Chicago Bears Announce Sixth Community High School All-Star Award Winner
APRIL 14 - The Chicago Bears announced today that Danny Pasko of Lyons Township High School in Lyons, Ill., has been named the sixth Community High School All-Star award winner of the season. From March through May, the Community High School All-Star award, brought to you by Athletico Physical Therapy, will recognize nine high school football players making a positive impact in their community and school. Each winner will receive a custom hand-painted football, gift bag and invitation to a future Bears event. The Bears will also make a $500 donation to the charitable organization of the player's choosing; Pasko has selected Pillars Community Health.
"It's an honor to receive the Chicago Bears Community High School All-Star award," said Pasko. "Growing up with two great friends, Pat and Jer Woods, with special needs has taught me that you never know what someone is dealing with on a daily basis. It is important to try every day to make somebody's day better. I would also like to thank my two older brothers, Connor and Colin, for pushing me and never letting me win. They also taught me to never take anything for granted in sports, life and family. Thanks to Coach Beutjer for believing in me this last football season. Coming off of an injury and having Coach Beutjer trust me when I didn't believe in myself meant the world to me. The coach's trust and positive attitude changed me more than actually playing the game. I would also like to thank our new principal, Dr. Tyrrell. From the first time I met her, she was pumping up our football team in our weight room, making us believe we can run through a brick wall to last week when she gave me a big hug. I love Lyons Township High School and am very thankful for all my teachers and coaches that have helped me achieve my goals. I am honored and thankful to the Chicago Bears for donating to Pillars Community Health. My uncle, Justin Hall (Bubba), was the No. 2 recruit in the nation in 1988. Justin was the happiest and kindest man, but lost his life a few years back due to mental health issues. He would have loved this award!"
Pasko, a junior, was a three-year linebacker for Lyons. During his sophomore year, Pasko dealt with a serious knee injury that required surgery. Through rehabilitation, Pasko returned the following year to help lead Lyons to the playoffs for the first time since 2017 and earned All-Conference honors. Off the field, Pasko coordinated the Secret Santa program for his football team, volunteering to shop and distribute presents to more than 160 underprivileged kids in their community. Additionally, the day after Thanksgiving, Pasko encouraged his teammates to help their local YMCA unload and sell 1,500 Christmas trees to raise funds for local charities in LaGrange. Currently, Pasko holds an unweighted 3.7 GPA and will soon enter his senior year.
"We are tremendously proud of Danny for his leadership and willingness to help others and make a difference in the school community," said Coach Beutjer. "He sets the bar high for himself as a student, athlete and most importantly, as a person. Thank you, Danny, for your service to others and for setting such a positive example. Congratulations to you on this well-deserved award!"