Inspirational Eagles named at Leyden

On December 12, the Chicago-O’Hare Rotary, in partnership with Leyden, honored the following twelve students in its 10th annual Inspirational Eagle Awards: Nicole Marie Cychosz, Jonathan Galvan, Darla Giannoulis, Olesia Kulinich, Jesus Mata Osuna and Andre Sebastian Perez (East Leyden); Neo Alexander, Josh Armedilla, Grace Dillon, Xitlaly Lara, Taevion Norris and Jeffrey Pineda (West Leyden).

The purpose of these awards are to expand what is typically acknowledged in terms of academics and athletics, and instead to honor students for accomplishments in self improvements, overcoming adversity, and contributions to the community.

Learn more about each of our honorees:

East Leyden:

Nicole Marie Cychosz
Nicole’s daunting journey included health challenges, hospital visits, and watching her family’s concern for her wellness. Yet, these experiences have fueled her determination to succeed in life and health.

As a sophomore, Nicole received the horrific diagnosis that she had cancer. To battle this disease, she would need to undergo radiation and chemotherapy, which left her in and out of school for months. She took half days, she worked to keep up with her AP classes, and she continued to smile, as best she could. For those who know her best, like Ms. Hernandez, Nicole was always smiling and happy, but they noticed a change. And then they learned why - but through it all, Nicole kept her positive attitude.

Nicole did not want sympathy, or pity. One of the most difficult parts of this experience, beyond the fear, was seeing the pity in her family’s eyes during her illness. She didn’t like being the center of attention, and now she had it, under the darkest of circumstances.

At Leyden, Nicole has flourished, becoming more sociable and confident. Her involvement in honors classes, marching band, National Honor Society, service club, tennis, FCCLA, and more has revealed her strengths as a leader and mentor. Outside of school, she is a Girl Scout and has been since she was five. She finds joy in teaching and creating positive environments wherever she goes, inspiring peers with her optimism and drive.

With dreams of becoming a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher, Nicole plans to attend Illinois State University to help and inspire future generations. And, she is well-aware of Leyden’s Golden Ticket incentive program, and hopes to return here to teach.

Nicole would like to recognize Ms. Hernandez.

Jonathan Galvan
Jonathan started his academic journey at Leyden as an honor student, and despite an extremely rough junior year filled with numerous medical issues, is proud to report a strong SAT score. After struggling a little with his classes initially, he started to experience one scary medical moment after another. He experienced seizures and temporarily lost vision, hearing and the ability to speak, and just when things were looking up, another diagnosis, another incident would set him back again. He missed a lot of school, was in and out of doctors appointments and hospitals, and yet, worked hard for months to catch up with his class assignments. 

Jonathan strives to inspire his peers by sharing his own challenges and triumphs, showing them that perseverance can lead to success. He empathizes with others, offering advice and support because he’s walked in their shoes. Jonathan’s inspiration comes from his mother, whose tireless dedication ensures his focus remains on school, and from NBA star Jimmy Butler, who exemplifies resilience and overcoming adversity. These influences fuel Jonathan’s determination to face life’s hurdles head-on, inspiring those around him to do the same. 

Jonathan is grateful for Leyden’s electives, which he took full advantage of enrolling in engineering, business and autos. These courses helped him to experiment and figure out where his potential career path could be. He loves learning how things work, and plans to major in mechanical engineering, and continue asking a bunch of questions on his journey.

Jonathan would like to recognize Mrs. Ashley Tucker.

Darla Giannoulis
For Darla, community service and giving back has been part of her life since she was little. Her mother would take her and her sisters to Feed My Starving Children each year for her birthday and the family was often in the forest preserves cleaning up garbage. That history has carried over into her very busy life at Leyden, as she wants to be involved in everything - and she practically is - so that she can make a difference. She is on Key Club, Mariachi Band, Student Council, Soccer, and is President of the Class of 2025, Vice President of Interact Club and Health Occupations Students of America, manages the Boys Varsity Soccer Team and has been in a few musicals. She also sings and has played the violin for nine years and counting! 

