Mount Prospect celebrates its Shining Stars

The stars were out in full force Saturday night for Mount Prospect's 2019 Shining Stars Gala, the village's yearly celebration of the people and organizations that make the town special.

The honorees highlighted during the 26th annual gala came from a wide cross-section of the community, with representatives from the business, religious and school sectors, and even a mail carrier.

That was Jacob Tagge, who earned the Home Town Award for his friendly service and dedication to those on his route. Tagge has not missed a day of work in five years.

The Beautify Mount Prospect Award was handed to Sherry Grobe, who was honored for her Facebook group dedicated to saving butterflies.

The Open Arms Award went to the Rev. Bo Graham, St. Paul Lutheran Church pastor, who began the church's Breakfast with Babies program.

The Community Partner Award was given to Robert Bosch Tools, which has partnered with area schools to sponsor STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) events and coding projects.

The Stand and Deliver Award went to Laura Kushner-Gammons, Euclid School principal, who was honored for programs she implemented at her diverse school.

The There Ought to be More Like This Award was won by Erin Robinson, founder of Made by Mary, a local group that delivers treats to residents going through difficult times.

The Unsung Hero Award was bestowed upon Mike Zarnek, known as a photographer for many village events, a member of the Community Emergency Response Team and, as the village puts it, an "overall very well-liked community member."

The Champion for Youth was Sarah Hogan, assistant principal at Euclid School, who began and runs the mentor program, which recruits volunteers from the local business community.

The Star Spangled Banner Award was received by Loren Helwin, who headed efforts to get a Mount Prospect "Killed in Action" Pillar created at the Veteran's Memorial at Lions Park and researched the 14 Mount Prospect residents who died while serving their country.

And the Invigorated Youth Award honored Vito Vitale, a longtime Boy Scout leader and assistant scoutmaster who has continued to work with Scouts long beyond the time his children stopped participating.

Winners of the awards are chosen by the Mount Prospect Special Events Commission from nominations submitted by community members.