Keith Butler views every day as a new opportunity to make a positive impact in his community. A skilled pizza chef in Bartlett Dining Hall at the University of Chicago, Keith exemplifies qualities of leadership. From lending a helping hand to having the back of his fellow workers, Keith is an influential figure who works hard and leads by example.
Never failing to smile, Keith spreads positivity to both his fellow workers and the student body. Keith’s delicious pizza and easy approachability facilitate many positive interactions throughout the day. Always showing respect to others, Keith is sociable and connects people based on mutual interests. He is a valuable member of the Bartlett dining staff, consistently putting smiles on others’ faces - no matter the circumstance.
Keith is a virtuous and influential hero who has dedicated his life to providing for his family. Keith’s hard work is motivated by his love for family. With a constant and relentless effort, Keith - a father of 13 - looks after all of his children. Because he did not have a father growing up, Keith understands the importance of having a father who models virtuous principles. Both our community and Keith’s family are incredibly blessed for him. We know that Keith will continue to be a hero in our community and inspire others.
Naturally radiating motherly qualities, Avrel Phillips consistently provides love to all members of her community. Avrel supports everyone, and after a conversation with her, one feels they have the adequate skills and tools in order to pursue their life goals. Her passionate and empathetic character makes her a strong force of kindness, compelling community members to act compassionately - loving one another.
In the face of chronic back pain, Avrel’s strong character qualities have never been detracted from. Every single day, Avrel experiences intense and persistent pain; however, her courageous motivation to maintain compassionate care for fellow community members never falters. Upon receiving the Hero of the Month Award, many peers approached her, supplementing their argument for Avrel’s deservingness of this award with evidence of her significant impact on each of them - she had already won!
Avrel is a single mother who raised an exceptionally bright, confident, and passionate daughter. Avrel’s bold and lively character maximizes the motherly figure’s positive impact on her community. When I first met her 5 years ago at Cathey Dining Hall, she put a smile on everyone’s faces as she greeted them. Because she has an innate intelligence for reading people, she was able to offer assurances about the beauty of life to those who seemed most in need of it. Nowadays, you can find her whipping up delicious omelets in Bartlett dining hall, providing the proper start to a UChicago student’s day.
Whether someone is watching or not, Lutricia “Lulu” McKinnin persistently exemplifies moral character, acting selflessly for the betterment of her community. Lulu’s hard work and positive attitude are consistently noticed and appreciated by the community she serves. Furthermore, her work ethic has been highly regarded by a veteran, which is no easy feat!
With a passion for cleaning and helping people, Lulu keeps herself busy. She is proactive and takes initiative in the community, helping things get done more effectively and efficiently. Lulu displays altruistic behavior, putting in work for the purpose of making other people’s lives easier. Her advice to the students is to stay positive despite adversity and follow their dreams.
Despite not receiving a college education, Lulu has raised two children who are college graduates. She loves working with students on campus, claiming ‘we [the dining hall staff] are their family while they are here”. By adhering to her virtuous values, Lulu plays a significant role in the very loving community shared by UChicago residents and the dining hall staff.
Leadership, kindness, and ambition. These are three attributes that Derri Person embodies day in and day out. Majoring in biochemistry while working full-time with UChicago Dining, Derri lives a hectic life. Yet, despite his hectic schedule, Derri’s kindness, friendliness, and persistence never cease.
Growing up, Derri was taught the value of respect, taking them to heart. Derri displays the utmost respect to his peers, UChicago students, and, frankly, everyone around him. Derri is quick to go above and beyond the call of duty, helping out whenever he can all while having a smile on his face.
After graduating college with a degree in biochemistry, Derri plans to attend medical school and become a surgeon. With his work ethic and drive to do things the right way, even when no one is watching, Derri has the necessary characteristics to achieve any goal he sets his eyes on.
In every community, there are individuals who possess a remarkable ability to brighten the lives of those around them. Jayvon Jackson is one such person who, despite growing up in poverty and facing numerous adversities, has emerged as a shining example of resilience, positivity, and kindness. Jayvon's upbringing in poverty could have easily dampened his spirit; however, with an innate understanding that his own happiness could uplift others, he embraced a positive mindset that became the foundation of his character.
Behind Jayvon's remarkable character lies the influence of his mother. When faced with her own health challenges, she remained a positive force in his life, instilling in him the values of perseverance, gratefulness, and hopefulness. Her determination to stay positive, despite her circumstances, had a profound impact on Jayvon, catalyzing his own journey towards becoming an upstanding member of the community. Today, Jayvon stays positive and maintains a positive outlook because he believes good things come from spreading the most love in the universe.
