Village of Schaumburg
37^th Volunteer of the Year Awards Luncheon

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

(also the 55^th anniversary of Earth Day)

Special thank you to all who joined us and volunteer in our community!

Maggiano’s Little Italy Schaumburg
(Avellino and Bellagio Banquet Rooms located upstairs)
1901 E. Woodfield Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173

National Volunteer Week is celebrated annually during the third week of April and this year it is observed from April 20 to 26, 2025. This week-long celebration is about placing a spotlight on individuals whose invaluable kindness through volunteering are bettering our community.

Looking for a short volunteer commitment? Volunteer at Septemberfest Labor Day weekend!

2025 Volunteer of the Year Winners
In the words of those who nominated them

Volunteer of the Year
Jim McKenzie
Nominated by Joe Sabatino with the Rotary Club of Schaumburg A.M.

After building and subsequently selling a highly successful business, most individuals would focus on personal endeavors such as travel and hobbies. However, Jim McKenzie has dedicated himself to helping others and making a significant impact in the community. The programs and causes that Jim champions, BuilderEDU, UnchartedLearning, GritGrant, and his involvement with the Rotary Club of Schaumburg A.M., are making a significant and life-changing impact in the lives of young people in our community and across the U.S. In summary, Jim McKenzie is someone who uses his time and resources to help others.

 
Organization of the Year
WINGS Program, Inc. 
Nominated by Bruna Srb & Susan Heitsch with the WINGS Program, Inc.

The WINGS Program, Inc., started 40 years ago when a group of caring volunteers saw a need to help women, children and unhoused persons in Schaumburg. Today, WINGS is a vibrant 501c(3) organization providing housing, education, legal advocacy, and integrated support services to victims of domestic violence in Schaumburg and surrounding communities. After helping victims escape immediate danger, we empower them to build a new life by showing them a pathway to independence, safety and self-esteem. Throughout this journey, volunteers have been integral to our success. They’ve made a lasting impact on the community and the lives of others through their compassion, commitment, and creativity. We celebrate our 40^th anniversary with gratitude for all who supported our mission along the way. WINGS began in Schaumburg, and we’ll continue to serve the needs of this and neighboring communities until we can finally break the cycle of domestic violence once and for all. But it takes a village – and in this case, the Village of Schaumburg!

Youth Volunteer of the Year
Anna  Ekstowicz
Nominated by Natalie Tarter with Schaumburg High School

Anna Ekstowicz is a very dedicated and compassionate high school senior; she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving her school and community while excelling academically. Throughout high school, she has actively participated in numerous volunteer activities that have made a significant impact. As a Student Council member, she played a key role in organizing major school events, ensuring their success while fostering school spirit. Her dedication as a Student Ambassador has helped countless new students feel welcomed, and her involvement in Saxon LIFT has provided freshmen with the guidance they need to transition smoothly into high school. Beyond school leadership, Anna has devoted extensive time to community service, including volunteering at Cara Runs, assisting at a local baptism event, and participating in National Honor Society service projects, such as organizing blood drives, fundraising for Cal’s Angels, and supporting Adopt-a-Family initiatives. She has also served as a tutor, generously sharing her knowledge to help others succeed academically. In addition to her commitment to service, Anna is an outstanding student, excelling in her coursework while managing her numerous commitments. Her ability to balance academics, athletics, leadership, and volunteering speaks volumes about her dedication and character. She is not only a role model but also a true embodiment of selflessness and generosity. For her outstanding contributions to her school and community, I wholeheartedly recommend Anna Ekstowicz for the Student Volunteer of the Year Award. She is incredibly deserving of this recognition.

Kent Julian, Certified Speaking Professional & Author,
served as the keynote speaker at the 2025 event.
  

The 37th Volunteer of the Year Awards Luncheon recognized adults, young people, and organizations that, through volunteer efforts, help to make Schaumburg a better place.

Volunteerism is central to what makes Schaumburg the vibrant community that it is. Schaumburg's 20+ committees and commissions are all comprised of volunteers. Volunteers organize and operate Septemberfest. Volunteers serve as members of the Village’s Plan Commission, Zoning Board, and Bikeways Committee. Volunteers hire Schaumburg’s police officers and firefighters through the Police and Fire Commission.

The number of volunteers that serve in these positions is small in comparison to the number of people who volunteer, day after day, throughout the community including local businesses. Please take some time on behalf of volunteers and nominate an adult, a Junior High or High School age student and/or a worthy organization for recognition next year. We want to celebrate the good that people are doing and the fine work that volunteer organizations are involved in. Help us give them the recognition they deserve!

