September 2020 Village of Westchester Newsletter

Village of

Westchester SEPTEMBER, 2020

POLICE DEPARTMENT

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FIRE DEPARTMENT

4 From Village Manager, Paul Nosek

PUBLIC WORKS

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

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LIBRARY

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SCHOOL DISTRICT

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PROVISO SCHOOLS

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Indecision can be worse than the wrong decision Sometimes the worst decision you can make is to make no decision. The Board has seen the status quo and what it can do to a community and it’s scary. As costs rise, status quo can’t keep up and before you know it, you are falling behind and struggling to catch up. It starts to show in the vacant store fronts, the vacant homes and the overall condition of the streets and alleyways of a community. Westchester is not there but if we chose to do nothing, it will get there.

It’s been just over a year that I started working for the Village of Westchester and it has been to say the least interesting.

We’re living and working through a pandemic that has never been seen before, social unrest in surrounding communities and a shaken economic climate due to these factors and we’re still standing.

When I took this job, the Board told me to build my team. Bring in those that you trust and know will do the job. I took that advice and as you’ve seen, there has been many changes within the first year.

We have put together a team that believes in the vision for the future and the betterment of the entire community. A team that can draw up a plan, rationally discuss the plan and implement it through its completion. We have a very supportive Board that listens to our plans and encourages staff to come up with ideas to better their jobs and their work environment. The Board would like to see change

too, that is why we moved forward and created the two TIF (Tax Increment Finance) Districts within the Village. These ideas seemed to have been stalled for years by indecision, plans were done, money was spent but no action seemed to be taken. The first one is located on Roosevelt and Mannheim going down to Gardner and Roosevelt and the other being the St. Joe’s property. A TIF is created to encourage economic development by giving incentives to a developer to bring their business to our town. A TIF, freezes the property tax value at a certain time and any increase in tax goes to a special fund that can be utilized by State statute for specific economic incentives.

The theory being, and it works in practice as well, that the new development will create more tax revenue than what was there originally by generating sales tax or gasoline tax on top of property tax. The accomplishment of that goal of creating the TIF Districts has allowed the Village to explore the option of relocating its Village Hall operations to another location and sell our prime real estate to a developer.

This option will allow the Village to relocate for very little cost to the Taxpayer’s by using the sale proceeds to purchase another building in town and by utilizing some of the TIF funds to do the buildout of the new location.

see ‘NOSEK’ page 6

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SEPTEMBER 2020

P olice D e partment SEPTEMBER 2020

A Message from Chief Daniel Babich Law Enforcement officers know today that anything “Routine” is anything but routine in today’s world.

The constant changes across the United States that unfold every night on local and national television news channels challenges officers’ ability to build trust with those we come in contact daily.

After serving 34 years in law enforcement and serving as chief of police for three different police departments over the years, I am still proud and honored to serve as a police officer, especially with the members of the Westchester Police Department and the officials of the Village of Westchester.

No matter what changes come to law enforcement, we the members of the police department will continue to give 110% to our job as police officers and the residents of our community.

Through dedication and constant patrolling of local areas by our police officers, we have been able to keep crime levels low, arrest of those that choose to commit crimes in our communities or businesses, while keeping peace and quality of life for all.

Sincerely Chief Daniel Babich

POLICE BLOTTER 1) At 11:37 pm on July 15, 2020 a Theft was reported at the Jewel Foods located at 2128 Mannheim. A female left the store without paying for $307 in merchandise. The subject was stopped by police in the parking lot and taken into custody.

2) At 11:04 am on July 26, 2020 a Criminal Damage to Property was reported at the Divine Infant School located at 1620 Newcastle. It was reported that graffiti was observed on a collection box located in the parking lot. The graffiti was removed by the school.

3) At 12:57pm on July 29, 2020 a Theft was reported on the 1500 block of Evers. The resident reported that while working on their own landscaping, a leaf blower was removed from their front yard while working in the back yard.

4) At 6:54 pm on August 1, 2020 a Retail Theft was reported that the Walgreens located at 10345 Roosevelt

Road. The manager reported that a subject left the store without paying for $2500 in merchandise and fled the scene in a cab.

5) At 7:39 am on August 6, 2020 a Burglary to Vehicle was reported on the 10300 block of Chaucer. A resident reported that entry was made to their vehicle while it was parked on the street the previous evening. Money and keys were taken from the vehicle.

