Leyden and Rotary honor 12 inspiring eagles

On December 10, the Chicago-O’Hare Rotary, in partnership with Leyden High School District 212, honored the following twelve students in its 11th annual Inspirational Eagle Awards: Julio Andujar Araujo, Dominic Ganir, Jacob Ganir, Jesus Rosa Gomez, Lily Mason, Francisco Melendez, Hilliana Mendoza, Noala Morales, Lizeth Romero, Angel Marcos Payan, Maylen Parra Sales, and Jacob Sanchez.

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.

East Leyden

Julio Andujar Araujo
Arriving from the Dominican Republic as an enthusiastic sophomore on a diplomatic visa, Julio faced the daunting challenge of adapting to a new country, a new language, and a new culture. Yet, from the very start, he embraced every opportunity Leyden offered—joining swimming, theater, and stepping into leadership roles as a student officer for multiple clubs. Despite the natural struggles of balancing demanding AP courses and high expectations in sports, Julio never gave up. He pushed through difficult moments during his junior year when he felt disconnected and overwhelmed, discovering that many around him shared similar feelings.

He would like to become a secondary education teacher, mainly because of his experience and how he wants to help teens who feel misunderstood or otherwise overlooked. Julio was nominated by Ms. Michorczyk and he would like to recognize her for all she has done.

Dominic Ganir
At Leyden, Dominic has devoted himself fully - excelling as a varsity athlete in football and wrestling, engaging in 13 different clubs, and embracing a rigorous course load including AP classes. He has grown from a shy newcomer into a confident leader and mentor, known for his kindness and genuine care for others.

He was nominated by Mr. Matticks, who has witnessed firsthand the impact of his character and leadership, and Dominic would like to recognize him for all of his support over the years.

Jacob Ganir
Jacob has excelled both academically and personally. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA while taking honors and AP courses, he is also a dedicated varsity athlete excelling in two sports and recognized as all-conference. Beyond his own achievements, Jacob and his family have taken on the loving responsibility of caring for his grandmother. His leadership extends across eight school clubs, and he is preparing to join the Sons of the American Legion to continue growing as a positive influence.

Jacob was nominated by two teachers separately, Mr. Soczewa and Mr. Byerly, and wants to recognize Mr. Stark.

Francisco “Frankie” Melendez
Frankie has faced moments of deep struggle, but has found the courage to keep moving forward: to show up for school (attending both West and East Leyden!), to take AP classes, to maintain a strong GPA, to advocate for his own needs, and to believe in a future for himself. 

His compassion shines in his work with the West Suburban Special Recreation Association, where—despite work-related injuries, long hours, and the emotional weight of supporting students with significant needs—Frankie shows up with patience, understanding, and love.

Frankie was nominated by Mrs. Polley and would like to recognize her, and Ms. Lasselle, for their efforts. 

Maylen Parra Sales
Maylen faced challenges of health issues all while trying to navigate school, friendships, and the complexities of growing up. With professional support, the compassionate guidance of her teachers, and the steadfast love of her mother, Maylen slowly began to reclaim her life. Her grades improved. Her voice grew stronger. And for the first time, she is feeling the joy of true friendships and says she is the happiest she has ever been.

Today, Maylen stands as someone who not only overcame her challenges, but who uses her experience to advocate for others. With dreams of attending a four-year university and becoming a podiatrist or NICU nurse, Maylen is building a future rooted in compassion, purpose, and strength. 

She was nominated by Mrs. Volk, and recognizes her for the incredible human being she is, such a good soul, and hopes she knows how grateful she is for her kindness and advocacy for other students in East Leyden who need it most, especially the troubled ones like herself.

Lily Mason
Lily began her high school journey strong, but soon faced obstacles that made even the simplest parts of daily life overwhelming. Yet even in that difficult season, Lily didn’t give up. She committed herself to Remote West 40, setting personal goals, working on her academics, and prioritizing her mental health. Lily has rebuilt her confidence, strengthened her attendance, and excelled in her classes. 

