Integrity, selflessness, dependability, caring and fairness -- these are the five values that mark this year's eighth graders selected for a prestigious annual award by the District 64 Elementary Learning Foundation (ELF). Named after a 25-year resident of Park Ridge and dedicated member of the League of Women Voters, the Judith L Snow Ethical Leadership Award shines the spotlight on one or more eighth grade students who are respected for leading by example.
The 2017 winners are Jessica Beck and Rachel Bull from Emerson Middle School, and Danielle Ammentorp and Jonathan Spychalski from Lincoln Middle School. Read more about the 2017 winners' accomplishments here.
(Left to Right: Bull, Beck, Ammentorp and Spychalski)
"Each student knows his or her core values and has the courage to live by them in all parts of their lives in service to the common good," according to ELF Trustee Hillary Larson, who chaired this year's committee. "Each has the courage to live by their values even when faced with peer pressure to do otherwise," she added.
The winners were introduced at the middle school promotion exercises on June 1. Their names also are being added to an honor plaque at each school.
The District 64 Board of Education and Superintendent Laurie Heinz had an opportunity to personally congratulate the recipients during the June 26, 2017 meeting.
This year, members of Mrs. Snow's family also were on hand at the meeting to welcome the students. Mrs. Snow was remembered as giving selflessly of her time and talent, and was highly respected within the League and the community for her courage and leadership.
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| Snow family members greeting the winners included (from left) Karen, Tom, Tim and Chris (2nd row). | Board of Education members (from left) Tom Sotos, Rick Biagi, and Mark Eggemann take their turn to congratulate the Snow Award winners. |