6) At 8:25 am on August 7, 2020 a Burglary to Vehicle was reported on the 1400 block of Waverly. The resident reported that entry was made to their vehicle that was parked on the driveway the previous evening. Money was taken from the vehicle.

7) At 6:21pm on August 13, 2020 Criminal Damage to Vehicle reports were taken at several locations around the 1600 block of High Ridge. Damage was discovered to the exterior of several vehicles.

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PUBLIC WORKS Branch Pick-up Branch pickup for September will be August 31-September 4, 2020 due to the upcoming Labor Day Holiday Branch pickup for October will be October 5-9, 2020 Branch pickup for November will be November 2-6, 2020 (last pickup for the year) The Public Works Department will pick up branches the first full week of every month. (April-November) All brush must be put out on the front parkway by 7:00 a.m. on the designated pickup day. Branches can be up to 7 ‘in length and stacked with the butt ends facing the street in the same direction. If not stacked properly, a “restack” notice will be left.

Again, please put ALL brush out on your designated pickup day and Public Works crews will determine what constitutes an open load, which will be picked up later in the week.

An open load would include any brush that will not fit through the chipper such as logs, stumps, and large limbs. These must be cut for one man to lift. Dirt must be removed from any root balls for pickup.

Public Works Crews will only pass through a designated pickup area once due to time schedule and other workload responsibilities.

Landscaping contractors are responsible for their own brush pickup and disposal.

Please note the following schedule for branch pickup: MONDAY: From Mannheim Road west to Wolf Road and from Canterbury south to Windsor-including both sides of Windsor Drive. Also, Waterford, Waverly, Camelot and Concord.

TUESDAY: Roosevelt Road south to Cermak Road-from Gardner Road west to Mannheim Road.

WEDNESDAY: From Roosevelt Road north to the expressway and from Gardner Road west to Mannheim Road. Also, Roosevelt Road south to Canterbury from Haase west to Heidorn.

THURSDAY: From Belleview west to Wolf Road, Martindale Drive to 31st Street Remember….. Waste Management will also pick up your branches if they are bundled no more than 4’ in length.

These will be picked up on your regular garbage day every week.

Free yard waste stickers for reusable yard waste receptacles are available at the Village Hall.

Labor Day Holiday Garbage Schedule No pickup on Monday, September 7, 2020 (Labor Day Holiday) Monday’s pickup will be Tuesday, September 8, 2020 Tuesday’s pickup will be Wednesday, September 9, 2020 Thursday & Friday pickups will follow the regular pickup schedule- no change Pothole Repair The Public Works Department repairs potholes throughout the Village, weather permitting. Please call Public Works at 708-345-0041 to report potholes.

The vac and jet machine will continue to clean out storm sewer inlets, as weather permits.

As Always…..

Village residents are asked to call Public Works at 708-345-0041 or the Police Non Emergency number after hours at 708345-0060 if an unusual amount of water is visible in the street or parkway. This could be a main break or water leak that requires our immediate attention.

50/50 Shared Cost Parkway Tree Program Beautify your yard and add to the curb appeal of your home….

The Village offers a 50/50 shared cost program that includes the purchase and planting of a new parkway tree.

Residents have a choice of 5 types of trees indigenous to the area.

The trees will be planted in November 2019.

Please call Public Works at 708-3450041 to register or for more information.

Sprinkling Ban Reminder We have water use restrictions in effect every year, May 15-September 15, from 12pm to 6pm. This includes: (1) (2) (3) (4)

Outdoor Watering Cleaning Outdoor Surfaces Cleaning Buildings Pool Filling

Sprinkling during unrestricted hours (before noon, after 6pm) shall be allowed on even numbered days for those even numbered addresses, and on odd numbered days for those residents having odd numbered addresses. If we have a dry summer, further restrictions may be necessary.

Chamber forced to cancel parade

It is with great sadness that the Westchester Chamber of Commerce hereby announces the cancellation of the “Labor of Love” Parade that was to take place on Labor Day. The “Labor of Love” Parade was to be held in postponement of the annual 4th of July Parade. Unfortunately, due to recent increases in the Covid-19 positivity rate, including positive cases here in Westchester, the Parade must be cancelled, in accordance with guidance from health officials and adherence to health & safety protocols.

