Academic Spotlight: 2011 Naperville Youth Service Awards

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Twenty area students were recognized for their outstanding volunteerism on Nov. 15 at the 2011 Naperville Youth Service Awards ceremony.

Updated: January 19, 2012 10:44AM

Twenty local students recently were recognized for their contributions to the community. Representatives from KidsMatter, along with Mayor A. George Pradel and members of the City Council announced the winners of the 2011 Naperville Youth Service Awards during a ceremony last month at the City Municipal Center.

“Naperville Youth Service Awards cast the spotlight on students who are in the trenches of service, giving their time, talent and heart to positively impact the lives of other individuals,” said IdaLynn Wenhold, KidsMatter executive director. “We refer to this as ‘the equal opportunity award,’ because it is based on a young person’s dedicated service, something that all youth have the opportunity to give.”

This year’s nominations came from 19 local organizations and agencies that specifically provide young people with volunteer opportunities. Wenhold said these youth volunteers fill a vital need in the community, which ultimately makes Naperville a better place to live.

Lisa Afshari, director and equine manager of Ready Set Ride, shares the sentiment. Afshari said volunteers are critical to their success, and without their support, they could not provide the services they do.

“Small organizations like Ready Set Ride depend on volunteers,” she said. “Having them means we don’t have huge overhead expenses. The results: every penny we make fundraising goes right back to the program. We help 72 children a week from the surrounding areas. Your money stays right here to help others right here.”

The therapeutic recreational facility that provides horseback riding services for special needs and terminally ill individuals, nominated volunteer Courtney Kent.

Afshari said Kent “is the best of the Ready Set Ride Organization, logging more than 1,000 hours of service over the past seven years.”

“As for Courtney Kent, I could use a hundred of wonderful young women like her,” Afshari said. “She started as a young girl who loved horses, now she is a young lady who is planning her future around horses and young people. She has helped a child through tears, shared her interest with friends, lent support through tough times, and strives to help better people’s lives.”

Kent was recognized during the ceremony along with other students nominated by other organizations. Each received a Naperville Youth Service Award pin and certificate before enjoying a dinner reception provided by Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria.

Wenhold said the recipients represent what “it truly means to be successful in their young lives.”

“They are students of character who have jumped into service with both feet, dedicating their time, talent and passion to making a positive difference in the lives of other people,” Wenhold said.

To be considered for Academic Spotlight, email readers’ editor Heather Pfundstein at hpfundstein@stmedianetwork.com.