Dedication to service: Schaumburg honors top adult, youth, organizational volunteers
For the 37th year, the village of Schaumburg honored the adults, teens and organizations whose positive contributions to the community aren’t a side effect of the pursuit of salaries and profit.
Selected by a panel of judges among numerous nominees at the Volunteer of the Year Awards Luncheon, held Tuesday, April 22, attorney and Conant High School graduate Jim McKenzie won the adult award, Schaumburg High School senior Anna Ekstowicz won the youth award and, in its 40th anniversary year, the WINGS Program, Inc. won the volunteer organization award.
Certified Speaking Professional and author Kent Julian delivered the keynote address, while Schaumburg’s Assistant Director of Cultural Services Rob Pileckis emceed the event just before his retirement after 35 years with the village.
McKenzie’s creation of the BuilderEDU educational program, which is partnering with Nitti Development and Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 to teach home construction to high school students in the new Summit Grove subdivision in the village, was front and center in his winning nomination among 18 contenders.
“After building and subsequently selling a highly successful business, most individuals would focus on personal endeavors such as travel and hobbies,” the nomination reads. “However, Jim McKenzie has dedicated himself to helping others and making a significant impact in the community. The programs and causes that Jim champions, BuilderEDU, UnchartedLearning, GritGrant, and his involvement with the Rotary Club of Schaumburg A.M., are making a significant and life-changing impact in the lives of young people in our community and across the U.S.”
During a dedication ceremony for the program last fall, McKenzie said his inspiration for BuilderEDU was student debt concerns, the dropout rate at four-year universities and the rising average age of the labor force in the building construction trades.
“I call it the trifecta of badness,” he said. “It’s just incredible that we have those three things happening.”
The nomination of Ekstowicz among 13 selfless and hardworking teens was particularly multifaceted.
Her activities included student council, Diversity Club, Polish American Student Association, school ambassador, assisting at open houses, translating for Polish families attending school events, helping incoming freshmen in a variety of ways, being a Cara Runs volunteer, shopping for Adopt-a-Family during the holiday season, tutoring, and a baptism event volunteer.
“In addition to her commitment to service, Anna is an outstanding student, excelling in her coursework while managing her numerous commitments,” her nomination reads. “Her ability to balance academics, athletics, leadership, and volunteering speaks volumes about her dedication and character. She is not only a role model but also a true embodiment of selflessness and generosity.”
Leading a pack of five nominated organizations during its milestone anniversary year, the WINGS Program, Inc. rounded out the event’s 2025 winners.
“The WINGS Program, Inc. started 40 years ago when a group of caring volunteers saw a need to help women, children and unhoused persons in Schaumburg,” the nomination reads. “Throughout this journey, volunteers have been integral to our success. They’ve made a lasting impact on the community and the lives of others through their compassion, commitment, and creativity. We celebrate our 40th anniversary with gratitude for all who supported our mission along the way.”
Schaumburg Mayor Tom Dailly thanked all those who contributed to the event and ended with a word recognizing that many of the nominees are longtime and ongoing volunteers.
“I’d also like to encourage you to nominate your volunteer or volunteer organization next year,” he said. “I know we have many unsung heroes in the community, and we’d love the opportunity to honor them.”