Palatine residents honored with Illinois Jaycees award
The Illinois Jaycees selected Palatine residents Matt Kuhlman and Elizabeth Thomas as honorees for its Outstanding Young Persons of Illinois awards program.
The Outstanding Young Persons program annually recognizes young people throughout Illinois who excel in their chosen fields or endeavors and show a great commitment to their respective communities.
Kuhlman, 38, is recognized in the category of Business, economic, and/or entrepreneurial accomplishment. Kuhlman is a certified personal trainer and owner of The Sweatshop, LLC, which offers a fun and effective workout experiences. Since 2010, The Sweatshop has expanded from one location to five.
"I am honored to be recognized for this award," said Kuhlman. "On behalf of our entire team, we love being able to do what we love everyday, and we sincerely appreciate the incredible support and trust of our members that inspire us to keep going, improving, and moving forward everyday."
Thomas, 39, is recognized in the category of Humanitarian and/or voluntary leadership. She has a passion for helping people with special needs. Thomas expanded Northwest Special Recreation Association's virtual therapeutic recreation programs during the pandemic, leads the disability ministry at her church, and volunteers at many local organizations, including Clearbrook.
"I'm grateful for all the talented and dedicated people that I interact with on a daily basis that truly inspire me to give back," said Thomas. "I am humbled and beyond blessed to receive this award."
The Illinois Jaycees will recognize this year's honorees at an awards banquet Nov. 13 at the Wyndham Springfield-City Centre. The event is supported by friends and employers of the honorees, local Jaycee organizations, Illinois businesses and the Illinois Jaycees Charitable Foundation.
Friends, local businesses and organizations can offer congratulations to the honorees and support the program by purchasing space in the banquet program. Details can be found at www.illinoisjaycees.com/toyp2021.
Leadership development through community involvement has been the basis of the Jaycees since its inception in 1920. The goal of the nonprofit organization is to provide members a means to reach their full potential through networking and personal growth opportunities. It is ideal for proactive young people ages 18 to 40.
Members enhance a variety of skills as they work together to plan and run civic and individual development activities in their home communities and chapters. Illinois is the largest Jaycee state in the United States.
To locate a chapter near you, email servicecenter@iljaycees.org.
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