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10 Most Admirable Residents of 2009
Stories by Judy Buchenot & Megan Baumgartner
Photos by Melissa Riley Unless Otherwise Submitted
 Stephen Clum
Decades of Loyal Service
Stephen Clum taught at Wheaton Christian Grammar School for 13 years before taking on a leadership role as principal for 20 years. Three years ago, he moved into the position as the head of the school. His explanation for his years of service is two-fold. "I am in education because I can have influence on children and see them grow. I am at Wheaton Christian because this is an amazing school with a gifted staff and parents who are supportive with their prayers, resources and time. We provide a well-rounded program of learning integrated with faith." Currently, a new building for the school is under construction and Stephen is pleased with the new facility, but believes that "what will make that building special are the people who are in it." www.wheatonchristian.org
 Tina Hutchinson
Caring About Troubled Children
Tina Hutchinson considers her involvement in Hephzibah Western Auxiliary as a way to give thanks for her life filled with blessings. The auxiliary holds several fundraisers every year to support the Hephzibah Children's Association in Oak Park for traumatized and abused children. In addition to a home for about 30 children, the center offers daycare and other family support services. Tina will chair the group's largest fundraiser, "Hoof It For Hephzibah" for her fourth year in a row. The 5K race held on Memorial Day draws a large number of participants. Last year's event raised more than $40,000 for Hephzibah. www.hephzibahhome.org
 Tessa Morelli
Working Towards Peace
Tessa Morelli was one of sixty Chicago area high school students chosen to participate in the Peace Builders Initiative. After spending a week learning and volunteering, she was challenged to create her own initiative. Tessa decided to focus her efforts on an after school program for children of low-income families. Using volunteers from St. Francis High School, she set up a tutoring program and other activities, including a basketball camp for the children. Tessa was presented with a college scholarship by the Junior League of Kane and DuPage County in July for her work. She is currently attending Marquette University as part of the Leadership Community program. www.peacebuildersinitiative.org
 Joyce Carey
Helping Children to Succeed
Joyce Carey, a teacher at Abraham Elementary School, is pleased to be one of the many volunteers at the Glen Ellyn Children's Resource Center. She was recently named Volunteer of the Year by the center, but is quick to point out that there are many dedicated volunteers who tutor low income and immigrant students. She feels that her work at the center is as much about connection and assimilation as it is about education. "There are so many ways people can help the kids, from helping with homework to just listening," says Joyce. She is pleased to be able to help students experience success and encourages others to consider giving a few hours a month to make a difference in a child's life. www.gecrc.org
 Bob Adams
Offering Veterans a Helping Hand
One of Bob Adams goals in life was to provide help to veterans who had faithfully completed military service, but had somehow lost their way and ended up homeless. After much planning and community support, Adams opened the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, Lane Corporal Nicholas Larson Home in Wheaton. Named in honor of Wheaton's first Iraq casualty, this facility is a transitional shelter where up to five veterans at a time can receive the medical, legal, financial and job placement services needed to reenter society. Adams, a marine who served in the Vietnam war, also donates his services as a clinical social worker to the shelter. www.helpaveteran.org
 Rae Guimond
Providing Community Fellowship
"Good food, good works, good people" is the motto of the Foodies of First Church in Glen Ellyn. “Some members of this group cook gourmet while other members eat gourmet creating a perfect balance,” says group leader, Rae Guimond. She says the goal of this casual organization is to enjoy fellowship while learning that gourmet is a state that can be attained by everyone. Although the group was founded in a church, Foodies is open to everyone regardless of church affiliation. In October, the group hosted a Harvest Festival and Silent Auction and donated all proceeds to charity. In December, they plan to hold a holiday recipe exchange. For more information, contact the church office at (630) 469-3510. www.fumcge.org
 Geordie Dye
Cycles Across the Continent
Wheaton resident Geordie Dye and his college friend Joe Ferrell turned a dream into reality last summer by cycling across the United States. They climbed on their bikes in Yorktown, Virginia on June 1 and pedaled into adventure. For the next 72 days, they cycled 4,600 miles to reach Astoria, Oregon. Geordie said crossing the Appalachian Mountains was the most difficult stretch. They stayed in churches, parks and with friends during the journey. Geordie is a senior majoring in business management at Southern Illinois University. He hopes to go on another cross country trip next summer and is considering riding with a group that raises funds for MS.
 Bette Klein
Helping to Feed the Hungry
Bette Klein's mother was both a volunteer and a board member at the Interfaith Food Pantry. Bette helped at the food pantry with her mother. When her mom passed away, Bette was asked to carry on her mother's work. At first Bette thought of her busy life as a teacher, but then she realized that she could find the time to help. She serves on the board, fills in when needed, works on grants and organizes food drives for the pantry with her students. The pantry provides food to over 1,000 people each month. Food, money and volunteers are always needed to help meet the need. For information, call (630) 665-6426.
 Bruce Hoyer
Shares a love of a Hometown Through Music
Bruce Hoyer climbed up on the piano bench at the age of six and taught himself to play. His love for music continued during his childhood spent in Glen Ellyn. A career in business steered him away from his music, but he never lost his passion for music or his hometown. He played in a rock band, sang in choirs and kept active in music. A few years ago, he composed songs inspired by Glen Ellyn and recorded them. His CD, entitled Scenes of Life and Love, features his impressionistic painting of Lake Ellyn as a cover. Although he now lives in Wheaton, Hoyer is pleased to present a musical tribute to his hometown of Glen Ellyn. Samples of his work can be heard at his website, www.brucehoyer.com.
 Jamie Pigott
Reaching Out to Children in Africa
Jamie Pigott is proof that no one is too young to make a difference. During his junior year at St. Francis High School, Jamie raised $3,000 to fund two projects for an orphanage in Africa. He then teamed up with his cousin Taylor to travel to Kenya last summer. During a two-week stay, the two installed solar panels to provide lighting in a boys' dormitory and set up a rabbit-breeding project to provide food for the children. They had enough funds leftover to purchase desks and chairs for the school. Jamie is currently a senior at St. Francis and plans to go to college next year.
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