Chicago Bears announce first Community High School All-Star Award winner

On March 9, the Chicago Bears have recognized Jacob Lachs, a student at Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, Ill., as the first recipient of the Community High School All-Star award for the 2023 season. The Community High School All-Star award, brought to you by Athletico Physical Therapy, will recognize nine high school football players from March through May who are making a positive impact in their community and school. Each winner will receive a custom hand-painted football, gift bag and an invitation to a future Bears event. The Bears will also make a $500 donation to the charitable organization of the player's choosing.

"Winning this award is a super cool honor, as it feels especially meaningful to be recognized for the work and service I've committed to off the field," said Jacob. "I find it important to give back to others, and my work with St. Jude has been very rewarding, allowing me to help others, especially kids who are facing challenges, while also learning a lot about myself."

For the past four years, Jacob Lachs has dedicated himself to helping children with cancer through his involvement with the St. Jude Leadership Society (SJLS). As a member and peer adviser, Jacob has played a key role in raising over $10,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In addition, he created the Take Down Childhood Cancer Duals, a successful fundraising event that brought together wrestling teams from four different high schools: Glenbard West, Hinsdale Central, Downers Grove South and Leyden Township. He's also a peer mentor through the school's Target Success program, where he guides freshmen to ensure a smooth transition into high school.

Lachs not only excels in the community, but also academically. He currently holds a 4.8 GPA, scored a perfect 36 score on the ACT and is the president of the National Honor Society. He's also the captain of the Glenbard West Hilltoppers' football and wrestling teams, leader of the school's spirit organization, starting catcher on the baseball team, member of Model UN and a member of the Social Studies Honor Society. In short, Jacob is a well-rounded student-athlete, admired by his peers and teachers alike.

Jacob will be attending the University of Chicago as a data science and applied mathematics major and a member of the UChicago Wrestling Team.

The Chicago Bears are proud to partner with Athletico Physical Therapy to present the Chicago Bears Community High School All-Star Award that recognizes high school football players who make a positive impact in their community and school. These student-athletes exemplify service, leadership, and character. The Chicago Bears Community High School All-Star is an off-season initiative that encourages players to be involved in community service during offseason, and take the lessons learned through playing the sport of football and use them to benefit their community.

For information, please visit ChicagoBears.com/Community/Community-High-School-All-Star.