Yesterday I Recieved a ForeFronts Award

The Lake County Journal awarded me a ForeFront award yesterday along with eight other people in the county. This was the 13th annual ForeFronts, to be exact and they award about 8-10 a year. Here is how they describe the the award.

...you will read stories of people from throughout Lake County who have made a difference in their communities. Some of them are in government, some are in business, some are in neither ... but all have given of themselves in some way to make Lake County a better place to live, work and play. Some of them have overcome adversity, even tragedy. But each has found a way to use the experience to benefit themselves and others. Publishing such interesting and inspiring stories is important to what your Journal does.-- from Larry Lough Editor and General Manager Lake County Journals

I was very honored to receive it and when I looked at past winners I was stunned by the quality of the company I am in. The class of 2007 had some people who deserve every inch of the award and then some.

Eric Skoog works for Antioch district 34 and has created a safety committee, an anti bullying committee, and an lives every day by preaching involvement not apathy.

Jeannette Campbell is a retired VP from Harris Bank, and there are not enough keystrokes in my fingers to list the things she has volunteered for and been active in, among the ones near us are Mano a Mano and Grant High School.

G Gary Grace is the executive director of University Center of Lake County and is bringing four year college degrees to the county.

Kirk Morris lost his son, a 19 year old, in Iraq in April 2004, one of 14 soldiers killed from Lake County. He has created a organization called the Heroes of Freedom Foundation to help support veterans and their relatives a well as those who have lost loved ones in the recent wars.

Rob Carmichael is the curator of the Wildlife Discovery Center and has developed a wonderful program of outreach to the community.

Saji Lukos has created the Reaching Indians Ministry International which is attempting to change the poverty of India one church at a time.

Cathy and Chet Stanley lost their 17 year old daughter Theresa "Peanut" Stanley to a drunken driver, they created Peanut's Walk for Life that is held every July in Wauconda. The aim is to benefit a student for Wauconda High School and the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists AAIM.

Anthony "Drac" Brown works for CeaseFire a violence prevention organization via education and outreach. He is a tireless worker on the streets of North Chicago and Waukegan.

I am honored to receive this award, and am humbled by the company I am keeping.