Phyllis Holmes said she works five hours a day, three days a week, at the Broadway Head Start, despite needing oxygen to help herself breathe.

Although Gloria Zamudio’s official title is “clerical aide,” her role is “everyday hero” for Zamudio performs dozens of everyday tasks around the school and helps foster “good office camaraderie” by learning about each other working together as a group, she said.

Grassroots community activist Trista Brown also has a heart for low-income seniors and serves the residents of Joshua Arms Senior Residences in Joliet whenever she can.

Thanks to Bev, many area children are learning to love reading so for the impact that she makes,

Cornerstone President and CEO Ben Stortz carries that title very well.

Eric Balluff has coached tennis, wrestling and football for 17 years at Lincoln-Way Central. Before that, he served six years in the army including a tour in Iraq.

As president of the Joliet Township High School (District 204) school board member, he gives his time selflessly, working behind the scenes to support students, families, and educators.

Grand Prairie Elementary School physical education teacher Andrea "Queen P" Paplaski-Grygiel was named an Educator of Excellence by the Will County Regional Office of Education in April.

Oak Park resident Scott Mortenson was named the Will County Forest Preserve District's Volunteer of the Year for 2025 this spring, due to his ongoing dedication as a preserve steward.