Teens honored with Brattin Awards
By Matt Hanley mhanley@stmedianetwork.com December 11, 2011 12:38AM
Aimee Arvayo from Rosary High School was one of the Brattin Civic Youth Award Winners named at the Pearl Harbor Luncheon at Gaslight Manor in Aurora on Monday, December 5, 2011. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: January 12, 2012 8:05AM
AURORA — Eleven local teens were given the Brattin Civic Youth Award at the 42nd Annual Pearl Harbor Day Luncheon in Aurora last week. The award is presented to students ages 15 to 19 who show significant civil involvement, academic excellence and well-rounded achievement.
“A very impressive group,” Richard Todas, president of the Aurora Navy League, told the more than 200 people at the luncheon. “They’re going to make the rules in not too many years, so you’d better be nice to them.”
The award, sponsored by Navy League and the Rotary Club of Aurora, is named for the late Ted Brattin, a World War II pilot and Aurora Rotary Club charter president who was dedicated to recognizing citizenship, service and leadership among youth.
The students honored were:
Aimee Arvayo, 16, of Aurora, Rosary High School. Arvayo volunteers in a maternity ward, at many city events and as a big sister to a third-grade student.
“Aimee’s great heart leads her to make a difference in so many ways,” said Sister Patricia Burke of Rosary. “She represents the service leadership we strive to instill in our young women.”
Erin Canning, 18, of Aurora, Aurora Central Catholic High School. Canning is ranked first in her class, president of the National Honor Society and an Academic All-Conference student in soccer.
“Erin displays all the necessary characteristics to succeed,” wrote chemistry teacher Sharon Elgar. “Her determination, diligence and ability to guide others are winning qualities.”
Dazmine Chaney, 17, of Aurora, West Aurora High School. Chaney has worked on the Principal’s Advisory Committee and has been captain of the basketball team, while maintaining high grades.
“Dazmine does not settle for mediocrity and always strives for excellence,” assistant coach Steve John said. “She has the ability to take the initiative, follow through and is very independent.”
Miguel Hernandez, 17, of Aurora, East Aurora High School. Hernandez is in the top 15 percent of his class and volunteers while also serving as president of East Aurora Future Educators of America and as student representative for the School Board.
“Miguel is also starting a new program this year named ‘Uniting for Change ’Cause We Care,’” wrote counselor Jessica Spieth. “The purpose of this event is to encourage students and members of the community to volunteer for programs they believe in.”
Bertha Lopez, 18, of Aurora, East Aurora High School. Lopez is in the top 10 percent of her class while also volunteering for more than 500 hours and serving on the library’s Teen Advisory Board.
“She is polite, respectful and well-liked by teachers and staff,” Spieth wrote. “She is a good student who cares about the community she lives in.”
Alexandra Mistak, 19, of Geneva, Waubonsee Community College. Mistak is president of the college’s honors society, volunteers at multiple organizations and has a 4.0 GPA.
“She purposefully and proactively seeks out those activities that will put her front and center in leadership roles,” wrote special activities specialist Rosalinda Martinez.
Elijah Page, 15, of Montgomery, Oswego East High School. Page volunteered more than 100 hours at the Oswego Senior Center — in addition to giving time at the library, Long Beach Elementary School, the sheriff’s office and Cross Lutheran Church.
“He doesn’t just show up. He comes ready and eager to help,” wrote James Feely. “This is a young man who is respectful, well-mannered, a blessing to those around him.”
Curtis Townsend, 18, of North Aurora, West Aurora High School. Townsend volunteers with disabled people, middle school students at church and youth football players, all while helping to plan a mission trip to Nicaragua.
“Curtis stands out at West Aurora High School as an athlete, scholar student and servant to his peers and community,” wrote activities director Whitney Rusin.
Connor Valaik, 17, of Naperville, Marmion Academy. Valaik has a 4.0 GPA, is the student director of the Leadership Education and Development program and was chosen by other students as the person who always does the right thing, even when no one is watching.
“Connor doesn’t shy away from any challenge and always looks for creative ways to problem solve to accomplish any given task,” wrote LEAD program director Vincent Bellafiore.
Jeff Winkle, 17, of Aurora, Marmion Academy. Winkle has a 4.0 GPA and is a member of Foreign Language Honor Society. Teachers said his creativity stands out.
“Many of his thoughts and extracurriculars are not the popular ones, but they are based on his interests and always with a mature decision on his part,” wrote Dan Thorpe, director of college guidance. “He would much rather discover something on his own than be told the solution.”
Itzel Zamora, 16, of Mooseheart, Mooseheart High School. Zamora has been in the NJROTC for three years and volunteers for anything that’s needed. She is in the top 10 percent of her class.
“She is morally sound and a great personal example to her classmates,” wrote Richard Smith.
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