Darla moved from Chicago to this area during middle school and faced a few struggles in the transition and since. She is half Greek and half Mexican, and is learning to embrace being mixed race, especially as she has met so many new friends who are like her here at Leyden. Darla witnessed mental health issues in those she loves and in herself, and sought therapy to help her through the toughest times. 

Always one to care about others, Darla has been a part of the medical careers class and plans to become a neonatal nurse who works with infants. She plans to start at Triton and then transfers to a four-year university in the Chicago area to complete her degree in nursing.

Darla would like to recognize Ms. Karina Hernandez.

Olesia Kulinich
Olesia's journey is one of resilience, ambition, and growth. Arriving in the U.S. as a fifth grader with no English background, she faced daunting challenges: navigating a new language, adjusting to a different culture, and finding her place among peers. The first year was the hardest, but Olesia’s perseverance carried her through. She dedicated herself to mastering English while keeping pace with her classmates, turning what seemed like insurmountable obstacles into stepping stones.

At Leyden, Olesia discovered a passion for tennis, joining the girls’ varsity team and learning the value of patience, discipline, and teamwork. Her involvement in the 2024 Portugal service trip deepened her appreciation for cultural diversity and sustainable practices, broadening her worldview. Leadership roles as co-president of the National Honor Society, officer of the service club, and vice-president of the Class Board of 2025 further shaped her character, enhancing her leadership skills and fostering a sense of school pride.

Olesia’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: “You are your only competition.” Her story exemplifies how hard work and tenacity can overcome life’s toughest challenges. Inspired by the achievements of others, she strives to one day be an inspiration herself.

With dreams of becoming a doctor, Olesia is committed to pursuing a strong post-secondary education and hopes to attend one of her dream schools. And, she just found out that she earned a prestigious Questbridge scholarship! Olesia is living proof that no matter the starting point, the pursuit of excellence can lead to remarkable achievements.

Olesia would like to recognize Mr. Mike Tazic.

Jesus Mata Osuna
Jesus started at Leyden for the 2022-23 year, after months away from school during a long and challenging journey from Venezuela. He is close with his mother, with whom he had to spend great lengths of time apart from as they worked their way to Chicago. There were times they weren’t able to communicate with each other for a month, and at one point, didn’t see each other for over a year. 

Going to school at Leyden is a dream come true for Jesus. He is grateful for his teachers, and for the many people he met here from different cultures. That aspect of Leyden has really helped him feel like he is welcome and belongs here. Entering Leyden was like a burst of new possibilities; he remembers his first geometry class, where he didn’t understand anything, but each day, with dedication and the support of those around him, began to understand more. Jesus joined clubs, put effort into reading books in English, and watched movies and shows. He is continuing in bilingual classes and says while his English is not perfect, every day is a new opportunity to improve it. 

Leyden staff also encouraged him to serve the community by participating in Make a Difference Day, where he supported children in hospitals, wrote letters to veterans, and helped clean up local parks. He volunteered at Parent-Teacher Conferences and with the Bilingual Parent Advisory Council (BPAC) which showed him how essential it is to connect with families, especially those facing language barriers, and offer support. To him, small actions can create positive change.

Jesus will graduate this year, loves education, and plans to continue with college next fall, pursuing either teaching or law. Jesus is grateful to be here at Leyden and back with his mother. Jesus would like to recognize Ms. Carolina Parra Garcia and Ms. Pat Carrillo.

Andre Sebastian Perez 
Andre’s first two years of high school, at a school other than Leyden, were marred by bullying—verbal and physical—and other discriminatory challenges. These experiences took a toll on his academic performance and attendance, making it difficult for him to feel safe or motivated.

However, arriving at Leyden marked a turning point. Andre immersed himself in extracurricular activities, joining wrestling, tennis, the Class of 2025, student council, and the service club. Through team sports, he gained invaluable skills in leadership, teamwork, dedication, and discipline, while also developing his social confidence. In clubs, he stepped out of his comfort zone and accomplished more than he imagined possible. As a service club officer, Andre found purpose in giving back, planning events and opportunities that positively impact his community.

