Neighbors in the News: Palatine Library employee receives prestigious award
• Selicia Applegate, a staff member at the Palatine Public Library, was named recipient of the Illinois Library Association’s 2024 Crosman Memorial Award for New Library Workers.
The award, named in memory of Alex Crosman, a former director of the Peoria Public Library, recognizes the achievements of library workers who are new or relatively new to the field and encourages continued involvement in the profession.
Applegate began working at the Palatine Library in 2015 as a technology associate and was promoted to Makerspace coordinator in 2022, where she oversees The Workshop lab. Last February, Applegate organized and led the creation of a freedom quilt made with donated materials and equipment. The program ran in honor of Black History Month and culminated in an unveiling at 360 Chicago’s Juneteenth Celebration event in the Hancock Center.
“Nothing that I do here would be possible without the supportive staff in The Workshop. I truly love working here and interacting with the community on various projects, and I’m passionate about reaching all that can benefit from our services,” said Applegate.
• Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care recognized Natalie Reed of Kiddie Academy of Mount Prospect as Director of the Year.
The award is given annually to the highest performing director who leads and maintains a Kiddie Academy franchise location that is recognized within its community as a leader in early education and care.
“Natalie's journey and her impact on our community embody the core values that define Kiddie Academy — integrity, relationships, responsibility, curiosity, passion and impact,” said Preeti Gulati, franchise owner of Kiddie Academy of Mount Prospect.
“Her tireless advocacy, philanthropic efforts and commitment to excellence have touched the lives of countless families and children throughout Mount Prospect and surrounding communities.”
• The Waukegan Park District awarded five $1,000 scholarships to local students who demonstrated exceptional academic achievements and community service.
Known as the Waukegan Park District Memorial Endowment Fund Scholarship, the 2024 recipients are: Fabiola Aguilera-Tenorio, Selene Cruz, Sophia Cruz, Claire Venisnik and Deena Westby.
Scholarship applicants go through an application review process and are required to be a resident of the Waukegan Park District, a student enrolled at a college, university or trade school, and pursuing a field related to parks and recreation.
“The Waukegan Park District Memorial Endowment Fund Scholarship was created to support local students who excel in the classroom and demonstrate a commitment to serving their community,” said Jay Lerner, executive director of the Waukegan Park District. “With so many achievements, this year’s scholarship recipients are students who have already shown leadership both in and out of school. Congratulations to all of them.”
• Carmi Lawrence, a native of Northbrook, is currently stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes (NSGL) as an investigator with Recruit Training Command Great Lakes.
Lawrence, a 1997 graduate of Loyola University of Chicago, served for 27 years in corporate security and investigations. He joined the Navy one year ago.
“Serving as a civilian in the Navy means I get to give back to my country,” Lawrence said. “My grandparents and great-grandparents fled Eastern Europe in the 1920s. They came to America with the promise that this is a free country, where religious persecution can't happen because religious liberty is protected and defended.
“By serving as a civilian supporting the Navy, I can do my own small part to fulfill the dreams that my grandparents and great-grandparents pursued when they first came to America. The Navy is a cross-section of America, where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or faith.”
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