Above / KidsMatter recognized 2023 Youth Service Award Honorees in Council Chambers on Wed., Nov. 29. (Photo by Jo Lundeen)
Since 1993, the City of Naperville has presented the Youth Service Award to recognize and honor outstanding volunteer efforts by local Naperville area students as a way to encourage all youth to get involved in community service.
“This year marks the 30th Anniversary of this amazing event,” said Nina Menis, Executive Director of KidsMatter, who served as emcee when 21 young people were honored on Wed., Nov. 29, in Council Chambers. “KidsMatter joined the City in championing this wonderful event beginning in 2005—the year many of this year’s nominees were born!”
Mayor Scott Wehrli and Naperville City Council members Josh McBroom, Alison Longenbaugh, Patrick Kelly, Paul Leong, Benny White, Jennifer Taylor and Nate Wilson also were present for “a wonderful evening of recognition and celebration,” noted Sherilyn Hebel, Director of Programs for KidsMatter.
“Naperville was built on the shoulders of volunteer spirit,” said Mayor Wehrli. “We are so proud of our 2023 Youth Service Award recipients who have chosen to serve their community and continue the service tradition that has made our city great!”
2023 Youth Service Award honorees and special guests
The following students are this year’s inspiring recipients and the organizations that nominated them for the award:
Lilly Korbal – 360 Youth Services; Tessa Willaims – 360 Youth Services; Aayush Modi – Alive Center; Patrick Baldinger – Alive Center; Nico Besteiro – Buddy Break at Good Shepherd; Jaden Yau – DuPage Children’s Museum; Risha Bansal – Indian Community Outreach; Avery Belgio – KidsMatter; Anna Buchenauer – KidsMatter;
Kendall Klimek – KidsMatter; Ria Mishra – KidsMatter; Samia Hasan – Little Friends; Rachel Day – Little Friends; Will Perdew – Loaves & Fishes Community Services; Delaney Fenlon – Naper Settlement; Dakota Ford – Naperville Area Humane Society; Emma Orend – Naperville Environment & Sustainability Task Force (NEST); Max Henige – Naperville Park District; Aakash Kolli – Naperville Public Library; Saloni Parikh – The Morton Arboretum; and Sheel Parikh – The Morton Arboretum.
In addition to many proud parents and friends, Dr. Adrian Talley, Superintendent Indian Prairie District 204 and KidsMatter Advisory Board Member; Jacque Clermont, Director of Community Relations Naperville Community Unit School District 203 and KidsMatter Board Member; Stephanie Posey, Principal Naperville North High School and former KidsMatter Board Member; Jackie Thornton, Principal Naperville Central High School; Jason Stipp, Principal Waubonsie Valley High School and KidsMatter Board Member; Dr. Lance Fuhrer, Principal Neuqua Valley High School; Dr. Daniel DeBruycker, Principal Metea Valley High School; Brad Wilson, Executive Director, Naperville Park District, filled Council Chambers to recognize the dedication and spirit of the students.
KidsMatter also expressed gratitude to the program sponsor, Naperville Bank & Trust. The ceremony also received support from a City of Naperville Social Service grant, Belgio’s Catering, Lou Malnati’s, Culver’s, Celidan Creations and Area 51 Cupcakery.
Looking forward to 2024… Community Job Fair is set for Jan. 6!
The KidsMatter Naperville Park District Community Job Fair will take place from 10AM to 1PM on Sat., Jan. 6, at Fort Hill Activity Center, located at 20 Fort Hill Drive.
