Congratulations to Proviso West Senior Javin Cotton, who was selected as West 40’s School Citizen of the Year.

“The School Citizen of the Year award was created in celebration of West 40’s tenth anniversary to honor fine students within the West 40 region,” said West 40 Executive Director Kay Poyner Brown.

Cotton was nominated for School Citizen of the Year by Proviso West English Teacher Carissa Gillespie.

“Javin is and has always been his own person,” said Gillespie. “I taught Javin sophomore year. I have greatly enjoyed watching him grow as a student and as a young man. When other students are trying hard to be cool, Javin is trying his hardest to stand up for what is right. Javin has had obstacles in his life, yet he has never used them as an excuse to achieve less. He is helpful. He’s friendly. And he’s a leader. Javin is ready for the future now.”

Cotton is a member of the 20+ club at Proviso West, a club for students who score a 20 or above on the ACT. He’s also President of the Class of 2009, Vice President of the Proviso West National Honor Society, and Vice President of the Proviso Area Worship Singers.

Cotton received a medal, certificate, and a copy of the School Citizen of the Year honor roll book. Entries in the honor roll book include the nominating teachers’ and principals’ names, and a brief description of why each student was selected.

Congratulations Javin!  You are a vital part of Proviso Rising.

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