2020 Local Heroes To Remember Across Illinois

ILLINOIS — As 2020 comes to an end, we leave behind a year for the record books. One part of 2020 that will not be overshadowed is the local heroes across the nation that have stepped up to help in any way they could as the coronavirus pandemic surged.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. Together with Ring, we’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

Throughout the year, readers have submitted heroes from their towns that deserve recognition. When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Want to nominate a hero of your own? Illinois Heroes: Tell Patch About Those Making A Difference

Here are some of memorable local heroes submissions from across Illinois.

Nurse Helps COVID Patients Say Good-Bye To Their Family — After her first year of a nurse at AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village on the general surgery floor, COVID hit. Marissa Ray Bright quickly moved into ICU, helping patients say goodbye to family with no visitors allowed doing all this while planning a wedding.

'They Make Things Happen': Pair Of Manhattan Heroes — Cathy Vander Hye and Kristin Vander Hye are selfless leaders within the community who walk the walk in helping others especially the elderly and less fortunate.

Positive Influence During Uncertain Times: Deerfield Hero — Paula Kooperman has brought almost 300 community members together with her fitness platform, PSK4LIFE.com. These members bond over live and pre-recorded fitness classes, but she offers so much more! A true sense of close community from a virtual platform—what a gift!

'Always Helping Out The Town': Oak Forest Hero — Nick Smith is a firefighter paramedic with Oak Forest Fire Department. He is also in charge of the department's public education and is an executive board member for Project Fire Buddies. Nick is going above and beyond on and off duty.

'Advocated For Victims Of Domestic Violence': Tinley Park Hero — For 24 years, Kathy Mahoney has been a volunteer and dedicated board member at the Crisis Center where she has advocated for victims of domestic violence raised funds to support programs. From writing thank you notes to asking for gifts, Kathy is always there.

'Truly Improved The Quality Of Life': Tinley Park Hero — Shannon Gormley, a Counselor at Tinley Park High School. Shannon uses her time and talents to help both students and their families. Shannon has helped to secure over $43,000 in grants to assist TPHS families with rent, food and counseling services.

Libertyville Hero: 'Risks Her Life To Save Others' — Works days, nights and weekends as a nurse at a VA hospital. Elena Capota has been with her VA hospital for 11 years and worked in the recovery room administering drugs to patients prior to COVID. When COVID hit, she began working specifically with COVID patients between March and July. She returned to her prior duties for a couple of months but now is working nights with COVID patients again amid a surge in cases.

'Unwavering Perseverance': Oak Forest Hero — Antonio Halek and his family lost their son to cancer. Since then, Antonio has helped and guided families with the struggles of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), the same cancer that took his son's life.

'Always Trying To Spread Inclusiveness': Tinley Park Hero — Megan Prendergast wrote a children's book titled "Included" and has been working day and night to try and market her it and get it in front of children across the country.

'She's Always Smiling': Homewood-Flossmoor Hero — A reader wrote, "Every time I've visited the clinic in Homewood, (TaLisa Haley Wright) is always smiling and very polite to every one that walks in the door. She's never rude, even when patients are being rude she keeps her cool. There needs to be more people like her in the world."

Niles West Band Director Wins Illinois Teacher Of The Year Award — Justin Johnson, the band director at Niles West High School, was named the 2021 Illinois Teacher of the Year by the Illinois State Board of Education.

Made Shields For Health Care Workers At Start: Deerfield Heroes — Paul and Karen Schur of Deerfield made shields for health care people with their own 3D printer when PPE was not available in the beginning.

'Mothers Like Her Deserve To Be Honored': Tinley Park Hero — A reader wrote, "Hanan Taher is a very strong woman who has dedicated her whole life to taking care of my younger brother with cerebral palsy. Countless nights in the hospital and waking up for him at 6 a.m. every day. She and many mothers like her deserve to be honored."

'The Epitome Of What The World Needs': Tinley Park Hero — Kelly Dominguez works as a float nurse at Christ Hospital. She has been working in and out of COVID-19 floors since the pandemic began. "She comes home from her 12-hour shifts both physically and mentally exhausted and is still able to be super mom to our two girls,"her husband said.

'She Always Taught From The Heart': Orland Park Hero — I had Mrs. Mendoza as a Spanish teacher for 2 years. She does a lot at Sandburg and has such a positive attitude that inspires many. She helped me develop a love of learning Spanish, and she always taught from the heart.

'He Has A Huge Heart': Oak Forest Hero — Nick Versetto has helped the Project Fire Buddies program on several occasions. He also is constantly giving back to several community organizations. He has personally delivered several meals to fire buddy families.

'She Has The Warmest And Most Giving Heart': Tinley Park Hero — Stephanie Pyrzynski goes out of her way to help lift other businesses up. Through her mom community she created, she gives local businesses the spotlight and that in turn boosts their revenue. She also provides marketing work at a fraction of the price to help them.

'They Have Such Big Hearts': Chicago Heights Heroes — "My parents have been making a difference in so many peoples lives from just giving food every week to people in need to special holidays giving the children Christmas parties and presents," Victoria Ruiz wrote of her parents, Stella and Juan Hernandez. "My parents do this all from the kindness of their heart."

>> Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here. Read about other heroes from across Illinois here.