National Jaycee honor for Grayslake man
Grayslake resident Michael Pruitt will be among those receiving a major recognition from the U.S. Junior Chamber, commonly known as the Jaycees.
Pruitt is among the 2012 Ten Outstanding Young Americans as named by the Jaycees. The presentation of the 74th annual black-tie awards ceremony will be June 30 at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown.
He’s owner and head of operations of The Vine Martini and Wine Bar in downtown Grayslake.
A 2001 graduate of Grayslake Community High School and a graduate of the College of Lake County, Pruitt was born in St. Petersburg, Fla., and moved to the village when he was 14.
In 2006, he co-founded The Vine, a popular Grayslake restaurant.
Pruitt is on the board of several nonprofit civic organizations, including the Exchange Club of Grayslake as president-elect, Grayslake Public Library, the Grayslake Farmers Market and the Oasis-Grayslake Youth Center, which provides a safe, educational and fun place for youths 12 to 18 years old.
“I am truly honored and humbled to be included in such a great group of recipients for this award,” said Pruitt. “When I got to the top 25, I was very happy with that and thought it was amazing. When I was notified that I was in the top 10, I was really shocked.”
The Ten Outstanding Young Americans program is one of the oldest and most prestigious of its kind in America. It began in 1938.
Recipients of the award were judged on how they have exemplified themselves by among other criteria: Personal improvement or accomplishments; financial success and economic innovation; social improvement to major contemporary problems; philanthropic contribution or voluntary service; cultural achievement; and influence in public opinion.
“When community groups ask me to help out, I just can’t say no, because I’m part of the community,” said Pruitt, who often is a sponsor or a supporter of community events.
Others to be recognized with Pruitt include Michigan Lt. Gov. Brian Calley and Iowa State University head men’s basketball coach Fred Hoiberg. Past recipients include presidents John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and Bill Clinton.
Pruitt and his wife, Amy, have two young sons, Caleb, 4, and Wyatt, 1½.