Hanover Township honors local leaders at Celebration of Leadership Reception
The Hanover Township Committee on Youth (COY) presented its Celebration of Leadership Awards on May 21, with a reception honoring the recipients alongside family and friends.
Award winners include:
Natalia Robledo, Heritage Elementary School, Rising Star Award winner.
Jurely Nunez-Estrada, Teft Middle School, Junior Leader Award winner.
Kaleigh Allender, Streamwood High School, High School Leader Award winner.
Jenifer Collins, Parkwood Elementary School, Community Adult Leader of Youth Award winner.
Catherine Fletcher, Heritage Elementary School, Principal of the Year Award winner.
“There is no short supply of worthy nominees or examples of selfless service and leadership from township youth and educators,” said Alisa “Lee” Beattie, Hanover Township trustee, and committee liaison. “Each award recipient genuinely stands out in their own way with their ability to positively impact others around them and improve their schools and our community.”
Rising Star Award winner Natalia Robledo was recognized for her inspirational and infectious positivity. Her commitment to helping her peers feel accepted and comfortable at her school was noted in her nomination.
Junior Leader Award winner Jurely Nunez-Estrada has helped students who are transitioning into middle school by setting up a unique system for escorting them to class. She has helped students grow their independence and is constantly lending support and a helping hand to students who are finding it hard to adjust.
High School Leader Award winner Kaleigh Allender has shown immense dedication to her various commitments at Streamwood High School. Her nomination notes her encouraging and motivating presence on the school’s wrestling team and in addition to her classroom and athletic responsibilities, Kaleigh was noted for her work in raising money for a diabetes fundraiser.
The Literacy coordinator for Parkwood Elementary School in Hanover Park, Community Adult Leader of Youth Award winner Jenifer Collins was recognized by the committee for being an exceptional educator who goes above and beyond for youth. Her students have shown tremendous growth in reading proficiency, and she was noted to have created an environment that will leave a legacy at the school.
Principal of the Year Award winner Catherine Fletcher, a principal at Heritage Elementary School, was recognized for her hands-on-approach in her leadership style. She inspires her staff to put in extra work for their students and results speak for themselves with noted academic improvements.
COY is a township advisory committee comprised of youth and adult volunteers that meet once a month. The mission of COY is to be a catalyst for promoting well-being among township youth and families through family education, outreach and the fostering of community connections with an emphasis on positive youth development.
To learn more about COY, please visit hanover-township.org or call (630) 483-5799.