Helen Assefa, a senior at Lincoln-Way East High School, has been named a recipient of an Award of Excellence from the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (INSPRA).

The award, which will be presented at a banquet on May 16, honors individuals who have “gone the extra mile” on behalf of their schools. Recipients must also demonstrate efforts that have enhanced education and conveyed its importance to the community at large.

“Helen is a classy young woman with a bright future,” said Superintendent Dr. Lawrence A. Wyllie. “She’s articulate and holds your attention. Selection for an award like this is very fitting.”

“Helen is a leader in our school and committed to making our school better for all students,” said Dr. Michael Gardner, principal at Lincoln-Way East High School. “ She truly personifies the best in the school’s mission to be committed to Effort Attitude, Spirit and Team. We are very proud of her.”

Helen was nominated for the Award of Excellence by Stacy Holland, director of community relations for Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210.

“Helen is an extraordinary young woman,” Holland wrote in her nomination packet. “She is the first child of immigrant parents from Ethiopia. She is a dedicated student with the heart of a lion, a strong personal drive to contribute to her school, her friends, her community and her country the United States, to make a positive difference in people’s lives.”

As president of the Lincoln-Way East Student Council this past year, Helen has had many opportunities to spread the “good word” about Lincoln-Way East and all public schools. Each month, she makes an oral report to the Board of Education, sharing information about student activities and student involvement in community service.

Her reports often are the highlight of the board meetings, strengthening public support for education.

Under Helen’s leadership, the Student Council has been involved in many community projects, including several food drives that have collected over 2,000 items, clothing drives that helped give students a coupon for Homecoming tickets and a student verses teacher Kickball Tournament.

She has participated in a number of school clubs and organizations through the years, including the Key Club (a students’ service club sponsored by the local Kiwanis Club) and Interact Club (a students’ service club sponsored by the local Rotary Club). She has volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House near Loyola Medical Center, visited nursing homes, painted the YMCA and planted flowers in front of Lincoln-Way East. She also has welcomed a Rotary Club from Korea, explaining to others the differences they’ve experienced in America.

Helen credits the clubs and school activities for allowing her to “branch out” and “find” herself.

“Slowly but surely, as a freshman, I realized that by participating in various activities it allowed me to branch out and gradually find myself, “ she said. “I loved helping people and expressing thoughts, feelings and ideas of students with several clubs. Lincoln-Way East has done an amazing job of providing many options for students to join activities and permitted me to discover myself.”

After graduating from Lincoln-Way East in June, Helen plans to attend Illinois State University and pursue a degree in biology. He goal is to become a doctor – just like her dad.

“He inspires me,” she said.

The Lincoln-Way East student was recognized at INSPRA’s awards luncheon on May 16 at the Bolingbrook Country Club. The presenter of the Distinguished Service Award was Kristine Cohn, regional representative of the U.S. Department of Education.