Hanover Township honors local leaders at reception
The Hanover Township Committee on Youth recently held its annual Celebration of Leadership Awards Banquet at the Township Senior Center honoring individuals and their families.
The committee presented awards in five different categories:
• Jocelyn Ortega Angulo and Hendrick Sotelo of Parkwood Elementary School, Rising Star Award winners.
• Jazlyn Sauceda of Tefft Middle School, Junior Leader Award winner.
• Archana Patel of Streamwood High School, High School Leader Award winner.
• Bridget McCaffrey, social worker at Ontarioville Elementary School, Community Adult Leader of Youth Award winner.
• Jeff Smith of Canton Middle School, Principal of the Year Award winner.
"Each year we receive quality nominations for a variety of worthy individuals, and this year was no different," said Gino Martinez, Hanover Township trustee and committee liaison.
"Each of the award winners has worked tirelessly to make a positive difference for youth and for the benefit of the community."
Rising Star Award winner Jocelyn Ortega Angulo, was honored for her work in assisting fellow students through the classroom's Buddy Program and tutoring assistance.
The committee recognized Rising Star Award winner Hendrick Sotelo with the Rising Star Award for his advocacy on school issues and for his above-and-beyond approach in assisting struggling students.
Junior Leader Award winner Jazlyn Sauceda was recognized for her empathetic attitude in and out the classroom with her fellow students.
High School Leader Award winner Archana Patel is a member of the National Honor Society and a class council member. She volunteers with multiple school groups and is a member of the badminton team.
The committee recognized Community Adult Leader of Youth Award winner Bridget McCaffrey for her work in educating teachers and staff about mental illness and the emotional needs of students at Ontarioville Elementary.
The Principal of the Year Award winner Jeff Smith was selected for his leadership at Canton Middle School. Principal Smith creates a collaborative culture at the school for students, staff, and parents. The committee took note of the work done by Principal Smith in reducing the number of disciplinary referrals in half over the past three years.
The Committee on Youth is a township advisory committee comprised of youth and adult volunteers that meets once a month. The mission of Committee on Youth 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 the Hanover Township Committee on Youth or its events, visit www.hanover-township.org or call (630) 483-5799.
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