Montini junior celebrated for 'Character of Caring'
A junior at Montini Catholic High School, Joseph Knudtson of Lombard, was honored with an award for his "Character of Caring" at the Lombard John Egan Distinguished Service Awards.
The annual celebration recognizes the outstanding character of exceptional citizens who have positively influenced Lombard with their commitment to excellence.
Since 1952, individuals who demonstrate the Pillars of Character - Caring, Citizenship, Fairness, Respect, Responsibility and Trustworthiness - have been granted the honor of being nominated for the award.
"The tradition allows us a unique opportunity to recognize the efforts put forth by individuals who make a positive impact in our community," Village President Keith Giagnorio said.
Joseph, a member of St. Pius X Parish, was nominated by Nicole Tyszkiewicz.
Nicole is the mother of McKenna, a girl who was a "micro-preemie" born 11 weeks early and severely disabled with a rare chromosomal disorder. McKenna passed away at age 11 during the summer of 2018, but not before leaving an impact on every life she touched, especially Joseph's.
"Our daughter could not walk, talk or see, but had a message to be shared," Tyszkiewicz said in her letter nominating Joseph for the award. "During his entire life, Joey has seemed to have a special way of thinking of others and truly connecting with them.
"Personally, he acted as McKenna's foot soldier of kindness. Their souls of pure goodness were an even match."
Joseph alerted his friends at Montini about McKenna and got them involved in painting pink rocks in her memory.
"We told Montini about how Joey lost someone very special to him. Immediately (theology teacher and Lasallian Youth leader) Mr. (Denis) Block got the school's Peer Ministry team involved in painting the rocks," said Joseph's mother, Lia Knudtson.
"I've always known Joey chose the right school, but when these students got involved for someone they didn't know personally, but knew she meant the world to Joey, my heart just melted."
"From the day he was born, I always knew Joey had an old soul and the world needed him," his mother said. "When he was only 7, he saw a little boy with a little arm that was not developed. He walked right up to him and asked, 'what happened to your arm?' The boy responded, 'I was born this way,' and Joey said, 'well, it would be boring if God made us all the same!' I guess that describes him the best."
"When McKenna came into this world she taught us 'caring' and I truly believe she shaped Joey's life and still does," Lia Knudtson said. "This makes me so proud that someone saw in him what we see.
"Raising a good person who truly cares is the ultimate gift a child can give to their parents. We are so grateful for this honor as well."
"Joey really took the time to connect with McKenna," Tyszkiewicz said. "Not only during her lifetime did Joey carry her story of goodness to everyone he knew, he will continue to do so throughout his own lifetime.
"He truly connects with the person, the individual and their story. This is a rarity in the world today and deserves to be honored."
"I am honored to congratulate recipient Joseph Knudtson," Giagnorio said at the ceremony. "Every time you make the choice to be truthful and honest, respectful and accepting, fair and compassionate, responsible and accountable, you show the rest of us what it means to be a good neighbor and noble citizen."