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Health & Fitness

Former Highland Park High School Teacher Honored at Annual Gala

More than 300 people came together at the annual College Bound Opportunities' gala to honor Glencoe resident and former Highland Park High School teacher, Bob Boone.

Bob Boone Receives Award from College Bound Opportunities

Glencoe resident and former Highland Park High School teacher, Bob Boone, was recently honored by College Bound Opportunities (CBO) for his dedication to mentoring local youth. Since its founding in 2006, Boone has mentored several students in the CBO program, which helps economically disadvantaged high school students get into college and graduate. Through a program of scholarships, academic assistance, and one-to-one mentorships, CBO is helping more than 100 local students realize their college dreams. Without community volunteers, like Bob Boone, who devote six years of their lives to help these students, the program would not be possible.

Boone started his teaching career in 1964 and has taught in Staten Island, Germany, and Chicago in addition to Highland Park. In 1985, he began offering creative writing classes in Chicago and founded Young Chicago Authors six years later to reach inner-city youth. He has been named Chicagoan of the Year by Chicago Magazine and has been honored at the White House by Michelle Obama for his work with inner-city youth. Boone brought his expertise to CBO in 2006 and his dedication has not faltered one day.

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More than 300 guests attended CBO's gala last Thursday at Highland Park Country Club to honor Boone and raise funds to support its student programs. In just one evening, over $225,000 was raised. These funds will allow CBO to take on more students next year and help them earn a college degree. CBO Scholars, like Courtney Sampson who was mentored by Boone and presented him with the award, are grateful for the program and their mentors. "I don't know where I would be today without Bob," said Sampson. "He and CBO gave me the opportunity to be everything I can be."

About College Bound Opportunities:

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College Bound Opportunities (CBO) is a not-for-profit organization centered in the ten communities within Deerfield and Highland Park High School District 113 and Lake Forest Community High School District 115. CBO identifies economically disadvantaged, high-achieving young people who, without support, would likely forgo post-secondary education and assists them in applying to and completing college. CBO goals are achieved through a program of one-on-one mentoring between volunteers and scholars. Additional aid provided by CBO includes tutoring, training services, laptop computers, and up to $4,000 per year in scholarships. Learn more at http://cbo4success.org

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