Above: Chad Pedigo is guest bartending raising “tips” for DuPagePads.
The Illinois Jaycees selected Chad Pedigo, a Naperville resident, as an honoree of its Outstanding Young Persons of Illinois award’s program. The Outstanding Young Person program annually recognizes young people throughout Illinois who excel in their chosen fields, endeavors and show a great commitment to their respective communities.
Pedigo was recognized in the category Humanitarian and/or voluntary leadership. He is a volunteer and a board member with various not-for-profit organizations creating change and building social impact. Pedigo’s never ending desire for helping others has grown into a passion for combining innovation and opportunity to shed light on the less fortunate and making a positive impact against poverty across DuPage County and the state of Illinois.
“I am incredibly appreciative and humbled by this recognition,” said Pedigo. “I hope to inspire and assist others to seize opportunities each day to serve and impact the community we live in.”
Pedigo completed his associate’s degree at Lincoln College and served as a Resident Assistant and as coordinator of the Fine Arts Department. He completed his bachelors’ degree at Naperville’s North Central College and went on to obtain his Master’s Degree in leadership studies and social entrepreneurship from the same institution. Throughout college, Pedigo worked with refugees, homeless families, environmental programs, leadership development, educational outreach, and many other great causes which helped shape his platform for using innovation and outreach to connect everyday people to doing extraordinary acts of good as a group.
The Illinois Jaycees will honor Pedigo at an awards banquet on May 2 at the Springfield Hilton. The event is supported by friends and employers of the honorees, local Jaycee organizations, Illinois businesses and the Illinois Jaycees Charitable Foundation. Friends and local businesses can purchase an ad in the banquet awards program to offer congratulations and support. Banquet tickets and program ads can be purchased at www.iljaycees.org/toyp.
Did you know? Leadership development through community involvement has been the basis of the Jaycees since its inception in 1920. The goal of the not-for-profit organization is to provide members a means to reach their full potential through networking and personal growth opportunities and 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 one of the largest Jaycee states in the United States. To locate a chapter nearest to you, visit www.iljaycees.org.
