Karen Evans Wins Citizen of the Year Award

Karen Evans knew many children in Glen Ellyn were starting each school year without the necessary supplies to fully tackle the educational demands of academia.

Taking matters into her own hands, in 2009 Evans launched Supplies 4 Success, a grassroots organization that provides a backpack full of school supplies to children in need attending school in Glen Ellyn School District 41 and Community Consolidated School District 89.

“It was apparent that a lot of parents just could not meet the needs of their children when it came to supplies, which was surprising because we often see Glen Ellyn as an affluent area. But we have quite a few folks who are struggling financially and we’re there to help them,” Evans said.

Within its first year Supplies 4 Success provided school necessities to more than 700 students in the two school districts. Next school year they are looking at providing supplies to more than 1,000 students, Evans said.

For her efforts to help children be ready for academic success, the and the Glen Ellyn Jaycees named Evans the Glen Ellyn “Citizen of the Year.”

Evans was presented the award Saturday morning during a breakfast ceremony hosted by the Chamber of Commerce at the .

“There is a real need in our schools. It’s something we don’t often think about, but there are children out there who don’t even have the supplies needed to tackle the school year” Evans told the crowd of more than 200 attendees.

Julie Worthen, director of communications for D41, lauded Evans’ initiative.

“She certainly deserves to be recognized for what she has done for our students. Her efforts have been tremendous for District 41 by helping our students start the school year with the supplies they need,” Worthen said after the ceremony.

The Citizen of the Year Award is presented to someone who has demonstrated dynamic leadership and has had a positive impact on the community, said Mike Formento, co-executive director of the Chamber of Commerce.

The award presented to Evans was the 45th straight Citizen of the Year Award given out by the Chamber of Commerce.

But Evans was not the only honoree Saturday morning. The Chamber of Commerce also handed out awards to other businesses, organizations and individuals who had a positive impact on the village.

Joseph Nemchok was named Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Jeff Buccola was named Outstanding Firefighter of the Year.

Michael Meissen, superintendent of Glenbard High School District 87, was named Outstanding Educator of the Year. Meissen was singled out for his efforts to increase enrollment in Advanced Placement courses.

Margaret Lombardo, who was unable to attend the breakfast due to illness, was awarded the Paul Herwaldt Senior Award for the volunteer hours she donates to a myriad of village organizations.

The Outstanding Business of the Year Award went to , the second largest employer in the central business district of Glen Ellyn. Linea has operated in Glen Ellyn for 25 years.

DuPage PADS was named Outstanding Not-for-Profit Organization. Carol Simler, executive director of the organization which assists the homeless across the county, said they are committed to ending the growing problem of homelessness in the county. Last year the organization provided services to 110 families in the county.

Jeffrey Waters, a CPA who donated a kidney to the child of a client, was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. Formento said Waters earned the award, and respect of the village, for his “compassionate contribution to life.”