Andre strives to be a role model, inspiring classmates and connecting with teachers on a deeper level. He actively engages after school, building relationships with educators by discussing coursework, future goals, and life experiences. This dedication to personal growth and community involvement reflects his commitment to making a difference.

With a bright future ahead, Andre aspires to attend college and pursue a career in cybersecurity. His resilience in overcoming challenges and his drive to lead and support others embody the spirit of transformation, proving that even in the face of adversity, growth and success are within reach.

Andre would like to recognize Ms. Megan Michorczyk.

West Leyden:

Neo Alexander
Neo had a rough start as a freshman at Leyden. He was struggling with depression and family conflict and ended up failing two core classes. As he repeated the courses he failed in summer school, and earned A’s, he realized he could do it, and saw his own potential. This was a turning point for Neo, as he started to fully apply himself for the first time in his life, and has completely turned his academic career around, maintaining strong attendance, grades, behavior and citizenship. He accomplishes this by continuing to develop better habits around focus, positivity, kindness and determination, and credits therapy with playing a significant role in his healing. 

One of the biggest sources of Neo’s strength comes from his mom, as she has always been there for him both physically and emotionally. Her unwavering belief in him is what pushed him to believe in himself and to look forward.

As he continues through his senior year, he still carries the self-worth that he regained during that summer. The struggles shaped Neo into someone who believes in their potential and strives to succeed, no matter what challenge arises.

He would like to attend Triton and study nursing, where he plans to continue on his positive trajectory, making himself and all of those who helped him along the way proud. 

Neo would like to recognize Mrs. Lynn Raducha.

Josh Armedilla
Josh is a standout junior who demonstrates a commitment to excellence in academics, as evidenced by a 4.41 GPA, two perfect scores on AP exams, and a 1480 SAT. Beyond his impressive grades, Josh is deeply involved in various school activities—he’s a member of the Cross Country team, National Honor Society, Engineering Club, Student Council, and plays in the Marching Band. He manages all of these commitments with a rigorous schedule, waking up at 4 a.m. to study and staying late into the evening to complete assignments.

Balancing a heavy course load and multiple extracurriculars often leaves him with little free time, but he has developed strong time management skills to keep his grades high. One week in September, Josh pushed himself to the limit, balancing a 3-mile cross-country race, a marching band performance, and significant assignments in his four AP classes. Despite the mental and physical exhaustion, he achieved a personal best in his race and delivered an outstanding band performance. He also plays guitar, outside of school - and while he initially learned it as a kid, he recently picked it back up and finds it to be a calming experience.

Josh finds Leyden to be a place where he can constantly improve and challenge himself. With the offerings here, anyone can find the opportunity to challenge themselves if they want to. He views his time in class as an opportunity to grow academically, while after school, he engages in sports and clubs that foster his interests in fitness, STEM, and music. 

He plans to study biochemistry at a prestigious university, to be determined, so that he can follow his passion for analysis and the cellular process. 

Josh would like to honor Mr. Henning.

Grace Dillon
Grace has impressive “stats” as a student: a 4.2 GPA, involvement in 14 clubs, one sport, two internships and more than 300 service hours. And, yet, she is being honored for her character. She is an advocate for herself and others, evidenced from her first bold move in middle school, where she showed up at Board meetings and spoke on her own behalf to administrators, asking to be moved from the special education program to regular classes.

Grace is the epitome of the saying, “it takes a village to raise a child,” because she has had the opportunity to be raised by multiple families - from her aunts, neighbors and family friends, never staying in one place too long. She credits this upbringing with her strong empathic abilities as she was exposed to many backgrounds and stories along the way. And that empathy translates into her love of serving others and giving back to her community. 

Somedays, Grace will just go volunteer, alone or with friends, because she wants to spread positivity and bring about change. She gives her attention and presence to all she is involved in, even when it doesn’t seem possible. She has that incredible capacity to be engaged in every moment, and it’s an inspiration for all to behold. 

