Shepard Middle School student wins first "Maureen Wener Service Award."

PRESS RELEASE:  Lilu Weisberger Awarded Maureen Wener Public Service Award

 The West Deerfield Township Democratic Organization is delighted to announce the selection of Lilu Weisberger as the first recipient of the Maureen Wener Public Service Award. This award is non-partisan and given to an individual who exemplifies Maureen’s commitment to making our community a better place to live.

            Lilu, an 8th grader at Shephard Middle School in Deerfield, has devoted much of his young life to helping others. 

 Dr. Andrea Trudeau, Library Information Specialist at Shepherd School who nominated Lilu, speaks of his “’ Infectious enthusiasm for books,’ which included organizing a book drive to support the Community Youth Network Counseling Center. He also showed great empathy and compassion toward his classmates.  For example, he spear-headed the school’s Tea Club, which has fostered “incredible connections across grade levels.” West Deerfield Township Supervisor Alyson Feiger also nominated Lilu and pointed to other examples of his public service, such as volunteering at Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter, the Township’s food pantry, and a senior residence facility. 

       Maureen Wener, for whom this award is named, was killed by a hit-and-run driver in June of 2023.  She served for many years as Treasurer of the West Deerfield Township Democratic Organization.  She had also been President of the Deerfield Library Board and, until her death, served as a member of the District 109 School Board. 

     Supervisor Feiger noted, “Maureen gave of herself for the impact she could make on our community, not for the accolades she might receive.  I see these same traits in Lilu.”

            The award presentation, followed by a reception, will take place at the Deerfield Public Library, on Sunday, September 29, from 2 – 3:30 p.m.  The public is invited.

For more information, contact Ron Levitsky at drakemv@yahoo.com.