Coach Bill Mikuska named recipient of Heart of our Community Award

MINOOKA – Heartland Bank and Trust Company in Minooka presented its 2015 Heart of Our Community award to Coach Bill Mikuska at the November Chamber Business After Hours.

The award was established to recognize Minooka residents who have stood out with their time and talent.

The Heart of Our Community award was presented by Terri Turney, retail manager for Heartland Bank in Minooka. Heartland Bank recognizes its responsibility extends beyond providing financial services to the communities it serves.

“We strongly believe the ongoing success of a community involves good corporate citizenship and making a difference in the lives of others,” Turney said.

The award was designed to recognize local residents who have done something “extraordinary” by what organizers describe as lending a helping hand or going above and beyond.

Building character, morality and leadership of young adults and doing so with humor, compassion and devotion to the students – this sums up Mikuska, organizers said.

Mikuska has had an impact on nearly every player he has come in contact with by pushing them to do their personal best, organizers said.

For Mikuska, the game isn’t about winning or losing, but learning and growing skills and confidence. The belief he has instilled in them to reach their true potential and believe in themselves has changed many of their lives.

He takes the extra time with the students to teach not only athletic skills but tie those back to the bigger life lessons as well and all with his full effort and humor.

Mikuska received $100 Minooka Chamber Gift Certificate and a “Heart” award.

“What a great way to top off our Business After Hours evening,” said Deanne Conterio, a retail support manager for Heartland Bank. “Presenting our Heart of Our Community award and recognizing this deserving person was absolutely my favorite part of the night. Bill is very deserving. Keeping community in banking is what Heartland Bank and Trust Company is all about.”

Heartland Bank and Trust Company is an independently owned community bank. Headquartered in Bloomington, the bank has offices in communities throughout Illinois.

Learn more at www.hbtbank.com.