1.Prairie 4th graders with kindergarten teacher and class

Prairie School 4th graders– Feb. 14-nominated by kindergarten teacher, Ms. LaPerna: These 4th graders who serve as helpers 15 minutes a day in my kindergarten class continue to sprinkle our classroom with kindness every single day. They always reinforce positive behavior, complimenting and celebrating children. They started making birthday cards for the kindergartners! They are wonderful role models for the youngest Prairie students.

2.Kaylin, Nina, Anita

Anita Knotts –Lotus Women’s Institute- Feb. 14 – nominated by Victoria Freier: Anita always went out of her way to welcome me and others at events and made me feel like I belonged. She is kind and passionate, she encourages all to be their best.

3.Maureen Dvorak- awardee with flowers

Maureen Dvorak – District 203 – Feb. 14 – nominated by Jacque Clermont: Maureen treats every family with respect, friendliness and dignity. With employees, Maureen always listens, shows respect and will be the first to compliment them on a job well done.

4.Elmwood Teachers

Teachers, staff and volunteers (Shelby Getzin, Jennifer Reible, Deborah Czerak, Dave Cleveland, Kristen LaRue, Beth Zamora, Juliann Sturgeon, Kim Patterson, Krissy Vitello, Elly Kovich)at Elmwood School – Feb. 15 – nominated by Andrea Baumgartner: they are helpful and kind, and go above and beyond for so many students.

5. Andrea-awardee-Lincoln Jr.High and Janet

Andrea Szczepanski – Lincoln Junior High – Feb. 15 – nominated by Janet Sommerville: When I came home from the hospital recovering from a critical illness, Andrea showed up at my home with not only a pot of beautiful flowers and a bag full of delicious treats, but she also came prepared to clean my house.

7.Melanie, Tom G-awardee, Dr. Geneace Williams

Mike Gasen- City of Naperville-Feb. 20 – nominated by Dr. Geneace Williams: Whatever the call, Mike answers with a smile and the attitude of a problem solver. Mike approaches his internal customers with care and concern. He is respectful, polite, and extremely accommodating.

8.Kristin and Lynne-awardee

Lynne Johnson – Naperville Public Library – Feb. 20 – nominated by Kristin Anderson: She makes it a point to learn and remember everyone’s name. She is often the brightest part of our department and shows love and compassion to coworker and patron alike.

9.Nina, Sherilyn, Officer Jason Maulding-awardee

Officer Jason Maulding – Naperville Police Department – Feb. 21 – nominated by Jamie Horner: He was checking in with a senior resident and when he found out that she would not have anyone visiting her on Christmas, he took over a homemade Christmas meal with his family so she didn’t have to be alone.

10. NVHS Chess Club

Neuqua Valley HS Chess Club – Feb. 22 – nominated by Erika Wood: They reached out to me on their own to Start a Chess Program at the Y for youth. They shared the reason they wanted to volunteer to implement a chess program was to help mentor younger kids to learn chess. They want others to know that chess is cool. Their hope is if they start teaching younger children to play, when they go to high school they would be part of the Chess Team.

11. Marion Ruthig-Inside Out Club

Marion Ruthig- Inside Out Club – Feb. 23 – nominated by Erika Wood: She consistently lives her life from a place of kindness and encourages others young and old to do the same.

Gina Sharp- Linden Oaks Behavioral Health-Endeavor Health

Gina Sharp- Linden Oaks Behavioral Health-Endeavor Health-Feb. 19 – nominated by Victoria Freier: Gina has a lot of responsibility but when others reach out to her for help, she responds with compassion and kindness. Whether it is a friendly smile, text of encouragement or a note, Gina makes me feel special.

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