St. Charles, IL  (January 28, 2013) – The City of St. Charles Youth Commission is pleased to announce the winners of the 2012/2013 Challenge Grant competition.

Each year the Youth Commission offers a challenge to the young people in the community to address an identified need in their peer group and to offer a constructive intervention or alternative.  This year the theme is “Making a Better Tomorrow Today.”

Students and their mentors will be recognized at the City Council Meeting held on February 4, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.  Awards will be presented to:

1.      Wredling Middle School

Ms. Kary Vitali and the Builders Club will be putting a program in place that will promote positive peer pressure among students by recognizing individuals for their positive actions with an award.   Award:  $500.00

2.      Girl Scouts – Abigail Miller

Ms. Abigail Miller will be working on a project for Girl Scouts to create the “Operation Home Away From Home” program that will provide special packages to any child admitted to the pediatrics wing of Delnor Community Hospital.  Award:   $500.00

3.      Thompson Middle School

Ms. Pam Cameron and Team 7-1 will be organizing a “Day of Service” geared towards providing opportunities for youth to develop healthy lifestyle awareness and a “Get Active” campaign to promote physical activity.  Award:   $600.00

4.      Girl Scout Troop #4352

Girl Scout Troop #4352 based out of Richmond Elementary School for their project to begin a recycling program for plastic water bottles at the school.  Award:   $400.00

For more information, contact May Foster, Mayor’s Office, at 630-762-6908.

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Current Youth Commission members include Chairman Nancy McFarland, Stacy Anderson, Jim Diorio, Cliff Hime, Kristen Kauke, Dr. Dan Kelly, Susan Schwerdtfeger, Mary Ann Tilton, Marianne Weick and Jeffrey Wong.

The Commission is pleased that these projects will soon be put into action for the benefit and well-being of the youth of the community and commends the participants for their creative spirit and willingness to serve others.

About the City of St. Charles

Friendly neighborhoods, diverse retailers, international employers, innovative schools, beautiful parks, varied cultural amenities, and unique architecture have earned St. Charles its reputation as the Pride of the Fox. Located in both DuPage and Kane counties, the City of St. Charles is 35 miles west of downtown Chicago, and has a population of approximately 33,000. Over 2,100 businesses, consisting of a balanced mix of retailers, restaurants and manufacturing facilities, employ more than 18,000 people. The City of St. Charles was named the #1 City for Families by Family Circle® magazine in 2011; one of the “150 Great Places in Illinois,” by the AIA Illinois; and one of the “Top 10 Towns To Live In” by West Suburban Living magazine. www.stcharlesil.gov.