2014 winners are congratulated by Superintendent Philip Bender: (from left) Lincoln - Julia Economy and Brandon Christopher; Emerson - Matthew Massari and Dina Salemi
For 2014, the Elementary Learning Foundation (ELF) of Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 has selected four students to receive its prestigious annual Judith L. Snow Ethical Leadership Award. The grade 8 students formally received their awards at the regular June Board of Education meeting.
According to ELF Trustee Angela Burns, selection committee chairman, each student this year “knows his or her core values and has the courage to live by them in all parts of his or her life in service to the common good.” She added that: “Each is a principled ethical leader who leads with integrity, selflessness, dependability, caring and fairness.”
Superintendent Philip Bender noted that the announcements of the winners were shared at the middle school promotion exercises earlier this month, and always are met with enthusiastic cheers. “It’s such a genuinely positive response – their peers know that these students have truly set themselves apart – each in their own special way – for being ethical leaders,” he noted.
“The Snow Awards are a unique opportunity for us to highlight the special achievements of these rising young leaders who do so much by their fine example each day to showcase the civil behavior skills and expectations we have for all students,” Dr. Bender added.
The students’ names will be added to the honor plaque displayed at their middle schools. The 2014 winners are:
Brandon Christopher, Lincoln Middle School – Teachers describe Christopher as being caring, dependable and selfless. Whether at school, church or out in the community he is seen as a leader among adults, peers and younger people. As a student musician, he plays baritone sax in Lincoln’s school band and jazz band. He was selected by audition to be in the Illinois Music Education Association (IMEA) jazz band and performed at a northern Illinois festival with other highly talented young musicians. Christopher also is a role model for less experienced players, arriving early four days a week to help out with their practices. Also at Lincoln, he serves as a WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) leader. In this role, he guides 6th grade students as they adjust to a new school. Christopher also demonstrates a sense of duty and dependability through his church activities by being an altar server and a babysitter for toddlers during services. He also works and greets guests at area soup kitchens. One of his nominators noted that: “Whatever Brandon is doing, he is doing it with a smile.” Reflecting on his motivation to take on the challenges of being a WEB mentor, Christopher says: “…I remember how it felt to come into Lincoln and not know what to expect. I didn’t want that to be the case for this year’s 6th graders....I used my strong leadership skills and was willing to get out of my comfort zone to be a WEB leader.”
Julia Economy, Lincoln Middle School – Economy is described as a well-rounded individual with strong ethics. She not only excels in the classroom, but also is a talented athlete. She was selected captain of both her basketball and soccer teams. As a team captain her goal is to see all players treated fairly and have everyone’s skills improved upon. Her coach notes that: “Even during the most intense games, she always takes responsibility for her actions and emotions, making sure to hold on to her integrity, win or lose.” Economy also gives back to her community. She is the vice president of her church’s youth group, which travels around the Chicagoland area helping those less fortunate. They have served at soup kitchens, charity events and made quilts for sick children. At Lincoln, she was selected as a WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) leader. In this capacity, she mentors 6th grade students as they adjust to middle school. Instead of socializing with her friends, she has spent many lunch periods getting to know her group and addressing their concerns and questions. Reflecting on how to live each day as an ethical leader, Economy says: “It is inspirational to see how I can make a difference. And to be the best that I can be, at whatever I do and encourage others to do the same.”
Matthew Massari, Emerson Middle School – Teachers report that Massari is a positive, dedicated student and leader who works in “gentle ways,” noting that he has a “remarkable ability to help others see and think about the consequences of their decisions and actions. He does not impose his choice on others, instead he helps them to make good choices.” At Emerson, he was selected to be a Soaring Eagle to help younger students transition into middle school. He is also fondly referred to as “our Matt” by the special education teachers and his buddies who are part of Emerson’s Best Buddies Program, which encourages relationships and activities with students who have special needs. A busy swim team member and musician, Massari finds time to give back to the community, too. A family friend is in Afghanistan and Massari started to think about the soldiers who are serving. As a result, he put together care packages for the troops abroad. He is a lector at his parish and participates in service projects. He also helps with an annual fund-raiser walk for Neurofibromatosis, and hopes to see or be part of a cure someday. Reflecting on the impact of being an ethical leader, Massari says: “I think that if we practice empathy, respect one another, are helpful and treat each other the way we would like to be treated, we can make the world a better place for all.”
Dina Salemi, Emerson Middle School – Teachers and community leaders note that Salemi’s attitude everyday is “upbeat, inspiring and infectious,” and that she “goes out of her way to make sure all of her classmates’ voices are heard.” Described as compassionate, thoughtful and humble, Salemi is a well-rounded student who also is active in many school activities, such as appearing in the annual school musicals, and serving on the school Activity Committee and yearbook. She also was selected to be a Soaring Eagle student leader to assist incoming 6th graders. Outside of school, Salemi is a cheerleader and theatre student, and has been an active member in her youth group at church. Through her church she actively participates in providing sack lunches for the homeless, collects money for the Maine Township Food Pantry, and donates blankets to a local animal shelter. Salemi’s compassionate personality reflects in her goals for her future in which she hopes to be a high school intern at Lutheran General Hospital to work with patients and those in need. Reflecting on how to live each day as an ethical leader, Salemi says: “I don’t really see it as living ‘ethically,’ but rather, as living each day the way I am. I look for the very best in people and offer my very best to them.”
The annual award is named in memory of Judith L. Snow, a 25-year resident of Park Ridge and dedicated member of the League of Women Voters. She gave selflessly of her time and talent, and was highly respected within the League and the community for her courage and leadership. ELF selects one or more eighth grade students annually for this special recognition.