Unsing heroes receive prizes for good deeds

Students from Community Unit District 300 were rewarded for their selfless acts and contributions to their communities with gift cards to a local shopping mall.

The six recipients of the Algonquin Commons Good Deeds Dollars Program — three from middle school and three from high school — were recognized during Monday’s school board meeting.

“We found tremendous inspiration in reading all of the nominations,” said Beth Hicks, director of marketing for Inland Commercial Property, which manages Algonquin Commons.

The top three entrants in each category received a $500 gift card to Algonquin Commons, 1900 S. Randall Road, Algonquin. Nominators submitted letter or video entries explaining what the nominee did, why they chose to do it and what happened as a result. Students who nominated the winning entries also received a $100 gift card.

Debbie Patino, a senior at Hampshire High School, was nominated by Lizet Alba, a senior at Dundee-Crown High School, for her efforts in raising money for the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Patino started Bracelets for Humanity, a project that trades homemade friendship bracelets for monetary donations. Since 2008, Patino has raised more than $2,000 for the food bank.

Fellow Hampshire High School senior, Jeremy Gogoel, also created bracelets to help a good cause. Jeremy, who was nominated by Molly Gogoel, made customized jewelry to help a neighbor struggling financially after the birth of conjoined twins. The project raised more than $1,000 for the family.

Brandon Rohlwing, a senior at Dundee-Crown High School, has dedicated more than 250 hours creating material for the Inspire USA Foundation’s website, reachout.com. The program helps young adults lead happier lives.

Good deeds were recognized at the middle school level.

Jim McDonnell, an eighth-grade student at Algonquin Middle School, handed in an envelope of cash he found in the hallway.

Jacob Johnson, a seventh-grader at Algonquin Middle School, was nominated for his involvement in Beta Club. Johnson, who was nominated by classmate Jessica Butcher, helps out at local food drives and volunteers with Adoptive PE, which offers assistance to special needs students during physical education activities.

Jeff Anders of Dundee Middle School also volunteers with special needs students. Anders, a seventh-grader, plays in the Challenger Baseball Division of the Tri-Cities Little League and was nominated by his teammate Jordan Lomax.