Above / Twenty-six 2019 Naperville Youth Service Awards were presented to teens for their outstanding contributions to 20 local nonprofit organizations. (Photo by Photos by Jo)
Dating back to 1993 when Sam Macrane was Mayor, the City of Naperville has presented the Naperville Youth Service Award to recognize and honor outstanding volunteer efforts by local Naperville area students and to encourage all youth to get involved in community service.
On Tuesday, December 10, 2019, KidsMatter, together with Mayor Chirico and members of the Naperville City Council, honored 26 young people for their significant community service efforts during the 2019 Naperville Youth Service Awards celebration.
This annual community program again was held in City Council Chambers at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street.
Nominations from this year’s awards were submitted by local organizations and agencies that specifically provide young people with opportunities to volunteer their time and energy. These opportunities give young people a sense of purpose, provide them with valuable hands-on experiences, and ignite the volunteer spirit that has helped make Naperville the thriving community it is today, noted Kamala Martinez, Executive Director of KidsMatter.
During festivities held in Council Chambers, the Mayor and Council members honored each individual recipient as well as recognized the nominating organization. Each student volunteer received the Naperville Youth Service Award Pin, a framed certificate, and a custom frame which will be able to hold a photo of the award recipient with Mayor Chirico.
The Brillante Choir from Young Naperville Singers performed during the ceremony and a post award dinner reception was presented courtesy of Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria – Downtown Naperville. This program was sponsored by KidsMatter Visionary Sponsor Naperville Bank & Trust.
For more information about programs and KidsMatter, visit www.kidsmatter2us.org.