The health & safety of our community is our utmost concern. In lieu of the Parade, the Westchester Chamber of Commerce will still be presenting service medals in private ceremonies to all Westchester “heroes,” including first responders, health care workers, and essential personnel, who have helped our community get through this pandemic. To sign up for a Westchester Hero medal, please contact the Westchester Chamber of Commerce Administrator, Laura Ball, at info@ westchesterchamber.org.

F ire D e partment SEPTEMBER 2020

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SEPTEMBER 2020

Be prepared for severe weather

In light of recent activity, the Village wants to remind residents to be prepared for severe weather.

To prepare for severe weather you should do the following: The following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your property before severe weather: • Build an Emergency Supply Kit, which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries. You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car in case you are told to evacuate. This kit should also include a pair of goggles

and disposable breathing masks for each member of the family.

• Make a Family Emergency Plan.

Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.

• Continually monitor the media – Be aware of storm’s which could impact your area.

• Know how you will be warned in an emergency (NOAA Weather radios with a tone alert are a good option).

• Know if you live or work in a flood prone area. Check with your local

emergency management for details.

• Know where to shelter (ie: basement, interior room/hall, bathroom, closet, etc) if conditions warrant and where shelters in your area are located.

• Ensure your home is ready – Elevate items in the basement which could be flooded. Bring in outdoors items such as children’s toys, patio furniture, garbage cans, etc which could be blown around and damaged. Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage.

• Know how to shut off utilities, including power, water and gas, to your home. Have proper tools (i.e.: wrench)

CALENDAR Detached Garages on Alleys Did you know all detached garages adjacent to alleys must have address numbers on them. This will help the Police and Fire Departments respond to events such as garage break-ins, in progress crimes and medical/fire emergencies. The goal is to easily identify the correct location instead of counting houses from the corner, or identifying where a problem exists that

needs to be addressed.

Garages shall have address numbers placed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the alley fronting the property.

These numbers shall: • Contrast with their background • Be Arabic numerals or alphabet letters.

• Be a minimum of 4 inches in height with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inch.

Why get a building permit Why Should I Get a Building Permit?

This is a question many people may ask themselves when planning alterations to their home or property. There are several advantages to doing home improvement projects with a building permit. When you apply for a permit, you can be assured that your construction drawings will be thoroughly reviewed and that each phase of the project will be inspected to ensure the work is completed in compliance with locally adopted building codes. Additionally, the plans examiner and field inspector can be a resource to provide technical guidance on your project.

Furthermore, there are legal and financial liabilities that you may face

when you don’t get a building permit.

Work without a permit is illegal and can pose serious complications for you when you try to sell your house. Any fire and homeowners insurance you have may be invalidated if you do work without a permit. If there is a fire in your home, the insurance company can use the illegal work as an excuse not to pay your claim.

If you are planning on starting a building project and are not sure if a permit is required, please contact Community Development at 708-3450199 and we can answer any questions you have.

Most of the information above was prepared by Safebuilt.

Sunday, September 27th 3:30 pm.

The Westchester Community Church Music Board will present our 4th Annual Music Extravaganza. Since we are not sure if church will be open by then, we are scheduling a Drive by Music Extravaganza. We will be playing music and collecting food and/or money donations for the local food pantry.

Mark your calendars for this special event. Westchester Community Church, 1840 Westchester Blvd., Westchester

ready and nearby.

• Find out what types of events and kinds of damages are covered by your insurance policy. Keep insurance policies, important documents and other valuables in a safe and secure location.

• Keep fire extinguishers on hand and make sure everyone knows how to use them.

Information above was prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). For more tips on what to do during and after severe weather, check the FEMA’s website at http:// www.ready.gov/severe-weather

708/865-1282 WESTCHESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY 10700 Canterbury Street • Westchester, Illinois 60154 • Phone (708) 5623573 • Library events for the village newspaper/calendar for September 2020 September: The Library will be closed Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day and reopen Tuesday, September 8 at 10:00 am.

‘NOSEK’ from page 1 We will not have to borrow long term money to build a new facility and we can allow a developer to utilize our great location at Roosevelt and Mannheim to create even more tax revenue. The goal for development is to be less reliant on Property Taxes. By doing so, the Village’s portion, which is usually one of the smallest portions of your property tax bill, to remain low and still operate efficiently and take care of the infrastructure.

