This month, Noble Schools announced the Vittum Awards winners for the 2024 school year. One junior from each campus was selected for their exceptional achievements and character traits that exemplify kindness, leadership, and mentorship.

The award is named after Dan Vittum Jr., who served as Noble’s first board chair. Each award recipient was selected based on input from their teachers and peers.

Learn more about this year’s winners and why they were selected for this award:

(Psst, also make sure to check out the video at the bottom where you can hear peers and teachers talking about how awesome their school’s Vittum Award winner is!)

Damaris Purnell embodies the essence of hard work, compassion, and integrity. Despite facing challenges, including a speech impediment, he navigates through life with unwavering confidence. As a student, Damaris shines both academically and personally. His teachers unanimously praise him as an exemplar in the classroom, where his problem-solving skills and dedication set him apart. Beyond academics, he is a diligent and compassionate student. He is the co-founder of Lynx House, an enrichment initiative where he and fellow leaders showcase their talents as artists. Through poetry, rap, and music, Damaris has found a platform to express himself authentically while empowering others to do the same.

He goes above and beyond to support his peers, serving as a role model for empathy and understanding. His actions speak volumes about his character, leaving an indelible mark on all who have the privilege of knowing him.

Madison Welch has an unwavering commitment to scholarship, discipline, and honor in her school community. She has been described by members of the Bulls Prep community as hardworking, vibrant, helpful, and a strong leader.

Madison has displayed this leadership in many different roles at Bulls Prep. She’s a participating member of the cheer and math teams at Bulls Prep. She’s also the manager of our boys volleyball team and the secretary of our Black Student Union. As a result, Madison has fostered strong relationships with her peers that has gained their trust and respect for her as a student-athlete and student leader for our entire student body. Madison also shows up consistently to build relationships with families—welcoming them to events and report card pick-up. Her impact in the classroom and in the school community at large has earned her this well-deserved nomination.

Throughout his academic journey at DRW College Prep, Jason Bankhead has demonstrated his commitment to excellence by maintaining an impressive GPA of over 3.0. Beyond the classroom, he is active in a variety of sports, including basketball, football, and volleyball, showcasing his versatility and team spirit. In addition to excelling academically and athletically, Jason has played pivotal roles in the DRW and wider community—from organizing and executing Black Boy Joy events to serving as a referee for the North Lawndale YMCA. Guided by the principle of “Whatever I start, I need to finish,” Jason exemplifies perseverance and determination in all aspects of his life.

In the future, Jason Bankhead aspires to make a lasting impact in the field of mechanical engineering, carrying forward the values of academic excellence, community engagement, and personal growth that define his high school experience at DRW College Prep.

Janiya Thurman is a student who is consistent, responsible, respectful and confident in who she is as an individual.

She’s a student who doesn’t follow the crowd and is outspoken about injustices she observes. She’s respectful to everyone, both her teachers and peers, and doesn’t mind going out of her way to lend a helping hand. Janiya is determined to excel in academics and is not afraid to say that she needs help or doesn’t understand something.

David Cano loves soccer, robotics, and his parents. At Speer, he shines both in the classroom and on the soccer field, where he plays center defensive mid for the boys varsity team. His passion for soccer extends well beyond the season—he spends most of his time outside of school on the field with his friends and dreams of playing in college on a D1 team. But soccer isn’t his only passion: David loves computers and robotics. He was a member of our robotics team during his freshman year and completed a three-week Summer Of A Lifetime program in robotics at Carleton College. David’s dream is to study Computer Science at Michigan University, Ann Arbor.

Teachers and peers alike love David for his positive attitude, good nature and humor, and his intellectual curiosity. He wants to express gratitude for the opportunities he has had because of the love, hard work, and sacrifice of his parents.

Emmanuel Poe is an exceptionally positive and motivated high school student with a keen interest in subjects such as English literature and history. Emmanuel consistently strives for academic excellence, maintaining a strong GPA while actively participating in class discussions, projects, and dual enrollment courses. Beyond the classroom, Emmanuel is an active participant in National Honors Society, chess club, and the dance team.