In first grade, the kids were asked what they wanted to be when they grew up, and Grace recalls her immediate response, without hesitation: “I want to be President of the United States.” And you know what? We at Leyden believe that she just might. 

Grace would like to honor Ms. Michele Ratini.

Xitlaly Lara
For Xitlaly, maintaining good behavior was always natural; she’s never been rebellious, and she has consistently respected the rules. However, her academics and attendance posed a tougher challenge, as she struggled with mental health issues and medical absences. Before starting at Leyden, Xitlaly was already grappling silently with mental health concerns. She found it difficult to seek help initially, worried about her parents’ reaction. Starting at a new school without friends added to her stress, and her initial strategy to focus solely on academics didn’t work as she’d hoped.

Therapy sessions, outpatient programs, and support from her family and close friends gradually made a difference. Her mother’s understanding and closeness have been especially impactful, helping them grow closer and offering Xitlaly a foundation of support. With her mental health improving, her attendance and grades have also seen positive changes. She joined clubs at Leyden which helped her make friends and step outside of her comfort zone. Xitlaly works hard to stay on top of her classes, chores and social life.

Although the possibility of not graduating with her class was hard to accept, Xitlaly is determined to reach her goal, knowing she has the support of friends, family, and school staff. She hopes to one day attend community college.

She’s never received an award at Leyden before, so even being nominated felt meaningful. Xitlaly would like to recognize Ms. Angie Waddell.

Taevion Norris
Taevion’s journey hasn’t been a simple one, but it’s shaped who he is today. In 2016, he was diagnosed with Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD). He remembers being mind-boggled by the news, struggling to understand what it meant for his life. At first, his focus shifted away from school; he was preoccupied with doctors’ appointments and trying to make sense of what BMD would mean for his future. His grades suffered as a result, and he started withdrawing from physical activities, unsure of what his body could handle.

But over time, he realized he didn’t want the diagnosis to define him. Taevion had a choice: to let the news discourage him or to face it with resilience and strength. He chose the latter, and started to re-focus on school, managing his studies more effectively, and finding new ways to stay involved. Through this, he developed a stronger sense of perseverance and resilience.

Taevion is proud to be named an Inspirational Eagle because it shows that even in the face of challenges, he won’t give up on his goals. He wants to inspire others to realize that setbacks don’t have to limit us—they can be the foundation of our strength. His journey with BMD has taught him resilience, and he hopes to show others that no obstacle is too big if you keep moving forward with courage.

Taevion would like to honor Ms. Joyce Belluomini.

Jeffrey Pineda
Jeffrey, a senior in the LIFE classroom at Leyden, has experienced tremendous growth during his four years in high school. When he first arrived, transitioning from his previous school was challenging, and he often felt nervous and unsure. Making good choices and managing his behavior were difficult at first—he sometimes struggled to listen to teachers and wasn’t sure how to connect with his classmates. But over time, Jeffrey has transformed into a leader, someone who encourages others to make positive choices and sets an example for his friends.

As a freshman, Jeffrey was hesitant in academics, frequently asking for help even when he knew the answers. He lacked confidence and found working in groups intimidating. Today, however, he’s a capable, independent learner who can contribute in both small and large group settings. His confidence has grown tremendously, allowing him to handle classwork and interactions with ease.

One of the most rewarding changes for Jeffrey has been in his social skills. Where he once felt shy and uncertain around new people, he now enjoys making friends—especially in programs like Best Buddies and through sports like Special Olympics basketball. His social skills have flourished, and he’s developed friendships in the classroom, in the hallways, and in his extracurricular activities.

Jeffrey’s journey from a nervous freshman to a confident senior leader demonstrates his resilience, growth, and commitment to helping others. Jeffrey plans to attend the Leyden Transition program to continue to gain independence and jobs skills for his future. 

Jeffrey would like to honor Ms. Teagan Lyke, Mr. Ashraf Amaya and Ms. Sabrina Treccani.