The Village’s infrastructure in some cases is 100 years old! It is meant to last 50 – 70 years typically and it shows in many of the roads and bridges in town and the condition that they are in. This year, with our new team in place, we have come up with a long term plan to keep our infrastructure in good condition and sustain that condition consistently. In the past, it seems that long term plans were formulated but no funding mechanisms were ever put in place and there was no follow through. Unfortunately, it starts out by requesting a $42,000,000 bond issuance that the Board is looking for this November in a referendum. This will allow the Village to get to a maintenance level with its infrastructure and roads that will be sustainable well into the future. A very detailed plan will be rolled out over the next few months explaining exactly where the money will go by project. Each project will

be broken down by specific location with a price attached to each one. There will be an interactive map so that if you type in your specific address, it will show what will be done in your location and the approximate timeframe. We have cost estimates that have taken into consideration that this will be done over a 5 year period so there may be some inflationary costs to consider but on the flipside of that, the bond issuance would be done on an as needed basis as well so that we would not be paying interest on the full amount from day 1, we would be requesting money each year for the projects that we have planned, giving us the flexibility to handle unforeseen situations.

I believe that we have a solid leadership team in place, and a Board that has the vision and the ability to make a decision to move Westchester forward and not just accept the status quo any more. I’d like to thank the Board for their faith in the plan and the process and the residents for listening to the ideas that we have brought forward. We are making it through this pandemic and the social unrest because we have our plans in place. We will come out on the other side of this in a better position and with some exciting new developments in the Village.

Paul Nosek , Village Manager

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Westchester Food Pantry sees highest need ever Throughout the pandemic, the Westchester Food Pantry has provided food to neighbors in need. The Westchester Food Pantry served a record-breaking 377 households during July, beating the previous record of 350 households in May 2020. “Need continues to rise,” stated Executive Director Amanda Grant. “We fed 1365 individuals in July and we are seeing new faces every week.” Need has increased over 60% as more and more people struggle with the pandemic and its economic repercussions.

For the month of September, the Westchester Food Pantry is operating on a drive-thru model during the hours of 5:30-7:30pm every Friday evening outside of the Westchester Village Hall, 10300 Roosevelt Road. Vehicles must line up along Municipal Avenue between the Village Hall and the Post Office. Clients are asked to have identification ready, stay in their vehicles and volunteers will load food into their cars.

Clients receive fresh produce, frozen meat, dairy products, bakery products, personal hygiene items, pantry staples and more at each monthly visit. Dog and cat food is also provided for furry family members thanks to the Wet Nose Pantry. Clients can come to the pantry once each calendar month and must show proof of residency in the service area.

The Pantry has been a reliable and consistent source of nutritious food for neighbors in need residing in Berkeley, Bellwood, Broadview, Hillside, Hines, La Grange Park, Westchester and Western Springs for years. The Pantry is run entirely by volunteers and relies on donations of food and funds to operate.

Donations are desperately needed as the Pantry tries to keep pace with the growing need in its service area.

Food donations can be dropped off at the Westchester Village Hall lobby, 10300 Roosevelt Road, Westchester in the specially marked bins. Financial donations can be made securely online on their website, WestchesterFoodPantry.org, or by mailing a check to Westchester Food Pantry, 10300 Roosevelt Road, Westchester, IL 60154.

Volunteers are also needed during this time. There are several ways to help throughout the day on Fridays, and volunteers are asked to commit to just one shift each month: GCFD receiving crew, 10am-12pm, first and third Fridays of the month: this crew receives orders from the Greater Chicago Food Depository. It involves taking heavy boxes of cans, meat and produce from the GCFD pallet into the Pantry. Volunteers must have the ability to lift and move heavy boxes.

Food reclamation, 11am-1pm: volunteers go to pre-designated stores to reclaim food.

This is food that is no longer sellable but still

perfectly edible. Volunteers must have their own vehicle (bigger is often better) and be able to lift food from carts into their vehicles.

Food reclamation volunteers must commit to one Friday each month.

Set out and sort crew, 12-2pm: this crew gets out all the food and sorts donations before they are packed for clients. Some heavy lifters are needed for this crew, but not all.

