SchoolHometown: BataviaClass: SeniorParents: Kevin and Amy HaywoodSponsor: Marnie HeimCommunity service: Key Club, Bethany Lutheran Church Council, Girl Scouts

John HeaveyDundee-Crown High SchoolHometown: AlgonquinClass: SeniorParents: John and Christine HeaveySponsor: Michelle BuhrowCommunity service: Beta Club, Voices, National Honor Society

Zachary Aaron HolmerWestminster Christian Hometown: HampshireClass: SeniorParents: Gerard and Diana HolmerSponsor: Carolyn PalmerCommunity service: Sunshine Gospel Mission, Elgin Soup Kitchen, Salvation Army

Molly KellySt. Edward Central Catholic High SchoolHometown: BartlettClass: SeniorParents: Michael and Helen KellySponsor: Kerry O'BrienCommunity service: Hanover Township Youth Commission, Hanover Township Toy Drive, Hanover Township Food Pantry

Allison LattanzioHampshire High SchoolHometown: HampshireClass: SeniorParents: Ron and Suzanne LattanzioSponsor: Janine SteffanCommunity service: National Honor Society, Sherman Hospital volunteer, Relay For Life

Anna LaudeLarkin High SchoolHometown: ElginClass: SeniorParents: Rene and Sue LaudeSponsor: Julie BallCommunity service: PADS homeless shelter, AIDS Run/Walk, Kentucky work camp

Megan E. LeaheyMarian Central CatholicHometown: HarvardClass: SeniorParents: Laura and Robert LeaheySponsor: Rebecca ReedCommunity service: Peer Jury, Latino Coalition, Family Health Partnership Clinic

Jiaxiu LinCrystal Lake South High SchoolHometown: Crystal LakeClass: SeniorParents: Kui Lin and Kunying JiangSponsor: Janelle BillingsCommunity service: Sunrise Assisted Living, Key Club, Link Crew

Estelle LucasDundee-Crown High SchoolHometown: CarpentersvilleClass: JuniorParents: Cesar and Estelle LucasSponsor: Michelle BuhrowCommunity service: Team Y.I.E.D., tutor, senior citizen help

Sarah MoungerFox Valley Lutheran AcademyHometown: ElginClass: SeniorParent: Beth MoungerSponsor: Joan RahnCommunity service: Community volunteer including Senior Citizen Assistance, church activities and soldier care packages

Chineze OnwutaSt. Charles East High SchoolHometown: St. CharlesClass: SeniorParents: Joseph and Uche OnwutaSponsor: Bonnie Dearborn and Kari BatkaCommunity service: Service Learning Club, mentoring, food and toy collection

Tegan PfortmillerFox Valley Lutheran AcademyHometown: ElginClass: SeniorParents: Terry and Debbie PfortmillerSponsor: Jean RahnCommunity service: Feed My Starving Children, nanny for needy mother, St. John's Fox Valley Lutheran Academy Service Events

Kelsey Erika RollinsGeneva Community High SchoolHometown: GenevaClass: SeniorParents: Keith and Kara RollinsSponsor: Cindy KovachCommunity service: Maternity ward volunteer, National Honor Society, Geneva Public Library volunteer

Shawn SteurerBatavia High SchoolHometown: BataviaClass: SeniorParents: Frank and Mary Beth SteurerSponsor: Gayl PlattCommunity service: National Honor Society, Key Club, Red Tie Trio

Chris TheodorouElgin AcademyHometown: West DundeeClass: SeniorParents: Antonis and Roblyn TheodorouSponsor: Seth HanfordCommunity service: CROP Hunger Walk, Orphanage Outreach, P.A.D.S.

Danielle TsevasHuntley High SchoolHometown: Lake in the HillsClass: SeniorParents: Anthony and Helen TsevasSponsor: Anne PascoCommunity service: Big Brother Big Sister, Community Service Club, Legee Elementary library helper

Todd VankerkhoffSt. Charles NorthHometown: St. CharlesClass: SeniorParents: Mark and Amy VankerkhoffSponsor: Jeanine JamesCommunity service: Kidsworld, Mosaic Youth Group, National Honor Society

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Stories</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=267323">Daily Herald honors students at Leadership Team dinner <span class="date">[1/27/09]</span></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=268069">Leadership Team judges <span class="date">[1/30/09]</span></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=268014">Lake County Leadership Team <span class="date">[1/30/09]</span></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=267710">Northwest Suburban Leadership Team <span class="date">[1/30/09]</span></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=267725">DuPage County Leadership Team <span class="date">[1/30/09]</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>