Awards & Recognition

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Kole Sedlack

Burr Ridge Pleasantdale

Principal:

Burr Ridge Pleasantdale's Kole Sedlack says good sportsmanship helps people feel better about themselves. "When you care enough to let them know they played a good game or made a good decision on the court or field, they want to try harder. That results in a better game overall." Kole developed that viewpoint during his experiences in volleyball, softball, scholastic bowl, band and as a peer leader, not to mention swimming and rock climbing.

He's most impressed by baseball great Jackie Robinson's success at overcoming prejudice and feels inspired by the man's single-minded focus. Kole says Robinson chose not to react to bigotry around him, so as not to destroy his career, but pushed through it using his baseball skills to prove his extraordinary talent.

The personal accomplishment he's most proud of is being recognized after five summers at camp as having demonstrated eight special characteristics the camp focuses on -- love, Christianity, perseverance, attitude, dedication, discipline, loyalty, and enthusiasm. He hopes to complete his college degree in computer programming because he believes understanding technology is vital to our future.

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