Students Honored by Board of Education for Community Service

The Maine Township High School District 207 Board of Education honored three students at its recent meeting naming them "207's Best" in the area of Community Service. The students recognized were Colette Gordon from Maine South, Rayhan Khaja from Maine East and Kris Modi from Maine West.

COLETTE GORDON

A passion for giving back to her community started early in life for Colette and it grew into a desire to serve when she began her high school career. At Maine South she leaned into community service in both her after-school activities and in her academic studies.

Currently, she is the President of Key Club, one of three officers in Medical Careers Club, a member of NHS, Science NHS and Student Council. She also runs volunteer baking classes out of her house called Colette's Baking and Pastry school where young children from her neighborhood come over and take lessons on how to bake. Her youngest member is two years old. At Maine South during the pandemic, she designed all of the advertising for school dances and spirit week. In addition, she came up with the dissection program in Medical Careers Club where students dissected a fetal pig. She had another idea during COVID where nursing home residents got surprise gifts for Valentine's Day to brighten the day for seniors who were isolated. That program has continued and is in its third year at Maine South. She also started a program called "Shoeboxes of Joy" where students made packages of cards, books and toys that were delivered to Lutheran General's pediatric wing.

In Key Club, she has helped with the Halloween craft fair during the Park Ridge Farmers Market by setting up a table where small children can partake and make pictures and crafts. Additionally in Key Club, at the Sheridan nursing homes, she runs a card game and craft nights. As part of this program, the high school students interact and play with the seniors and many have formed strong bonds of friendship.

RAYHAN KHAJA

Rayhan is a true leader amongst the Maine East school community who has a passion for bringing people together for the sake of service. This dedication to service shows in his contributions over his high school career. Rayhan has a lengthy resume filled with community service activities through his involvement in National Honor Society, RCode Student Leaders, Principal's Advisory Council and Muslim Student Association.

When Rayhan was asked what his motivation is in creating and leading service opportunities for his peers and community, he shared: "I believe that if someone is genuinely invested in helping the students, then we are able to be one; rather than just a bunch of people who go to Maine East. That's important in school. Working together is what makes a difference."

This past summer Rayhan organized a car wash fundraiser to support the victims of gun violence that occured in Highland Park. He rallied 25 fellow students on a summer Saturday to wash cars and helped raise more than $700 in donations.

Rayhan has also participated in service opportunities in the community including Feed My Starving Children, the WGN toy drive and several opportunities that supported youth connections at his local mosque.

Last year, Rayhan helped organize the Fast-A-Thon at Maine East. This event helped the Maine East community better understand Ramadan and the importance of fasting among Muslim students and staff. The unique event was widely attend by students and staff and was celebrated locally as an outstanding opportunity to build connections with our Muslim community.

KRIS MODI

Kris Modi has a service-centered approach to life as evidenced by one of the many ways he gives back to his local community. Kris volunteers at the Park Ridge Community Church where he live streams the faith service on Sundays for members who can't be there in person due to being homebound. He discovered the opportunity through school since he has an interest in filmmaking. When asked about volunteering at a church where he is not a member (and not of the same faith), Kris shared: "It's really not for me. People who can't go to the service depend on me for their worship. They're a very welcoming church. They never asked me if I was Christian. It wouldn't matter. They just need to reach people."

Kris began a life of service in middle school, with a requirement of National Junior Honor Society. He continued a life of service because he loves it. Among the many areas where he volunteers, he picks up garbage for Clean Up, Give Back. He hangs ornaments and decorations for the Des Plaines Christmas Tree lighting. He organized "Maine West Reading Renegades" with the National English Honor Society at the Des Plaines Public Library. He volunteers in Wheeling at a summer camp for middle schoolers about space and robots.

At Maine West, Kris is a drum major in the Marching Warriors and plays oboe in the pit orchestra. In addition, he is on the Math Team, Yearbook staff, SOAR, the Book Club, tennis team, Warrior Weekly (student produced weekly video), the Library Advisory Board, the Principal's Leadership Team, PE Leaders and National Honor Society. He also has performed in several plays and is now a student producer. He is an officer in multiple honor societies, including Tri-M (Co-President), NEHS (President), Key Club (Vice President) and Science NHS (Vice President). He also is a member of Spanish NHS and Pi Sigma Pi.