Last week, Rep. Dan Lipinski (IL-3) held his annual All-American Boy and Girl Award Ceremony for 7th and 8th grade students at the Sabre Room in Hickory Hills. One hundred finalists were selected from over one thousand applicants to appear before a panel of judges for a formal interview. Following the interviews, 12 winners were selected, three boys and three girls from each grade.
“There’s a lot of attention these days on a few young people that make bad decisions,” Rep. Lipinski said. “I look forward to this long standing program every year because it gives me the opportunity to highlight a group of well-rounded young men and women that the entire district can be proud of. Looking at these individuals – and the strong network of family, friends, and teachers that surrounds them – I know they will make great contributions to their communities and our country.”
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Lipinski congratulated all the finalists and urged them to continue working hard and focus on ways they can be of service to others
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The winners are:
• Seventh grade boys: Austin Monaco, Santa Lucia; Christopher Neary, St. Cajetan; Sabastian Alander Sawicki, Simmons Middle School
• Seventh grade girls: Ariana Ascencio, St. Rene; Sadie Reese, St. Cajetan; Kayla Grover, Liberty Junior High
• Eighth grade boys: Nikolas Anaya, Bridgeport Catholic Academy; Frank Gomilka, SS. Cyril & Methodius; Jeffrey Vitek, McClure Junior High
• Eighth grade girls: Hannah Heppner, St. Christina; Elizabeth Stehlik, St. Daniel The Prophet; Patricia Ann Tichy, Clissold Elementary
Each finalist was awarded a certificate for their hard work and superior essay. The 12 winners were awarded a special plaque and other prizes.