Jayvon Jackson exemplifies the transformative power of positivity and resilience. Despite the hardships he has faced, his steadfast spirit and commitment to spreading happiness have made him an invaluable asset to his community. Through his infectious energy and genuine kindness, Jayvon illuminates the lives of those around him. His story serves as a testament to the fact that, even in the face of adversity, it is possible to be a beacon of light and make the world a better place. His unwavering optimism serves as a reminder to others to find beauty in the ordinary and to cherish the present moment. His advice to the younger generation is to do what makes you happy, to stay happy, and to never give up.
In the heart of Hyde Park, there’s a culinary artist whose passion for cooking transcends the boundaries of the kitchen. Jackie Richardson, a devoted parent and culinary master, enjoys bringing happiness through his culinary creations.
Growing up in a household where his parents lived check to check, he understood the value of hard work and the importance of making ends meet. This early life lesson instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility and the drive to always put his best foot forward.
From the moment Jackie put on his apron, it was clear that cooking was his calling. He found solace and fulfillment in the kitchen, where he could create dishes that not only delighted the taste buds but also nourished the soul. For him, cooking was not just about preparing food; it was about the camaraderie it fostered, the bonds it strengthened, and the smiles it brought to the faces of those he served.
But Jackie’s mission extends beyond the boundaries of his kitchen. He wants his daughter to be treated in a certain way, with kindness, respect, and generosity. In his quest to ensure her well-being, he learned the importance of treating other people nicely, a principle that he applies to his culinary endeavors and life.
For Jackie Richardson, life is about waking up every day and putting smiles on people’s faces through the culinary magic he crafts. His story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the profound impact one can have on the world by sharing their love for cooking. His advice for the younger generation is to wake up, smile, and put smiles on others’ faces. We celebrate Jackie’s inspiring journey and the joy he spreads, one delicious meal at a time.
Javon Bradley embodies the values of hard work, respect, and leadership. Growing up on the south side with a single mother and seven siblings, Javon learned early the importance of perseverance and respect. Knowing when and when not to talk, Javon became a great listener and an even harder worker. These lessons have shaped him into the man he is today: a dedicated father of three, and a man who leads by example. His journey has not only been about personal success but also about inspiring others around him. Javon’s story is a testament to how someone with a driven, ambitious spirit can use an adverse upbringing to become an excellent leader.
In his career, Javon has consistently stepped into leadership roles, not by command but by example. At work, Javon naturally leads his team from the front, working side by side with them and taking on critical responsibilities, especially in the utility work that keeps operations running smoothly. This approach has earned him the respect and trust of his colleagues. Javon’s leadership is not about giving orders but about being in the trenches with his team, demonstrating that hard work and commitment are the keys to achieving one's goals.
Javon’s message to the community is clear: hard work goes a long way, and the process of striving for success is something to be trusted and valued. He believes in learning something new every day, understanding that the only way to grow is to take initiative and try. More than just working hard, Javon encourages others to lead by example and be the person others can look up to. His journey from the South side to becoming a respected leader in his field serves as a powerful reminder that no matter where you start, it’s the effort you put in and the respect you show that will take you where you want to go.
Aiko Kojima Hibino
Aiko Kojima Hibino has dedicated over two decades to Hyde Park, becoming a tireless advocate for equitable education in Chicago. Aiko's journey as a leader and community organizer began when she encountered the stark inequities in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) while raising her son. Her experiences inspired her to take action and work toward creating a more inclusive and just educational system.
Aiko is a founding member and treasurer of The Friends of Bret Harte, a nonprofit organization that has raised over $50,000 to support the students and families of Bret Harte Elementary School. Under her leadership, the group has addressed critical gaps in resources, such as launching after-school music programs and providing mobile Wi-Fi hotspots to families during the pandemic. Her efforts ensured that every child, regardless of their circumstances, had access to the tools they needed to succeed.
Her advocacy doesn’t stop at Bret Harte. As a board member of Raise Your Hand for Illinois Public Education, Aiko empowers parents across Chicago to engage in meaningful change. She also serves as a community representative on Bret Harte's Local School Council, where she works to amplify the voices of families in decisions that shape their children's futures.
Aiko’s passion stems from her own experiences. As a first-generation immigrant from Japan, she was struck by the inequities in CPS, especially when compared to the standardized and accessible education system she grew up with. Her determination to improve these conditions led her to become a vocal advocate for justice, diversity, and inclusion in schools.
In addition to her advocacy, Aiko is a lecturer at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she inspires students with her love for teaching and her belief in education as a transformative tool.
Aiko’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact community-driven change can have. Her advice to others is simple yet profound: take the time to check your privilege, even when it feels uncomfortable. Approach others’ experiences with empathy and an open mind, putting yourself in their shoes and truly listening. Structural inequities are real, and it is our shared responsibility to dismantle the barriers they create.
Hyde Park is fortunate to have Aiko Kojima Hibino as a champion for its children and families. Her unwavering commitment to equity and education has made a lasting impact, and her efforts continue to inspire those around her to take action.