Wheaton honors 2024 Good Citizens Award recipients

Mayor Philip Suess and the Wheaton City Council honored three students and six adults during the May 20 city council meeting.

A program of the Wheaton Community Relations Commission for more than 25 years, the awards recognize Wheaton residents who contribute their time and talents to improve the lives of others and make a difference in the community.

Recipients are nominated for their volunteerism and service by other residents, businesses, teachers, nonprofits, and others in the Wheaton community. This year, the commission received 26 nominations.

This year’s recipients include:

Student category

• Natalie Dacy, a senior at Wheaton North High School, for her variety of volunteer work, including with Central DuPage Hospital’s West Surgery Unit and C.A.M.P. Schwab/KT’s Kids, where she assisted physically and cognitively challenged youth;

• Asiyah Hussain, a sophomore at Glenbard West High School, for her contributions to her school, neighbors, extended family and worship community; and

• Mia LaFratta, a senior at Wheaton Warrenville High School, for her outstanding volunteer work with the People’s Resource Center over the past 4 years.

Adult category

• Tim Duffey for his long history of volunteerism in the Wheaton community, including through the American Red Cross, Prairie Path cleanup events, coaching youth sports and assisting with the Field of Honor display at Seven Gables Park;

• Kurt Parent for his contributions to his neighborhood and through Wheaton Rotary Club, Central DuPage Pastoral Counseling Center, Outreach Community Ministries and People’s Resource Center;

• Tom and Pat Ruggaber for their volunteer work in Wheaton, including leading a weekly church youth group program, organizing leadership programs for high school students, helping support and mentor refugee families through Heidi’s House and more;

• Helen Serafin for her many service hours with People’s Resource Center, including through the Adult Learning Literacy Program; and

• Heather Weitekamp for stepping in as a good Samaritan following a hit-and-run car accident in which she provided CPR for Wheaton resident Paige Donahue until first responders arrived.

The Wheaton Community Relations Commission is the catalyst to connect all people and make them feel united with the Wheaton community through events, key partnerships, and opportunities to give back.

Visit the City’s website at www.wheaton.il.us/crc for more information about the Good Citizens Awards and the Community Relations Commission.