Our Mission
We value the heroes in our community that consistently uphold the standards of a respectable, moral character. We especially value the persistence of good character when not under perceived-observation. We believe that individuals who uphold the principles of virtuous character in public and private are true heroes of the community.
Day to day, heroes in our community spread positivity and love to others despite the adversities they may be facing in life. We believe that these heroes are the foundation of our robust and enriching community at the University of Chicago. Our community could not flourish without them.
By recognizing community members that consistently adhere to qualities of moral character, we aim to spread love and encourage others to embrace principles of a virtuous being. We select a new hero each month, awarding them $100 and a certificate. Their magnificent stories are shared on our website.
Our Goals
Our goal is to encourage heroes in our community to persist in spreading love and positivity. We want our award to positively reinforce the moral behavior exemplified by these individuals who add great value to our community, especially in times of adversity. Additionally, we hope that sharing the stories of our heroes will inspire others to uphold principles of a virtuous character. Together, we can make our community and the world a better place.
Our goal for the future is to increase the number and value of awards given out each month. We wish to eventually provide more opportunities for the recognized heroes and their families. Furthermore, we hope to grow our platform so that more individuals are encouraged to live by standards of a moral character. An important element of our mission is to inspire individuals to exemplify character qualities of a virtuous being, especially in the face of adversity. To conclude, our goal is to accentuate the actions of true heroes that add significant value to our community.
This Month’s Hero
Loretta McCauley
For over three decades, Loretta McCauley has been a cornerstone of Ray Elementary School, dedicating her life to supporting and uplifting students of all abilities. As a champion for diverse learners, Loretta has touched countless lives with her unwavering commitment, compassion, and deep faith in the power of education.
A native Chicagoan and the youngest of ten siblings, Loretta has always embraced the blessings and lessons found in family, especially parenthood. Her natural gift for conversation and ability to forge lasting relationships have made her an invaluable presence at Ray Elementary. As a mother to a deaf daughter and the primary caregiver for five grandchildren, Loretta understands the challenges and joys of supporting diverse learners. Her ability to communicate through sign language and her empathy for families navigating Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans have made her an exceptional advocate and mentor.
When asked about her motivation, Loretta humbly credits her faith, as she thanks God for placing her in her position to serve. While Loretta’s daughter originally brought her into teaching diverse learning students, her passion for helping students and parents has kept her in the field for 33 years.
Reflecting on her years of wisdom, Loretta gives advice to the younger generations. She emphasizes the importance of being prudent with one’s spending, saving money for the uncertainties of the future. She also highlights the importance of family, urging others to cherish the limited time they have with their loved ones. Her last piece of advice is to pursue a path where your heart lies; there is so much joy that comes from following your heart and surrounding yourself with others who do the same.
Loretta’s legacy is one of selflessness, resilience, and love. Hyde Park is fortunate to have her as a tireless advocate for its students and families. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of community, and her decades of service will continue to inspire others for years to come.