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Each year the Illinois Jaycees and the Illinois Junior Chamber
International Senate select and honor 10 outstanding men and women
between the ages of 21 and 39 from across Illinois. The Ten
Outstanding Young People are selected on the basis of achievements
in a number of areas, including personal improvement, financial
success, economic innovation, social improvement to major
contemporary problems and philanthropic contribution, as well as
government and volunteer service. Past winners include Gary Fencik,
Chris Zorich and Bill Self.
Each of the individuals honored will
receive a special medallion and photo plaque from the Illinois
Jaycees. The other honorees, their profession and the town from
which they were nominated are Adam Alonso, social services, Oak
Park; Pat Fitzgerald, head football coach at Northwestern, Evanston;
Emily Gage, minister, Chicago; Bert Johnson, high school music
department chair, Orland Park; Richard McCoy, curator, Decatur;
Elizabeth Noe, event professional, Palatine; Paul Petty, sheriff and
coroner, Pittsfield; Paul Rickey, teen program manager, Lombard; and
Amy Wenz, tax attorney, Glen Ellyn.
"These individuals exemplify all of the best qualities of young
leaders as well as a commitment to helping others," said Denise
Lenz, president of the Illinois Jaycees. "They have changed their
communities and the world around them. On behalf of the Jaycees and
our sponsors Caterpillar and AmerenCilco, we congratulate these
winners and challenge them to continue their quest to be the best at
what they do."
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 There are nearly 2,000 Illinois Jaycees in 100 chapters
throughout the state. Illinois has the second-largest number of
Jaycees of any state in the United States. The Jaycees provide
individuals between the age of 21 and 39 the opportunity to develop
personal and leadership skills while serving their community.
Every year, each chapter in the Jaycees conducts numerous
programs to serve the community and accumulate funds for operation
of the chapter and community donations. Included in these projects
are Fourth of July festivals, Christmas tree sales, haunted houses,
garage sales and other projects that benefit the community and help
raise funds.
For further information on the Illinois Jaycees, membership or
any of their sponsored events, write to the Illinois Jaycees Service
Center, 6405 Canadian Cross Drive, Springfield, IL 62711; call them
at 217-529-5379; fax them at 217-529-5293; e-mail them at
servicecenter@iljaycees.org; or visit
www.iljaycees.org.
[Text from news release received from
Illinois Jaycees]
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