The Lions Clubs of Bridgeview, Argo-Summit, and Justice joined together to host a Super Sunday celebration to honor members of the local community on March 10th at the Bridgeview Community Center. The master of ceremonies, Justice Lion Brian Bernardoni, detailed the goals of the Lions Club, an international organization dedicated to serving people in need with programs such as collecting donated eyeglasses and hearing aids and distributing them to those who apply for assistance. Our local Lions Clubs are some of the oldest and longest-serving civic organizations in the area, and they uplifted the community on Saturday with their awards for educator of the year at three school districts, veteran of the year, business of the year, and community impact.
Boy Scout Troop 13 posted the colors for the Pledge of Allegiance, and MC Bernardoni thanked the crowd for coming out for the event before Lions Club members served food from Niko’s to all in attendance. With lunch served, the Argo Community High School Orchestra took their seats to play triumphant music for the award winners.
Starting off the awards ceremony, Indian Springs School District 109 Superintendent Crystal Skoczylas took the stage to provide the Educator of the Year award to an amazing educator from the district. Superintendent Skoczylas detailed the impactful work of Wilkins Junior High School ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher Aisha Maali who accepted the award as the audience applauded and music played. Next came the Educator of the Year award for School District 217, with Argo-Summit Lion and Argo-Summit Community High School Superintendent Dr. William Toulios praising the dedication of social science teacher Taylor Loux. The final Educator of the Year award was presented by Summit School District 104 Superintendent Dr. David Negron who spoke about the ever active and engaged teacher Eduardo Estrada, complimenting his ability to connect with all students.
Argo-Summit Lions Club President Tula Been then presented the Business of the Year award to a local Summit business constantly involved in the community. President Been recalled a personal story about the honored business, Kustom Towing Inc., explaining that the business owner himself recently assisted her after car trouble.
Next came the Veteran of the Year award presented by State Senator Mike Porfirio, a veteran himself. For her service in the army, work organizing honor flights for female veterans, and work as teacher, veteran and lifelong Bridgeview resident Emily Croucher was honored as the Veteran of the Year.
Finally, MC and Justice Lion Brian Bernardoni presented the first ever Community Impact Award to Corporal Anthony Debella for his involvement in the community, service in the Justice Police Department, and service as a school resource officer at Wilkins Jr. High.
The Lions Clubs of Bridgeview, Argo-Summit, and Justice provided checks to Boy Scout Troop 13 and the Argo Community High School Orchestra in appreciation for their services before thanking attendees and the Village of Bridgeview for making the event the success it was as the Clubs work to continue serving their community.