Post by title1parent on Mar 27, 2010 8:59:04 GMT -5
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/2124735,Naperville-Evan-Lysachek-Day-NA032610.article
'It takes an entire city to raise an Olympic champion'
Officials, groups pay tribute to Lysacek
March 27, 2010
By HILARY DECENT For Sun-Times Media
Mayor A. George Pradel officially named Friday, March 26th, as "Evan Lysacek Day" at a Chamber of Commerce lunch attended by more than 400 people Friday at White Eagle Golf Club.
After announcing that this was "the liveliest chamber meeting I have ever been to," Pradel told the crowd: "Evan lives by the philosophy that each day is a fresh start. He doesn't live in the past or the future, but in the present."
As he presented Lysacek with the key to the city, he said: "I don't know what it opens, but I've been told its already opened the hearts of everyone here in Naperville."
Lysacek received scores of awards and recognitions during the lunch, including a Paul Harris fellowship from Naperville Rotary Club. "This is the highest honor we can give to a non Rotarian," said Rotary president Pat Merryweather. "Evan epitomizes goodwill among countries, so it is fitting he receives this award, because Rotary aligns so well with the Olympics. It is such a great opportunity to honor him from 1.2 million Rotarians around the world."
Special guests included U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert, County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom, state Rep. Darlene Senger, state Sen. Kirk Dillard, and Kenn Miller and Judith Brodhead from the Naperville City Council.
Lysacek's mother Tanya told the crowd: "They say it takes a village to raise a child. It takes an entire city to raise an Olympic champion, so thank you Naperville for that."
Lysacek said: "It's truly exciting for me to be here. I feel like I have almost gone back in time to a simpler time in my life."
As for the key to the city he quipped: "I hear it opens all the banks here in Naperville."
Among the crowd was 10-year-old Jessica Bachar of Aurora. Jessica's a big fan of Evan's, both as a skater and on "Dancing with the Stars."
"He's helping other kids to know that they can do whatever they want to do," she said.
'It takes an entire city to raise an Olympic champion'
Officials, groups pay tribute to Lysacek
March 27, 2010
By HILARY DECENT For Sun-Times Media
Mayor A. George Pradel officially named Friday, March 26th, as "Evan Lysacek Day" at a Chamber of Commerce lunch attended by more than 400 people Friday at White Eagle Golf Club.
After announcing that this was "the liveliest chamber meeting I have ever been to," Pradel told the crowd: "Evan lives by the philosophy that each day is a fresh start. He doesn't live in the past or the future, but in the present."
As he presented Lysacek with the key to the city, he said: "I don't know what it opens, but I've been told its already opened the hearts of everyone here in Naperville."
Lysacek received scores of awards and recognitions during the lunch, including a Paul Harris fellowship from Naperville Rotary Club. "This is the highest honor we can give to a non Rotarian," said Rotary president Pat Merryweather. "Evan epitomizes goodwill among countries, so it is fitting he receives this award, because Rotary aligns so well with the Olympics. It is such a great opportunity to honor him from 1.2 million Rotarians around the world."
Special guests included U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert, County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom, state Rep. Darlene Senger, state Sen. Kirk Dillard, and Kenn Miller and Judith Brodhead from the Naperville City Council.
Lysacek's mother Tanya told the crowd: "They say it takes a village to raise a child. It takes an entire city to raise an Olympic champion, so thank you Naperville for that."
Lysacek said: "It's truly exciting for me to be here. I feel like I have almost gone back in time to a simpler time in my life."
As for the key to the city he quipped: "I hear it opens all the banks here in Naperville."
Among the crowd was 10-year-old Jessica Bachar of Aurora. Jessica's a big fan of Evan's, both as a skater and on "Dancing with the Stars."
"He's helping other kids to know that they can do whatever they want to do," she said.