Submit a nomination next year in one or more categories:

• Adult Volunteer
• Volunteer Organization
• Youth Volunteer (junior high or high school age)
  Attention Schools: Nominate a Student to Represent Your School!

Nominees can represent social, civic, religious, community, school, and nonprofit organizations within the Village of Schaumburg and Schaumburg Township community. Any adult, junior high or high school age youth and organization volunteering within the Village of Schaumburg and Township of Schaumburg are eligible if there is a connection to Schaumburg. People may nominate an individual from an organization and/or the organization itself!

We encourage local businesses to nominate a volunteer!

Winners will be selected by a panel of judges after nominations from the residential and business communities are reviewed. All nominees will receive a certificate of merit. Each of the three winners will receive an award.

Volunteer of the Year Awards Luncheon
April 2026
11:30 a.m. - Cash Bar
12 to approximately 2:30 p.m. - Luncheon, Keynote Speech & Awards

Maggiano’s Little Italy Schaumburg
(Avellino and Bellagio Banquet Rooms located upstairs)
1901 E. Woodfield Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173

For more information, email the Schaumburg Special Events Coordinator or call 847-923-3605.

Previous Winners

Adult / Organization / Youth

• 2025 Jim McKenzie / WINGS Program, Inc. / Anna Ekstowicz

• 2024 Tony & Sandy Meo / Schaumburg Community Garden Club / Ericka Serio

• 2023 William Clark / Hindu Swaymsevak Sangh USA - Schaumburg Chapter (HSS) / Anmay Gupta

• 2022 Kathy Ray / Hoffman-Schaumburg Knights of Columbus Council 6964 / Esees Komal, Meera Pradeepan & Araha Uday

• 2021 Canceled due to COVID

• 2020 Katherine Griffis / Kenneth Young Center Youth Advisory Council (KYC--YAC) / 
  Matthew Williams

• 2019 Helen Jerusis / District 54 Education Foundation / Sarah Mathias

• 2018 Charley Shroyer / Robert Frost Junior High Interact Club / Emily Staudt

• 2017 Herb Demmel / Adult Transition Program South (ATP) / Calandra Bessemer

• 2016 Katy Garcia / Church of the Holy Spirit Food Pantry / Jocelyn Huey

• 2015 Lynn Eikenbary / Schaumburg MOMS Club / Elizabeth Einig

• 2014 Teri Dudasik / Schaumburg Professional Firefighters Benevolent Association (SPFBA) / Amanda Mytych & Sania Zaffar

• 2013 Harold Sterling / Sons and Daughters of Italy in America / Isha Jog

• 2012 Dan & Debbie Gallagher / Feed My Starving Children / Iza Gawel

• 2011 Richard A. "Bud" Napier / Assurance Caring Together (ACT) Committee / Jay Flynn

• 2010 Larry & René Netzer / Ala Carte Entertainment Volunteer Program for SLSF & the Ala Carte Entertainment - NWSRA Golf Classic / Lisa Caponigri

• 2009 Carol Hall / Clearbrook PAL Program / Payal Shukla

• 2008 Valerie M. Profit / UPS for DownS / Rachael Souza

• 2007 Sara VanDahm / American Legion Post #1983 / Ashley Darnall

• 2006 Ann Long / Motorola Asian Business Council / Matthew Bauer

• 2005 Mary Lynn McGee / Septemberfest Committee / Susan Thomas

• 2004 LaVerne Horgan / Spring Valley Concert Band / Mallory Scholpp

• 2003 Mary Nagy / VFW Post 2202 / Ashley Kehoe

• 2002 Marinell Napier / Prairie Center Arts Foundation & Friends of the Prairie Center

• 2001 Nelson McRoberts / Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association of Schaumburg (CPAAAS)

• 2000 JoAnn Owens / Rotary Club of Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates

• 1999 Kathy Ary / Schaumburg Jaycees

• 1998 Marilyn Biolchin / Schaumburg Peer Jury

• 1997 Gordon Mazursky / Spring Valley Nature Club

• 1996 Christine Starzynski / Strays Halfway House

• 1995 Geri Czech / Schaumburg Athletic Association

• 1994 Steve Isackson / WACO

• 1993 Bob Cairns / Help Our People Everywhere

• 1992 Everett Stenstrom / Community Nutrition Network

• 1991 Pete Justen / Conant High School Learning through Community Action Program (LCAP)

• 1990 Christine Fenn / Schaumburg-Hoffman Lions

• 1989 Jarnette Dill / Schaumburg Jaycees

• 1988 Ruth Park / The United Way