10 Awesome Kids We Met This Year

Cass student Cid Sumaydeng, 12, was eating lunch with friends when he noticed one of his pals making strange noises. Cid sprang to action and performed the Heimlich maneuver, which his dad taught him, saving his friend’s life.

The EJH wrestling team had a stellar year at state, coming in second overall with eighth-grader Joe Nugent taking the championship in his weight class.

Hinsdale South’s Special Olympics Team is no stranger to success. The junior varsity Gold Team came in first in state last year. This year, the varsity Black Team took top honors. 

In their first showing at nationals, the Hinsdale South Deaf Academic Bowl Team took 10th place out of 88 competing schools. Senior Dave Putz was named one of 16 Academic Bowl All-Stars. 

Nearly 60 Downers Grove South students and community members shaved their heads in March to raise money for St. Baldrick’s Foundation. The group raised a whopping $42,000 to help fund research into childhood cancers. 

Downers Grove South’s Speech Team capped off a stellar season by nabbing the state championship in February. More DGS team members made the final rounds in their categories than from any other school.

Lace Elementary School’s Kids4Good helped raise money to build a school in Haiti. Then disaster struck when the devastating 2010 earthquake leveled the building. But nearly one year later, the group celebrated another joyous occasion: Institution Mixte Nao Community School, with the help of Kids4Good, reopened its doors to students.

During their annual food drive, Hinsdale South collected more than 10 tons of food, which they donated to area pantries and charitable organizations. "We try not to go global with our giving and keep our efforts in the Chicagoland area,” said Hinsdale South Key Club sponsor Matt Swedko. “The students appreciate knowing that their hard work is going to give back to the local community.

Hinsdale Central senior and Darien resident Jimmy Fabiszak was crowned prom king and received a mayoral commendation, all within the span of a week. His accomplishment? Earning the rank of Eagle Scout for his work to renovate Smart Oaks Park.

What more can be said about Sara? She’s a gymnast, dancer, swimmer and Special Olympics equestrian who was featured in the 2011 Celebrate Differences calendar. “I’ve never met someone as strong as Sara,” wrote sister Kylea, 18, in text that accompanies Sara’s picture in the calendar.