A Wheaton North High School student who logged more than 2,400 volunteer hours and a lifelong resident known for preserving local history and plowing neighbors' driveways were among nine Wheaton residents honored with the city's 2026 Good Citizens Awards.
The Wheaton City Council presented the awards at its Monday, May 18 meeting, recognizing three students and six adults for unpaid volunteer service that benefits the community. The Wheaton Community Relations Commission, chaired by David Sohmer, coordinates the annual program and selected this year's winners at its April 22 meeting.
All nine honorees live in Wheaton.
Student honorees
Lauren Park, a Wheaton North student, devoted more than 2,400 hours of volunteer service this year and leads the Interact Club, a student-led organization focused on local volunteering and leadership development.
Kevin Lange, also at Wheaton North, helped establish an accessible ACT tutoring program, participated in mission trips and serves as senior class president while staying active in marching band and National Honor Society.
Edie Zurawski, a middle school student, volunteers through the Wheaton Public Library's teen program, the Buddy Baseball program, Girl Scouts, the Cosley Zoo Run and the Middle School Teen Council.
Adult honorees
Don Schmitt, a lifelong Wheaton resident, was recognized for preserving and recording local history, participating in vintage car nights and parades, and quietly plowing snow from neighbors' driveways.
Molly Hall created Hawthorne Elementary School's Variety Show, which incorporates every class in the school and gives students a chance to share their skills on stage. She also brings meaningful assemblies to the school.
Rich Brodhead leads local and travel baseball programs and builds and transports props and equipment for the Wheaton Warrenville South High School marching band.
Erin Janulis volunteers through the Wheaton Junior Women's Club's work with Bridge Communities, Sleep Out Saturday, a teacher supply drive and Buddy Baseball, and serves as Lowell Elementary PTA vice president.
Nancy Singer brings her expertise as CEO of a large banking institution to serve Outreach Community Center, STARS Family Services and the Community Housing Advocacy and Development nonprofit.
Joe Ursitti volunteers through local Scouts programs, religious education, the Wheaton Briarcliffe Baseball program, youth basketball and the Wheaton Elks.
To qualify, nominees must be current Wheaton residents performing unpaid service that goes above and beyond for the community, according to the city's awards page.
A video of the May 18 ceremony is available on the city's Vimeo page.
Upcoming community dates
- The Community Relations Commission meets Thursday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. at Wheaton City Hall, 303 W. Wesley St.
- The Radio Gaga concert is set for Thursday, Sept. 10 at Memorial Park.