Set up crew, 2-4pm: ordinarily, this crew would set up the community room to look like a grocery store. Because the Pantry has moved to a drive-thru model to serve clients during the pandemic, this crew now packs 300+ bags of food. A few people who can do heavy lifting are needed for this shift, but otherwise all ability levels are fine.

Client service crew, 5-8pm: pre-pandemic, this crew would help the clients “shop” in our pantry. Now, this crew fills carts and brings groceries outside to load them in client vehicles. A few volunteers who can do heavy lifting are needed for this shift, but otherwise all ability levels are fine.

The Pantry requires all volunteers to wear masks, and all volunteers must be at least 16 years old. People who feel sick or have been in close contact with someone who is sick cannot volunteer.

People interested in volunteering should email the Westchester Food Pantry at Info@ WestchesterFoodPantry.org or call 708-9274826. Volunteer information is also posted on the website (WestchesterFoodPantry. org) and facebook page (facebook.com/ WestchesterILFoodPantry). New volunteers are always welcome.

Amanda Grant, Executive Director Carol Kratky Harvey, Food Pantry Manager Mark Dedowicz, Wet Nose Pantry Manager Online: WestchesterFoodPantry.org Facebook: facebook.com/ westchesterilfoodpantry Instagram: instagram.com/ westchesterfoodpantry

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Proviso East, West hire new athletic directors PROVISO EAST Nick Browder knows what it means to play at a top-level and strive to give one’s best potential—win or lose. It was 1996.

The Valparaiso University football team faced the University of Dayton. Browder was a quarterback who had started against Dayton all four years and had lost every game. Yet, during his Senior year, Nick was determined to win.

“I set the total offense record. I had some great plays. We played well. My running back Jodie Hart shot-out, Jody is flat-out fast. We are thinking he is about to score and put the game away for us and they strip him. He lost the fumble and we lost the game. That was the most memorable game. Although we lost that year it all came together.”

The former Valparaiso University quarterback and professional indoor football champion is bringing his sports experience and passion for education to Proviso East High School as the new athletic director.

“The goal is to learn how to develop our kids, so they want to be here, and they don’t’ want to go to other private schools,” said Browder. “So, the families can see we can offer you the same thing and even more than a private school. We want them to want to represent their community.”

The Valparaiso player helped the

Crusaders to a 7-3 record in 1994, the s c h o o l ’s best season since 1971.

He served as a team captain in 1996.

In his four seasons, he amassed 6,604 total NICK BROWDER yards. His 5,167 passing yards rank third on Valpo’s all-time list. He was inducted into the Valpo Hall of Fame in 2004. Browder says he plans to share his experiences and encourage the Proviso East athletes to strive to always be the best.

“I am an advocate for their success and their equitable treatment when it comes to what they look like, what the facilities look like, best coaching. I’m going to make sure they have the best available. So, they will never go any place and feel lesser than their opponent.”

After his college football career, the Waukegan native also took his talents abroad and played football in Italy.

“It was like Division III. It was fun to go over there

PROVISO WEST Daniel Savage has a passion for educating students. It runs in the family. Both of his parents are retired high school teachers, and his sister is a former physical education teacher. He says it was the opportunity to visit his dad at Niles West High School that set the foundation for educating students.

“My dad was a high school teacher and coach for 35 years. I grew up taking the bus to Niles West to be at my dad’s track meets and run around his gym. I’ve always been around a high school and always enjoyed helping young adults. It’s been a part of my life.”

After years of coaching track and cross country and working as an educator, the Oak Park native returns to Chicago’s Western Suburbs as the new athletic director for Proviso West High School. He plans to provide athletes with the resources to prepare them for a successful athletic experience and life after high school.

“Taking advantage of all the resources that Proviso Township schools offer... there are so many opportunities to be in leadership positions and there are so many opportunities to be in clubs and sports that can grow their capabilities,” said Savage.

Savage brings classroom knowledge and experience coaching at one of the premier athletic programs in the world. The former college athlete was the assistant coach for

the track and crosscountry t e a m s , u n d e r legendary head coach Joe Piane at the University of Notre Dame in 1998 and 1999.

“At the DANIEL SAVAGE college level, you find students from all different backgrounds. The more successful people find something that they are passionate about.”

