Mount Prospect to honor 10 'Shining Stars' in February

Ten Mount Prospect residents and businesses will be awarded the village's highest honor - a "Shining Star" - at the annual Celestial Celebration, held on Friday, Feb. 5 at the Cotillion Banquets in Palatine.

Mount Prospect has released the names of the 2016 winners. They are:

• Jeri Oroni, the Stand & Deliver Award.

• Richard Sassan, the Best Business Partner Award.

• Don Bender, the Good-Better-Best Neighbor Award.

• Carolyn Krause, the Living Legend Award.

• Tom Ciesielski, the Champion for Youth Award.

• The Rev. Shannon Martinez, the Unsung Hero Award.

• Amanda Santoro, the Open Arms Award.

• Ken & Bertha Monahan, the "There Ought to Be More Like This" Award.

• Joseph Sonnefeldt, the Youth Service Award. Tickets to the 23rd annual Celestial Celebration area available now, for $45. Buy them online at www.mountprospect.org/celestialtickets or visit Village Hall, 50 S. Emerson St., 3rd Floor to pick up a reservation form and pay by check.

"Honoring Mount Prospect's Shining Stars celebrates what makes Mount Prospect unique," said Mayor Arlene A. Juracek. "Our community embodies great talent and caring and passionate individuals. We look forward to recognizing these extraordinary community members at the annual gala."

The awards are presented on the basis of nomination by community leaders, business people, residents and others.

The entire community is invited to attend. The event includes dinner, dancing, live entertainment, silent auction and more. For information, visit www.mountprospect.org/shiningstars.