Hanover Township honors its school leaders
The Hanover Township Committee on Youth (COY) held its "Celebration of Leadership Awards" banquet Thursday, May 28, at the Township Senior Center.
The committee presented awards to five individuals in five different categories. Award recipients included: Mariluna Gonzalez of Laurel Hill Elementary, Rising Star Award winner; Riley Keating of Canton Middle School, Junior Leader Award winner; Arielle Christopher of Streamwood High School, High School Leader Award winner; Dr. Debra Corcoran, Community Youth Leader Award winner; and Dr. Terri Lozier of Streamwood High School, Principal of the Year.
"This is always one of our favorite events of the year, where we're able to recognize residents, youth and adults for all they do in their roles as community leaders," said Craig Essick, Hanover Township Trustee and committee liaison.
"Each one of our recipients has given selflessly their time in service to improving the community and the people around them."
The Rising Star Award winner Mariluna Gonzalez is a sixth-grade student at Laurel Hill Elementary and was recognized for her commitment and passion in student government. Gonzalez acted as president of student council, sixth-grade safety patrol, and acts as a peer ambassador to help make sure all students receive the academic and emotional support that they need.
Junior Leader Award winner Riley Keating is an eighth-grader at Canton Middle School and was recognized for his work on the yearbook committee. Keating has led the yearbook staff in designing the school's yearbook. Keating is also active in many other extracurricular activities, placing third at this year's Science Olympiad.
High School Leader Award winner Arielle Christopher is currently a sophomore at Streamwood High School and was recognized for her community service within Hanover Township. Christopher is active in improving the literacy of youth in the community. She has formed partnerships with Scholastic Book Fairs, Bernie's Books and Barnes & Noble Bookstore in an effort to donate books each year to the local community centers for children to read and enjoy.
Community Youth Leader Award winner Debra Corcoran was selected for her leadership and service through her teaching at Parkwood Elementary in Bartlett. Corcoran is passionate about teaching and is always working to create a positive and nurturing environment for her students. She goes above and beyond working individually with students needing additional help and guidance, while always keeping an open-line of communication between herself and her students' parents.
Lastly, Principal of the Year Award winner Terri Lozier was selected for her leadership at Streamwood High School for the past six years that has ultimately lead to her promotion to assistant superintendent of secondary schools for District U-46. Lozier made it her mission at Streamwood High School to decrease school suspensions, which are currently at the lowest they have ever been. Her students and staff hold the utmost respect for Lozier and believe that her new position at District U-46 will help her to impact more people on a larger scale.
COY is a Hanover Township advisory committee comprised of youth and adult volunteer members 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.
COY is now accepting applications for interested adult members. Applications can be picked up at the township office, 250 S. Route 59, in Bartlett, or downloaded online at www.hanover-township.org.
To learn more about COY or its events, visit www.hanover-township.org or call (630) 483-5799.
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