April 26, 2024
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Marmion’s Anthony Kuceba named Chicago Bears Community High School All-Star

By Jacob Bartelson
Marmion's Anthony Kuceba carries the ball during a Class 5A second-round game against Nazareth Academy in Aurora on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021.

Marmion's Anthony Kuceba carries the ball during a Class 5A second-round game against Nazareth Academy in Aurora on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021. (Sandy Bressner - sbressner@shawmedia.com)

AURORA – Marmion senior defensive back Anthony Kuceba was honored March 31 with the Community High School All-Star award from the Chicago Bears for his positive impact on the community, according to a news release from the Bears.

Kuceba amassed more than 210 hours of community service outside of football, including Crayons for Kids, outreach ministry, JROTC and the Illinois Special Olympics, according to the release.

The award is presented to nine high school football players throughout the year. Each recipient receives a custom hand-painted football, gift bag and an invitation to a future Bears event. The Bears also will make a $500 donation to Illinois Special Olympics.

“I am truly honored to receive the Chicago Bears Community All-Star award,” Kuceba said in the release. “It has been my greatest pleasure to serve the wonderful community around me. I thank God for providing me with the faith and courage necessary to be the best version of myself on and off the field. To my family and the Marmion community, thank you for supporting and encouraging me along the way.

“Thank you to Coach [Dan] Thorpe for nominating me for this prestigious award and teaching me valuable life lessons that extend much further than the football field. I have enjoyed giving back to a community that has given so much to me and hope that I was able to inspire the younger Cadets during my four years at Marmion Academy to make a difference and lead a life of service. It has given me great pride to be able to work with a charity as amazing as the Special Olympics, which gives some of the most inspiring athletes in the area a chance to compete and display their talents. Finally, thank you to the Chicago Bears for recognizing me and my fellow nominees for our leadership, service and dedication to our schools and community.”

Kuceba, an Illinois State Scholar, has a 4.55 grade-point average and ranks in the top 10% of his graduating class.

“Thank you, Chicago Bears, for providing this award to all high school teams that have great players and who also are so giving to their team, school and community,” Thorpe said in the release. “Anthony has always been the perfect teammate, not only to Marmion, but the Special Olympics and all the volunteering he does. With his energy, zest for life and positive comments and actions, he energizes and impacts so many others. He truly is an inspiration to his school, teammates and our faculty and staff.”