Spirit

Image Awards Name 12 to Winners List

Elgin’s Image Commission selected 12 winners at its 18th annual Image Awards ceremony recently – including a posthumous award given to long-time U-46 educator Ron O’Neal. “Ron loved teaching as much as he loved children,” said Councilman Robert Gilliam, a friend and colleague of O’Neal. “He was a compassionate leader that had an impact on literally thousands of lives in Elgin and beyond and was influential in helping change the image of our City.” Elgin’s Image Awards recognizes image-enhancing efforts from Elgin residents, businesses and civic organizations. Other winners were: Sherman Hospital for its environmental efforts as it opened its new 645,000 square-foot facility that included a 15-acre geothermal lake. The Reverends Rock and Blues Band made up of five teenagers who play benefit concerts to support the community. Jeff Turner and the In The Neighborhood Deli for his efforts to provide free dinners to the homeless. Community member Fran Cella for her efforts to promote the Gifford Park Association. The Frock Swap Committee, coordinated by Ruth Munson, which helped the Community Crisis Center by allowing women to swap gently used clothing, shoes and accessories for something new. United Way of Elgin’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library which worked to help local children by supplying them with age-appropriate books from birth to age five.

• Sarah Evans, a recognized social media expert, who used her professional skills to help raise more than $161,000 for the Community Crisis Center.
  
  
• Steve Thoren who works to help Elgin seniors.
  
  
• The Elgin Symphony Orchestra which has earned state and national recognition for being one of the top orchestras in Illinois.
  
  
• The Mike and Mike Morning Wake-Up Call on WRMN Radio for their efforts in promoting community groups and civic organizations.
  
  
• Sandra Parsons, David Smiley and the Elgin High School music and art departments for their efforts to raise money for the Ecker Center.