Character Matters in Lake County announces recipients of the 14th Annual Excellence in Character Award

Character Matters in Lake County, a committee of the YES (Youth Empowerment for Success) Coalition and the Lake County Regional Office of Education, announce the recipients of the 14th annual Excellence in Character Award.

This year, 29 students and 23 staff members from Pre-K-12 educational institutions across Lake County received the award, which is given to individuals who demonstrate outstanding character and citizenship in their schools and communities. The students and staff members, hailing from elementary, middle and high schools as well as academy, were honored throughout the spring in their schools' year-end programs. Each award recipient received a certificate and a letter of congratulations. Students received Excellence in Character medals, and staff members received corresponding lapel pins.

Ashley Ward, co-chair of the Character Matters in Lake County committee, said, "We are so pleased when schools take the time to nominate deserving students and staff members across Lake County, allowing these individuals to be recognized for their exemplary character and the significant contributions they make to their school community. It is gratifying to read why the award recipients were chosen and we are honored to celebrate the impact they are making."

The Excellence in Character Award program demonstrates Character Matters' continuing efforts to celebrate positive character in our communities. The individuals were recognized for their selfless actions, generosity and compassion toward others.

Dr. Viki Cvitkovic, dean of the Southlake Campus and CLC Online at the College of Lake County and fellow Character Matters in Lake County co-chair, noted, "It is an honor to be part of acknowledging outstanding individuals throughout our Lake County communities. There are many students and staff members who, through their commendable actions, help make their schools a positive place to learn and grow. This year's award recipients' demonstration of kindness and good character is truly inspirational."

Lake County Students: 2019 Excellence in Character Award Recipients

Ethan Ashworth, Waukegan High School, Waukegan

Venus Calderon Briones, Wauconda Grade School, Wauconda

Lionel Carapia, Gavin South Middle School, Ingleside

Emma Corbett, Big Hollow Elementary, Ingleside

Nolan Davis, Gavin Central School, Ingleside

Emilio De Hoyos, Hyde Park Elementary School, Waukegan

Maura Fitzgerald, Grayslake Central High School, Grayslake

Allison Fritz, Stanton Middle School, Fox Lake

Oscar Gonzalez, Beach Elementary, Round Lake

Anthony Hanes, Daniel Wright Jr. High, Lincolnshire

Apurva Kumar, Pritchett Elementary School, Buffalo Grove

Tyree Lewis, Andrew Cooke Magnet Elementary School, Waukegan

Karla Limon, Carman-Buckner Elementary School, Waukegan

Raven May, Waukegan High School, Waukegan

Ellen McGinn, Barrington Middle School - Station Campus, Barrington

Kevion Moton, H.R. McCall School, Waukegan

Mack Navickas, Kipling Elementary School, Deerfield

Josiah Nieves, Waukegan High School, Waukegan

Angela Ortiz, Grass Lake School, Antioch

Alison Pasdiora, Antioch Upper Grade School, Antioch

Jill Pieroni, Wauconda Grade School, Wauconda

Brianna Rubo, Emmons School, Antioch

Pamela Ruiz-Almanza, Greenwood Elementary, Waukegan

Kamila Satarov, Tripp Elementary School, Buffalo Grove

Ezra Shah, Meridian School, Buffalo Grove

Hannah Thomson, Antioch Upper Grade School, Antioch

Joanna Trujillo, Grant Community High School, Fox Lake

Leo Vazquez, Antioch Upper Grade School, Antioch

Thomas Weber, Antioch Upper Grade School, Antioch

Lake County Staff Members: 2019 Excellence in Character Award Recipients

Kalee Alter, Carman-Buckner Elementary School, Waukegan

Dave Castaneda, Tripp Elementary School, Buffalo Grove

Angelica Corona, Whittier Elementary School, Waukegan

Joye Crum, Andrew Cooke Magnet Elementary School, Waukegan

Chris Frank, Walden Elementary School, Deerfield

Barry Goldman, Grayslake Central High School, Grayslake

Jennifer Goldman, H.R. McCall School, Waukegan

Jennifer Hanley, Andrew Cooke Magnet Elementary School, Waukegan

Sue Johnson, Kipling Elementary School, Deerfield

Jessie Kulovsek, Beach Elementary School, Round Lake Beach

Sarah Lescher, Gavin South Middle School, Ingleside

Martha Martinez de Mesa, Greenwood Elementary, Waukegan

Andrea Matuszewski, Gavin Central School, Ingleside

Theresa Plascencia, Waukegan Public School, Waukegan

Allison Rakickas, Meridian Middle School, Buffalo Grove

Cynthia Roller, Big Hollow Elementary, Ingleside

Zach Smith, Emmons School, Antioch

Rob Stone, Cyd Lash Academy - SEDOL, Gages Lake

Laurelle Stuart, Meridian Middle School, Buffalo Grove

Linda Thigpen, Wauconda Grade School, Wauconda

Davy Tomei, Grass Lake School, Antioch

Mary Wong, Pritchett Elementary School, Buffalo Grove

Patti Wright, Grant Community High School, Fox Lake

About College of Lake County:

College of Lake County is an innovative community college in Lake County, Ill. that transforms lives with its variety of accessible, quality education options. Offered at three campuses in Grayslake, Vernon Hills and Waukegan or online, College of Lake County provides affordable options in a state-of-the-art setting close to home. A large student network, with small class sizes,provides advantages to our students on a career-related program or a path toward a transfer degree. We're proud to serve the diverse needs of our community and student body. Connect to your future today at College of Lake County. For more information, visit www.clcillinois.edu.