Proviso’s new athletic director received his undergraduate degree from North Central College in Naperville and was a member of the Division III track and cross-country teams. He later received his master’s degree from National Louis University and a Master in School Leadership from Concordia.

He was also the track and cross-country coach at the University of South Alabama.

Savage was the assistant athletic director and business education instructor at Harlem High School from 2016 to 2018.

Most recently, he was the athletic director at Rich South High School.

Proviso veteran takes the reins at PMSA Proviso Township High Schools District 209 is home for William C. Breisch. In 2006, he became a teacher at Proviso East High School, and at the same time assumed the role of coach at Proviso West. The experience allowed him to build relationships with the community.

“I have a unique perspective to this District because I’ve had opportunities at all three schools,” said William Breisch. “I feel very connected to this District. Proviso Township has been my life.”

The Proviso Township Board of Education selected William Breisch as the new principal at Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy (PMSA) at their June meeting. The former teacher replaces longtime mentor, Dr. Bessie Karvelas, who he served under as assistant principal for seven years.

“He has displayed strong leadership skills in curriculum support, data, analysis, personnel issues, and school improvement plan,” Karvelas said.

The Leyden High School graduate comes from a working-class family in the Village of River Grove. His father spent most of his career as a truck driver for the Mayfield Transfer Company in the Proviso Township area. Breisch’s mother is a graduate of

Proviso West.

“This to me is home,” said the new PMSA principal. “I’ve built relationships with students at all three schools.”

Breisch was appointed as assistant principal at PMSA in 2012 through 2019 and interim principal in 2020. Under his tenure, PMSA was identified as a National Blue-Ribbon School of Excellence by the US Department of Education in 2018, as a Gold Medal School by US News and World Report, and ranked third in Illinois by Chicago Magazine.

Breisch’s leadership has not gone unnoticed by colleagues and leaders in the community. “As a leader, Mr. Breisch is innovative, energetic, thoughtful, appreciative, and responsive,” said Neal Rustein, PMSA teacher and union representative. “In our school, he is universally respected for his wisdom, fairness, and sensitivity.”

Principal Breisch is a graduate of Illinois State University and received his master’s at Olivet Nazarene University.

“It’s about allowing our students to be successful in life,” Breisch said. “It’s about providing equity in education.”

Against all odds: It’s 10:43 pm on a cold February night.

Dozens of family members are gathered in the Intensive Care Unit at Amita Health Medical Center in Glendale Heights. The lights in the room are dim, and the smell of disinfecting wipes and latex gloves permeate the area. The family surrounds the bed of 37-year-old Suilan Ramiro, whose body lies motionless. Her loved ones are crying and inconsolable after she gave her last breath.

However, there is a glimmer of hope coming from Kaila Ramiro, who knows that her mother has found peace after a six-year fight with cancer.

“I was in the hospital room sitting next to her and held her hand. I told her it was time for her to go. The Lord is calling. I made five promises to her that night. Two of them were to graduate high school and college with a master’s degree. I also promised to take care of my brothers, grandmother, and family.”

After two weeks of mourning, Kaila returned to Proviso West High School, where she received support from students, teachers, and staff. Master Sergeant William Goggins, instructor of the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) is Kaila’s mentor and who she sees as a father figure.

“Kaila’s mother pulled me to the side at our last military inspection event. She said she

was going to leave here soon,” said Goggins.

“You need to promise you will take care of my child. That knocked me off my feet.”

The Proviso West graduate was an outstanding member of the Proviso West NJROTC, where she became an inspiration to her peers and instructor.

“Some of the things she says and does. You don’t normally see that in teenagers,” said Master Sergeant Goggins. “She backs-up everything she says. She has a heart of gold.”

Kaila’s mother was a single-parent and their family struggled financially.

However, her faith and the support she received from the Proviso West Community motivated the Senior to fulfill her promises.

In May the West student received an $80,000 scholarship from St. Xavier University in Chicago, where she plans to major in Psychology.

The college-bound student says that her mother’s love also motivated her to strive for academic excellence.

She hopes her experience encourages others to follow their dreams.

“Whatever faith you have in this world— mine is God— you need to stick to that, whenever you go through something. For me, before I step into college, I need to know what my purpose is.”

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Proviso W. student overcomes tragedy through faith and discipline

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