Aurora honors 2008 Volunteer of the Year

Aurora's Volunteer of the Year honor is not one city officials take lightly or award to just anyone.

If not for volunteers, they say, the city would run a little slower.

With that in mind, leaders have selected resident and Indian Prairie Unit District 204 parent Patricia Smith as the 2008 recipient for her tireless work in both the city and schools.

Smith, along with several other nominees, will be honored tonight, Dec. 4, during a ceremony at the Paramount Theatre in downtown.

Eighth Ward Alderman Rick Mervine was one of several people who nominated Smith.

"It's one thing to pay your taxes and do things you're supposed to do as a good neighbor, but it's a whole new level when you help make things better for everyone," Mervine said. "Patty is an absolute leader when it comes to making sure things grow and get better, not just for her or her family, but for her entire community."

There was a time, though, when Smith was looking out for her family and from that her love for volunteering grew.

"My oldest daughter has special needs and I'm fortunate that I do not need to work outside the home," Smith said. "So I immediately threw myself into finding out what I could do to make my community the best place for my daughter to grow up in. That's all I wanted; I wasn't looking for an award."

Indian Prairie Deputy Superintendent Kathy Birkett said Smith's dedication to the district, whether it be volunteering as a teacher's aide or leading a referendum committee or serving in her current role as Waubonsie Valley High School PTA president, has been appreciated over the years.

"I am extremely pleased for Patty. I've had the honor of working with her as she has served on referendum committees as well as been a PTA president in a number of our buildings," Birkett said. "She is an outstanding volunteer and has been an integral part of District 204. I feel extremely pleased to know the city of Aurora is honoring such an outstanding individual."

Her efforts include four years leading a parents support group for families of children with Down syndrome; holding various positions on parent-teacher organizations at Steck Elementary, Granger Middle School and Waubonsie Valley; and volunteering to support three school referendum proposals since 1997.

"I believe it's very important to build a relationship with our schools and with those who spend the day with our children," Smith said. "We all know that the core of the community are our schools. So I believe the work that I have done has helped strengthen our community."