Eric Balluff has coached tennis, wrestling and football for 17 years at Lincoln-Way Central. Before that, he served six years in the army including a tour in Iraq.

Angela Roudis, a sixth-to eighth-grade teacher in the Cross-Categorical program at Coal City Middle School, said she’s worked with Gina Pens the last four years and called her “an amazing person who always puts others before herself.”

Grand Prairie Elementary School physical education teacher Andrea "Queen P" Paplaski-Grygiel was named an Educator of Excellence by the Will County Regional Office of Education in April.

Bob and Janet Palkion of Joliet have fostered more than 30 children, adopted three of those fosters and serve the foster community in multiple ways, despite their own health challenges.

Cornerstone President and CEO Ben Stortz carries that title very well.

Thanks to Bev, many area children are learning to love reading so for the impact that she makes,

As president of the Joliet Township High School (District 204) school board member, he gives his time selflessly, working behind the scenes to support students, families, and educators.

New Directions Case Manager Joe Ledesma shares how he went from living in the organization's sober living facility to helping those who are in the same position he once was in.