Bloomingdale CHARACTER COUNTS!® Coalition
PILLAR
AWARDS
The Pillar Award recognizes individuals within our community who have demonstrated unique acts that actively build and nurture one of the six pillars of character:
TRUSTWORTHINESS Be Honest. Be reliable. Do what you say you’ll do. Be loyal -
RESPECT Treat others the way you expect to be treated. Be tolerant of differences. Use good manners.
RESPONSIBILITY Think before you act. Do what you are supposed to do. Be accountable for your choices.
FAIRNESS Play by the rules. Be open-
CARING Be kind. Forgive others. Help people in need.
CITIZENSHIP Be a good neighbor. Stay informed; vote. Protect the environment.
Awardees
Steve Abruzzo (2010)
Arsalan Bin-
Keith and Susan Boehne (2013)
Fiona Hull (2014)
Michael Giovenco (2015)
Tim Grant (2009)
Gary Harding (2009)
Don Helmig (2009)
Trevor Koehn (2009)
Lake Park JV Football Team (2009)
Ornela Lauzadis (2014)
Syzmon Adress Mazur (2014)
Kathryn McCann (2024)
Jamie Meyer (2009)
Daryl Miller (2011)
Lisa Palmer (2014)
Anthony Perez (2009)
Shauna Porteus (2011)
Pamela Ramsey (2010)
Alex Ross (2014)
Tom Sieler (2009)
Michelle Tipner (2009)
Pillar Awards
2024 Pillar Awards
Pillar Award presented to Kathryn McCann. Kathryn found $5,000 in cash in a lost wallet and turned it in to the Police Department. The owner had already reported it missing. He was a contractor who had the money to pay his workers when he lost his wallet. An excellent example of all the pillars!
2015 Pillar Awards
“On Friday evening the Bloomingdale Police Department responded to a call for a 21 year old mentally disabled individual that had wandered away from her home. Officers located her walking along the roadway. She was visibly scared and upset and would not come with the police. Officer [Michael] Giovenco was able to calm her down and she advised that she just wanted to walk the "trails". Officer Giovenco told her that he would walk the "trails" with her. She then agreed to walk back to her home, and Officer Giovenco held her hand the whole way, which really seemed to put her at ease. Another example of the excellent police work done by the members of the Bloomingdale Police Department. Nice Job Officer Giovenco!”
BPD -
2014 Pillar Awards
Three Winnebago 4th Graders received Pillar Awards for Caring from the Bloomingdale CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition. Szymon Adress Mazur, Ornela Lauzadis and Alex Ross (pictured left to right with representatives from the Coalition) were presented the awards during Winnebago's school assembly last Friday.
When the three students learned that their neighbor's four year old grandson was sick with cancer, they sold lemonade and handmade bracelets, (with supplies purchase from their allowance) to give the little guy a toy and a handmade card, followed up with several play visits.
In the words of the sick boy's grandma, who submitted the nomination: "These young children were so compassionate and caring it brought tears to my eyes. These kids met a challenge to see how they could make a difference to a young boy fighting a big battle. They gave of themselves and their time to bring smiles and friendship." September 2014
On Friday, May 2, 2014, the CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition recognized Fiona Hull, a 5th grade student at Winnebago Elementary School with a Pillar Award for Caring, for standing up for a fellow student in her time of need. Fiona is pictured to the right with her teacher Laura Reece and Principal Jon Pokora.
(l to r) Bill Bahr, Kandy Jones, Lisa Palmer, Mayor Coladipietro, Bonnie Rothbaum and Laura Reece.
Lisa Palmer, the head of Youth Services, was presented with a Pillar Award for Caring by the Bloomingdale CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition at the February 11th Library Board meeting. Last June, an 8 year old boy emerged from the library computer lab choking on a piece of candy. Lisa immediately jumped into action and administered the Heimlich Maneuver on the young patron. Lisa's swift action dislodged the breathing obstacle, and saved the young patron's life. Lisa's actions demonstrate the pillar of caring and the importance of first aid instruction and taking immediate action.
2013 Pillar Award Winners
Residents Help Locate Missing Woman At Monday's [August] Village Board meeting, Susan and Keith Boehne were recognized with a Citizen Award of Appreciation from the Bloomingdale Police Department and a Pillar Award for Caring from the Bloomingdale CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition for their voluntary assistance in finding a missing elderly woman. Last May the Bloomingdale Police Department received a report that an 86-
After receiving the CodeRed message, area residents Susan and Battalion Chief Keith Boehne (Retired), formerly with the Bloomingdale Fire Protection District, responded on their own to help in the search. Fortunately, Susan and Keith soon found the elderly woman lying on the ground near a wooded area off of the 100 block of South Bloomingdale Rd. The Bloomingdale Fire Protection Dist. transported the woman to Adventist Glen Oaks Hospital, where she soon recovered after receiving some minor medical care, and was then returned safely to the assisted living facility.
2011 Pillar Award WinnersShauna Porteus, head of the Bloomingdale Library business office, is the most recent recipient of a Bloomingdale CHARACTER COUNTS! Pillar award. On Sunday, August 14th, a day the National Weather Service issued a Rip-
Those who know Bloomingdale Postal Carrier Daryl Miller are used to his quick smile, friendly manner and dependability. What they might not be aware of is his ability to handle an emergency with swift and decisive action. On November 29th, Daryl witnessed a driver traveling eastbound on Lake Street lose control of his vehicle, striking the side of Pickle Piano Company. Without hesitation, Daryl ran to the vehicle, taking immediate action to help the driver as the car's engine was roaring and apparently stuck in gear. He was able to assist the driver, who had been taken ill, away from the car as emergency personnel arrived on the scene. The Police Department commended Daryl for his swift action which contributed to this incident ending in a safe and positive manner. Police Chief Frank Giammarese thanked Daryl stating, "It is a noble act to help another in a time of need."
Matt McAloon presented the award for Caring to Christopher Kalupa for his assistance to a victim at Lifetime on 12/26/10 before Paramedics arrived.
2010 Pillar Award WinnersPamela Ramsey of Naperville, center, and Bloomingdale police officer Steve Abruzzo, right, are honored with the Bloomingdale Character Counts! Coalition Pillar Award Monday night [4/26/10] at the village hall. They saved the life of Dwight Henricksen, left, of Columbus, Ohio, after he suffered a heart attack while visiting the Bloomingdale Golf Club. Article: http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=376333
2009 Pillar Award Winners
Anthony Perez -
Michelle Tipner -
Lake Park JV Football Team -
Tim Grant -
Arsalan Bin-
Jamie Meyer -
Don Helmig -
Gary Harding & Tom Sieler -
Trevor Koehn -
Calendar |
Purpose |
Be Honest |
Contributions |
Definition |
Past Calendars |
Annual Recognition Awards |
Business Awards |
Youth Awards |
Junior Pillar Awards |
Pillar Awards |
Random Act Awards |
Gallery |