Urbana School District #116 and the City of Urbana will recognize Urbana High School (UHS) students for their outstanding community service at the fourth annual Mayoral Recognition Program.
“We are proud to recognize Urbana High School students for their outstanding volunteer service in our community. Through their dedication, they are growing into lifelong volunteers and future leaders. Every connection they build, every person they support, and every act of kindness they share contributes to a stronger, healthier Urbana,” Mayor Diane Wolfe Marlin said. “Now in its fourth year, the Mayoral Recognition Program honors over 80 students who have collectively volunteered over 6,000 hours. We thank their families, friends, teacher mentors, and the school district’s administrators and staff, whose support has been vital to their success.”
Since the program’s inception in 2022, a total of 320 students have served 23,934 hours to the community. That equates to 997.25 days or 2.73 years of service from Urbana High School students in just four years.
This year’s event will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in the Urbana High School Gymnasium. The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Wanda E. Ward, Executive Associate Chancellor for Public Engagement, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Urbana School District Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Ivory-Tatum acknowledged the significant impact students have made through their service, emphasizing the value these contributions bring to the community. “The dedication our students show to supporting the Urbana community is inspiring,” said Dr. IvoryTatum. “Our students’ impressive volunteer efforts show their generosity, leadership, and commitment to making a difference. Thank you, Mayor Marlin, for always championing our students and celebrating their passion and hard work. We are truly Urbana Better Together.”
Urbana High School students are making a meaningful impact through public service, demonstrating leadership, compassion, and a commitment to strengthening their community. Examples of their service this year include:
- Students worked with Habitat for Humanity to improve eight homes, both locally and in other states
- Urbana High School student mentors – 60 in all – supported Urbana Middle School students
- Over 250 meals served by UHS students during the UHS Community Thanksgiving Dinner
- Students helped to provide 300 local families with holiday turkeys and bags of food
- Over 235 acres were restored in six Urbana parks (in collaboration with teens from other schools) where invasive species were removed, native seeds were collected and planted
- More than 50 students performed at community events, such as music, theater, and other performance art that were enjoyed by the community
- Over 60 students joined Walk to the Polls, an event that raised awareness about the importance of voting in elections – both local and national.
The Mayoral Recognition Program is open to any UHS student who completes 30 hours of volunteer service during the academic year. Students who complete at least 30 service hours receive a Certificate of Service from Mayor Marlin, Superintendent Dr. Ivory-Tatum, and UHS Principal Jesse Guzman.