Along the way, Lily also learned the power of connection. With the support of those who encouraged her, especially Ms. Bishop and Mrs. Gupta, who also nominated her, she found the strength to walk back into the building and believe she could succeed. She now looks ahead with excitement: to college, independence, and a future career helping others, whether in occupational therapy or as a child life specialist.

West Leyden

Jesus Rosa Gomez
When Jesus first arrived as a freshman, he was quiet and thoughtful, eager to learn but still finding his place. Through his involvement in theatre and industrial technology, Jesus has blossomed into a confident young man who truly embodies the spirit of Leyden. His path has not been without challenges. Balancing demanding academics with extracurricular commitments, including Leyden’s Choir and a role in the All-State Musical The Prom, stretched him to his limits during his junior year. 

He was nominated by Mr. Bavone, who has inspired Jesus through his time at Leyden, and has  
encouraged him through both highs and lows.

Hilliana Mendoza
Hilliana started high school with an IEP and enrolled in general classes, facing both academic and personal challenges. Hilliana has worked diligently to challenge herself, moving into honors and AP courses without relying on accommodations. She has embraced opportunities to grow - not only academically but also personally - by participating in clubs and exploring her interests. 

Hilliana credits her loved ones for their encouragement, which fuels her desire to keep pushing forward and becoming the best version of herself. Hilliana was nominated by Ms. Waddell and would like to recognize Dr. Veltman.

Angel Marcos Payan
Despite living with significant hearing loss in his right ear, Angel has faced each challenge head-on, refusing to let obstacles define him. With encouragement from teachers like Mrs. Lauer and Ms. Treccani, Angel learned to embrace his strengths, advocate for himself, and grow academically. Their support helped him see that his hearing loss was not a limitation, but an opportunity to adapt, develop integrity, and rise to the challenges before him.
Angel hopes to continue this growth in college, exploring a degree that will lead him to a career in fire science or engineering. Angel also dreams of joining a college football team, eager to embrace the physical and mental challenges that come with it.

Angel was nominated by Ms. Waddell and would like to recognize Ms. Treccani.

Lizeth Montiel
Over the past three years, multiple concussions forced Lizeth to step away from soccer and even PE, while severe headaches often made school impossible - bright lights, noise, and mental strain could completely shut her down. On her hardest days, learning wasn’t an option at all. But when symptoms eased, Lizeth worked double-time to keep moving forward. 

Despite these obstacles, Lizeth has not only remained academically successful - completing rigorous AP coursework - but has stayed deeply involved in her school community. She is an active member of the Gold & Bold Café, a dedicated advisory mentor, and a passionate student in Family and Consumer Science classes. 

She was nominated by both Mrs. Szymczak and Ms. Waddell and would like to recognize them both for their support.

Noala Morales
Navigating difficult challenges at home, Noala struggled to find her way, and those struggles affected her academically and personally. However, with the support of staff and programs like Tapestry, she found a space to speak openly, understand herself better, and begin to heal.

Tapestry became a turning point for Noala, offering a dedicated time each week to check in with herself and focus on her well-being. Combined with the opportunities she found through sports and the supportive community at Leyden, she learned that mistakes are part of growth and that change is always possible. 

Noala was nominated by Mr. Rossetti, and would like to recognize Mr. Rooney and Ms. Zapata for their support.

Jacob Sanchez
After facing a life-changing medical diagnosis, Jacob encountered difficult moments that challenged his academic path. But through the unwavering support of teachers and staff - especially Ms. O’Connor, who provided guidance both inside and outside the classroom - Jacob found the encouragement to keep going. Her words, reminding him that he had already come so far and should not give up, became a lasting motivation that helped him turn his life around.

Jacob has grown tremendously, not just as a student but as a person. He now approaches each decision with thoughtfulness and responsibility, aware of the character he is building. Looking ahead, he plans to attend college to earn his certification as a mechanic, with dreams of owning his own automotive shop.

He was nominated by Mrs. LaCount and would like to recognize Ms. O’Connor for her support.