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Maple Conn, a Chute Middle School seventh grader, is one of two winners in the inaugural “Funville” contest sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Evanston. Funville challenged middle and high school students to develop ideas that accomplish change. The contest was based on the premise that innovative, creative ideas can engage people in community building and improvement when they involve something enjoyable---something fun!
Winners were presented with a $250 award at the Kiwanis breakfast at Evanston Township High School on May 15th.
Maple Conn’s award winning entry proposed CAB, (Community Against Bullying) and will receive the Dr. Robert Storm award. Maple noted that bullies aren’t fun but learning to deal with them can be. She proposed that kids sign a CAB contract that will give them the confidence to stop bullies, help victims, and feel supported. She noted that the ideas could work at school or in any community setting and recommended an improv setup with role playing to help kids know they’re not alone in standing up to bullies.
The high school award winner, Aaron Hellman proposed a “Trash Bin Shootout” which would transform all trash bins in city parks to a basketball hoop, complete with a backboard. The ‘net’ would be the bin itself. Additional enhancements in the area would build on the basketball theme. Hellman says, “People have always used trash bins as mini basketball hoops. It would be so fun it might actually encourage people to throw away pieces of trash they seeing lying around.” He will receive the Robert Heiberger award.
Ted Loda,a Kiwanis member and Funville judge said, “To have a youth willing to address up front a very difficult issue (bullying) that can engage virtually everyone to help implement a solution to this problem is brave and impressive.” Other judges included Toby Sachs,Group Managing Director,Mcgary/Bowen advertising and David Cherney of the Illumen Group, part of the Evanston incubator.
Funville awards are named for the late Robert Heiberger, a graduate of ETHS and long time supporter of community projects, particularly those involving youth, the mission of Kiwanis. The Storm award is named for Dr.Robert Storm, a 60 year club member and retired veterinarian Both men epitomize the Kiwanis values of service, camaraderie and good humor.
Contest results are posted at www.funvillekiwanis.com
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