Mediaboss Marketing

East Aurora High School senior Joaquin Oscar Miranda has been named the first place honoree of the Union League Club of Chicago's annual Democracy in Action Award.

He won the award because of his exemplary civic leadership, advocacy and commitment to democratic principles, according to a press release from the club.

The Union League Club of Chicago presents the Democracy in Action Award annually to Illinois junior and senior high school students who demonstrate exemplary civic leadership. During the Union League Club of Chicago's annual meeting on June 6, Miranda was presented his award.

As the first-place winner, Miranda got a check for $3,000.

Democracy in Action Award candidates are nominated by teachers or faculty members who have direct knowledge of the students' achievements and character, according to the press release. The club's selection committee reviews the nominations and judges nominees on their civic participation and leadership in the community for such actions as leadership in student government or facilitating civic participation and public service initiatives that emphasize the values of citizenship.

Miranda is described by Nicole Sales, East Aurora High School counselor who nominated him, as "one of those once in a lifetime students," according to the release.

Miranda was cited for his leadership, service to others, academic excellence and positive attitude.

In addition to completing hundreds of hours of community service, Miranda is a member of the Academic Team, Drill Team, Orienteering Team, Physical Fitness Team, and Color Guard Team, where he has served as a leader for four years.

Miranda is ranked number one and serves as the Cadet Captain in the nation's largest NJROTC program at his high school.

"Academically, he has shined in the classroom and ranked in the top 6 percent of his graduating class," Sales said.

Here is the original post:
East Aurora student wins Democracy in Action Award - Chicago Tribune