2019's Outstanding Greenmen

At Aurora High School all of the students are special and that is what makes the school district so strong. Every year there are twelve seniors that are recognized for going above and beyond as a Greenmen.

This year’s twelve Outstanding Greenmen are Drew Albrecht, Andy Garr, Colin McNamara, Jacob French, Brynn Sesny, Shayla Sellers, Olivia Cymanski, Taylor Burick, Katy Fellenstein, Maya Doskocil, Sydney Trem and Ashley Foster.

All of these twelve seniors were evaluated based off of their leadership, work ethic, impact on others, determination and most importantly their character.

So how are these Outstanding Greenmen selected? The faculty of Aurora High School each nominate students they think would be meet the characteristics of Outstanding Greenmen. Once the first round of selections is complete another list that is narrowed down goes out to faculty. This time the staff will rank the limited list of students on specific criteria on a scale of 1-10, this will select the year’s Outstanding Greenmen.

Next comes informing the Greenmen that they have been selected. In February, all of the twelve students received a pass during seventh period. Six students went to guidance and Six were informed to go to the main office. Once arrived the students were all asked to take a Survey about Aurora High School.

Senior Brynn Sesny explains “ We were asked to answer a ton of questions such as what song would represent Aurora, what famous person would make a good mascot. All sorts of random questions. I was genuinely confused as to what was happening.”

After the twelve students finished the survey in separate rooms they were all asked to come together and talk about their responses. Following the review of every single response Mr. Brookhart and Doc M informed them that the real reason they were here was because they had been selected to be 2019’s Outstanding Greenmen.

In order to honor 2019’s Outstanding Greenmen there was a dinner held on April 4th at Barrington Golf Club. The students were asked to bring two important people along with a faculty member in which they nominated to be the teacher that had the most impact on them during their time at Aurora.

The thing that makes the event special for the faculty members is the fact that they receive an invitation; however, they have no idea what students nominated them until they arrive at the dinner, where there they are seated together.

One of many teachers honored, Mr. Kukarola explains, “ This was one of the best events I have attended in my 12 years here at Aurora. I was so honored to have been chosen to attend. Hearing all of the wonderful things that the twelve chosen outstanding greenmen have accomplished and challenges that they have overcome to do so is amazing . We truly have some amazing students and families in this school district and this night was a highlight of the top twelve.”

A “special night” simply does not do this event enough justice. Here at the dinner faculty, students and parents are brought together in appreciation for one another.

Mrs. Brown and Mr.Albrecht are the two speakers for the night. Their writing and speaking is truly an amazing presentation. Both speakers take turns introducing a student explaining their lives, accomplishments and adding a twist to all of them. By the end of the speech everyone in the room will know the student they are referring to.

Senior Colin McNamara emphasizes, “ This night was truly something special. Mr.Albrecht and Mrs.Brown made each and every introduction one to remember. This by far was one of the nicest and most honorable events I have attended at Aurora High School. It was amazing to see students, faculty and parents all together having a great time”.

After the student has been introduced, the Outstanding Greenmen is asked to give a speech about why he/she chose the faculty member. This in turn is a way of showing the immense impact our faculty has on the lives of their students.

All in all, the Outstanding Greenmen dinner represents how great Aurora High School is as a whole. The momentous night included many smiles, laughs and even tears. Congratulations to this years 2019 Outstanding Greenmen.