Whether it’s showcasing his leadership skills on the dance team or demonstrating his determination in National Honors Society, these experiences have not only expanded his horizons but also helped him develop valuable life skills.

Ernesto Sosa was selected as the Vittum Award recipient because of his commitment to live out each of Mansueto’s core values. Ernesto has demonstrated a community-driven mindset through his kindness to others and constant support of his peers. He shows excellence in the way he conducts himself at Mansueto with a weighted cumulative GPA of 4.4, 100% attendance record, and zero tardies for this school year. Ernesto’s resilience is unparalleled, as he is currently enrolled in five IB level classes and had straight A’s at the end of the first semester.

From his willingness to take academic risks, his motivation to achieve, and his intellectual curiosity, Ernesto’s optimism shines throughout the building. Masnsueto is honored to select Ernesto Sosa as the recipient of the 2024 Vittum Award.

Jason Dale was selected as this year’s Vittum Award recipient for Muchin College Prep as he embodies what it means to be a true Mountain Lion. Jason is an advocate at heart and decided to explore his leadership skills through the Student Council to elevate student voice. He believes that with enough voices and unity, powerful change can happen. Jason’s teachers know him best for his investment in his classes, diligence in completing class work, and self-discipline. He has infectious positive energy and always makes friends with the people around him. Jason has a 4.0 cumulative GPA, has taken four honors classes, and is enrolled in two AP classes this school year.

Jason’s passion is basketball, and he has played since he was introduced to it as a child at the age of six. His parents are his biggest motivation and inspiration to keep going. Jason is interested in pursuing his education at an HBCU and strongly desires to follow the entrepreneurship path. He wants to create a brand that contributes heavily to charity to help people worldwide.

Miguel Carbajal is a hardworking and persistent student who is incredibly invested in his high school community. Since his freshman year, Miguel has been an active voice in student council, making it his student mission to enrich the student experience and make the school a fun and inviting place. He has built strong relationships with teachers and other students, and in doing so, has developed himself as a leader and pillar in the school community. He currently serves as the vice president for our student council and wants to run for president next year as a senior. In addition to his role as vice president, he also cofounded a more inclusive music club, incorporating both guitar and songwriting, after our Guitar Club sponsor left Noble Street.

Miguel is constantly pushing himself and exhibiting courage on stage. He is a natural guitar player and has shown the school his impressive skills by participating in our annual talent show. This year, he has pushed himself further by joining the cast in our annual musical. Miguel is a student who exemplifies school community and his peers seem to agree. He has gone above and beyond to forge a path for himself at Noble and in doing so, has ensured other students are able to as well.

Charles Williams was nominated by a group of his teachers and then won a vote of the junior class at Rauner to receive this award. His peers voted for him because he is “kind,” “caring,” “funny,” and a “great student and even better friend.”

He participates in many different activities at Rauner, from our sport teams to clubs. He is a great student, community member, and is more than deserving of this honor.

Sandy Lopez is #2 in her class of 67 students. Sandy has a 4.2 unweighted GPA, 97.5% attendance rate, and 119 community service hours. Sandy is like a quiet storm. She is very quiet as you first get to know her, but her personality becomes alive around her advisory family and friends.

During the most silent and unexpected moments, Sandy often lifts the mood of our space with her quick, witty, and seemingly out-of-character comments. We love you, Sandy!

Asiatu Mustapha isn’t just an exceptional student; she’s an exceptional person. Driven by an insatiable curiosity, Asi devours knowledge both inside and outside the classroom, never hesitating to contribute her voice and insights, whether by raising her hand or guiding a discussion. However, Asi’s true brilliance lies in her dedication to helping others. Deeply kind and empathetic, Asi possesses an uncanny ability to sense when someone needs support and readily extends a helping hand.

From her passionate advocacy for social justice to her everyday interactions with peers and adults, Asi embodies empathy in word and deed. She inspires her classmates to strive for more and challenges her teachers to be better educators. Asiatu Mustapha is a rare individual – passionate, unique, and a true embodiment of both academic excellence and outstanding humanity.