FREEPORT - The spirit of hope, commitment and determination marked the recent celebration of the 12th annual Servant-Leadership Celebration and Commencement at Highland Community College. Over 400 people witnessed some 150 student leaders from 15 high schools in four northwest Illinois counties as they showcased their teamwork and individual volunteer projects via skits and video. The schools included Aquin, Dakota, Eastland, Forreston, Freeport, Galena, Lena-Winslow, Orangeville, Oregon, Pearl City, River Ridge, Scales Mound, Stockton, Warren, and West Carroll.
Students at each school selected and implemented numerous projects in their individual communities and schools. Volunteer projects included a fundraiser that collected $14,000 for an area youth injured in an accident; a pork chop dinner that served over 200 people to raise funds for local charities; an Easter egg hunt for the Stephenson Nursing Center; blood drives; assisting with Special Olympics; a grade school unity day; tutoring and mentoring younger students; food drives and distribution; various other fund raisers, including several for The Workshop in Jo Daviess County.
This year, Servant-Leaders focused on environmental awareness for their regional project. Using the self-study guide, "Low Carbon Diet: A 30-Day Program to Lose 5,000 Pounds," the 152 members and mentors in the program developed action plans to reduce their carbon footprint and calculate the carbon dioxide reduction in terms of money saved. They also focused on further educating students and community members of their personal carbon footprint.
Dan Dick of Lena-Winslow received a $250 scholarship from the Highland Leadership Institute.
The Chad Monte Servant-Leadership Award was presented to Alan McKee of Warren.
Ross Barker and Josh Dotzel of Orangeville, Alan McKee of Warren and Taylor Pokoj of Lena Winslow were recognized for two years of perfect attendance to Servant-Leadership trainings.
Adult mentors recognized for 12 years of service included Greg Shallenberger, Jeri Strohecker and Stan Toepfer, all of Lena.
Students at each school selected and implemented numerous projects in their individual communities and schools. Volunteer projects included a fundraiser that collected $14,000 for an area youth injured in an accident; a pork chop dinner that served over 200 people to raise funds for local charities; an Easter egg hunt for the Stephenson Nursing Center; blood drives; assisting with Special Olympics; a grade school unity day; tutoring and mentoring younger students; food drives and distribution; various other fund raisers, including several for The Workshop in Jo Daviess County.
This year, Servant-Leaders focused on environmental awareness for their regional project. Using the self-study guide, "Low Carbon Diet: A 30-Day Program to Lose 5,000 Pounds," the 152 members and mentors in the program developed action plans to reduce their carbon footprint and calculate the carbon dioxide reduction in terms of money saved. They also focused on further educating students and community members of their personal carbon footprint.
Dan Dick of Lena-Winslow received a $250 scholarship from the Highland Leadership Institute.
The Chad Monte Servant-Leadership Award was presented to Alan McKee of Warren.
Ross Barker and Josh Dotzel of Orangeville, Alan McKee of Warren and Taylor Pokoj of Lena Winslow were recognized for two years of perfect attendance to Servant-Leadership trainings.
Adult mentors recognized for 12 years of service included Greg Shallenberger, Jeri Strohecker and Stan Toepfer, all of Lena.
