“Heroes in the ‘Hood,” which has honored more than 400 young people over the past 15 years, has kicked off its 2009 program, issuing its call for nominations of outstanding Chicago youths who make a difference in their communities.
Launched in 1993 by GO Airport Express, the program aims to single out young people who realize the impact they can make on the world around them by the giving of themselves.
Applications for the 2009 ‘Heroes are being accepted through February 20. Nominees must be between the ages of 12 and 18, reside in Chicago, and have performed volunteer service in 2008. Applicants will be judged on initiative, benefit to the community and the results of their efforts. For more information, or to pick up an application, go to community or call 312.666.6662.
This year, a new “Stop the Violence” award will recognize a principal, teacher, counselor or administrator who has demonstrated extraordinary effort in making the community a safer place through school-based programs. The winner will receive a prize of $1,000. Applications for this award are also now being accepted. Click here for an application
All nominees will be invited to attend an awards ceremony on April 2 at the DuSable Museum of African American History, featuring presentations by a number of prominent Chicagoans, who will receive “Honored Role Model” awards.
Past ‘Heroes have tutored children, organized community events, visited senior citizens and even written children’s books. The winners receive a prize package that includes an all-expenses-paid trip to the state capital in Springfield.
“It is wonderful to see the enthusiasm and effort from our applicants each year,” says John McCarthy, president of GO Airport Express. “These young people obviously touch the lives of others in a meaningful way and it’s our privilege to recognize them and encourage future generations.”
In addition to GO Airport Express, other sponsors of “Heroes in the ‘Hood” include Dominick’s, The Chicago Crusader, the DuSable Museum of African American History, and WCGI-FM. For more information or applications, call 312.666.6662.
Founded in 1853 as the Parmelee Transportation Company, GO Airport Express currently transports more than one million passengers annually between O’Hare and Midway airports and downtown Chicago, its surrounding neighborhoods and most suburbs. Its shared-ride, door-to-door services are convenient, affordable and environmentally friendly: with six people on board, a van uses only 30 percent of the fuel that six cars would use and creates 54 percent fewer carbon emissions.
GO Airport Express is also a founding member of GO Group, LLC., a network of global ground transportation providers to better serve the needs of customers worldwide. To book ground transportation online visit www.airportexpress.com.