Aurora salutes high school students for military service
Mayor Richard C. Irvin and the Aurora City Council presented 40 students with awards in honor of their decision to enlist in the United States Armed Forces.
The second annual Valor Awards ceremony was held recently during the Aurora City Council meeting, where the graduating high school seniors were recognized with plaques and medals in front of a standing-room-only crowd at the Copley Theatre in downtown Aurora.
"Aurora is proud of you," said Aurora Mayor Richard C. Irvin, an Army veteran. "I served in the United States Army and was stationed in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War, so I recognize the value of your service.
"I distinctly remember being your age making the life-changing decision to enlist, and I want you to leave knowing your city supports you and appreciates what you are doing."
Four of the five military branches were represented - Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force - with students from seven high schools.
"I am so honored to be here," said Kevin Branch, a senior at Metea Valley High School, who will serve in the Army National Guard.
"This means so much to all of us as we prepare to leave home this summer. It's also great to connect with enlistees from other high schools. We are all 'Aurora Strong.'"
The Class of 2019 Valor Award recipients include:
U.S. Air Force
• Bradley Shadron (West Aurora)
U.S. Army
• Alexandra Besic (Oswego East)
• Evan Carlson (Kaneland)
• Bryan DeBenedetti (Oswego East)
• Makayla Gardner (East Aurora)
• Dominik Jernstad (West Aurora)
• Emmanuel Moncada (West Aurora)
• DreVon Turner (Waubonsie Valley)
• Erin Williams (Metea Valley)
• Brianna Wong (Metea Valley)
U.S. Army National Guard
• Roland Asongakap (Metea Valley)
• Joseph Bradshaw (West Aurora)
• Kevin Branch (Metea Valley)
• Brian Casarez (Metea Valley)
• Chase Costanza (Metea Valley)
• Kenneth Gill (Waubonsie Valley)
• Jaime Hernandez Jr. (West Aurora)
• Eugene Jang (Neuqua Valley)
• Christopher Loggins (East Aurora)
• Ma Rita Louise Mapa (Waubonsie Valley)
• Jennifer Morales (West Aurora)
• Javier Munoz (East Aurora)
• Deysi Paniagua (Metea Valley)
• Michael Rojas (East Aurora)
• Kai Simos (Waubonsie Valley)
• Ricky Song (Neuqua Valley)
• Magdalena Stromidlo (Neuqua Valley)
U.S. Marine Corps
• Adrian Bustamante (West Aurora)
• Matthew Carmody (Waubonsie Valley)
• Jack Kleronomos (Oswego East)
• Mary McGavin (Oswego East)
• Daniel Piest (Metea Valley)
• Lorenzo Saldana (West Aurora)
• Thomas Silva (Oswego East)
• Alexis Valdez (West Aurora)
• Jaelyn Wilson (East Aurora)
• Raul Zavala (West Aurora)
U.S. Navy
• A'liyah Curry (East Aurora)
• Ezekiel Ochoa (East Aurora)
• Francisco Rojas (East Aurora)
After the ceremony, students and their families enjoyed a networking reception, where they were joined by local veterans, educators and elected officials.
For those who couldn't attend or may have enlisted after the ceremony, arrangements can be made to receive an award by contacting the Mayor's Office at (630) 256-3010 or MayorsOffice@aurora-il.org.