Senn High School senior Oscar Marquez, also a RogersEdgeReporter journalist, is a finalist in the first annual Obama Foundation and Chicago Public Schools Civic Action Recognition Awards.
Marquez will be honored, along with other finalists from across the city, at a May 29 awards ceremony downtown.
Created by the Obama Foundation last year, the award aims to “celebrate and honor students, schools, educators, and community partners who have made a powerful impact in their communities through civic engagement and action,” according to a statement announcing the awards last year.
“Every day the foundation is inspired by young people in Chicago who are making a difference in their communities,” said Obama Foundation CEO David Simas, in a statement. “We are excited to work with Chicago Public Schools to recognize the efforts of Chicago students, teachers, and schools who are making civic learning a priority and in so doing inspire and empower others to do the same.”
Marquez, 18, a Rogers Park resident, will attend Columbia College in Chicago next year. He plans to major in journalism, and hopes to work in television. He said he was shocked when he heard the news.
“I was really excited because I know I have done a lot, from being a shy person freshman year,” he said. “Now I’m a leader in the (Senn) journalism program. It’s an amazing feeling to know I’m being recognized by the Obama Foundation.”
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel also praised the foundation when the awards were announced.
“I am grateful to the Obama Foundation for partnering with Chicago students, schools and communities to inspire and empower young leaders,” Emanuel said.
