West40 and 32 of our partner school districts celebrated nearly 150 amazing students Thursday evening in a packed auditorium at West Leyden High School during the 2025 School Citizens Of The Year (SCOTY) Awards.
Students who receive SCOTY Awards are recognized by their teachers and schools for demonstrating acts of leadership and kindness. Grades and activities are important considerations, but only a small part of the selection process. Each school is asked to develop its own criteria as a further guideline for selection. The school principal and teachers use those criteria to nominate one student per year to receive the SCOTY Award.
"The lists of service and accomplishments were absolutely amazing recognizing these extraordinary individuals from Kindergarten through High School," said West40 executive director Dr. Mark Klaisner.
Students were welcomed on stage one at a time and received a certificate, a medallion and a metal water bottle. Attendees received a SCOTY program, which listed each student's name, school, principal, district, and the person who nominated the student.
Despite dreary weather outside, organizers said it was the biggest SCOTY Awards ever. Organizers used the upper deck of the auditorium to accommodate all of the attendees.
The Leyden High School Jazz Band provided entertainment to kick off the event. After the ceremony, students and families were treated to some refreshments.
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