Suburban Middle Schoolers Honored For Hard Work
CHICAGO (CBS) -- At this time of year, when many of the best students are honored for their work in the classroom or in a sport, some honors also are being given to some students who've been trying hard.
The Mundelein Police Department and Lake County Circuit Court Judge Daniel Shanes have teamed up for a fifth straight year to honor many students who have overcome issues to improve in school, whether it's in academics or behavior.
Police Chief Eric Guenther said 19 students from Carl Sandburg, West Oak, and Fremont middle schools have been honored.
"It's recognizing those groups of kids so they understand, 'We see what you're doing. You're putting forth a great effort,'" Guenther said.
The chief also said honoring those students boosts their self-confidence, which helps them as they transition next year to high school.
Guenther said judges don't pick students based on grade point averages.
"It's that hard work. It's that persistence. Staying after. Whatever your goal is. Whatever your dream is. That's what's going to get you where you're going. Not everybody's going to be straight A student or the QB for the football team," he said.
The awards were given out on Friday morning.