Thirteen lucky Niles residents have been selected to receive recognition from the entire community at the Niles Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s “Night of Roses: a Tribute to Home Grown Success” event on Saturday, April 24.

The award winners range from an eighth-grader to a man who helps the homeless, a printing company owner, a Pilates instructor, a school board president, a firefighter and more.

They will receive awards at the dinner, which will take place at the White Eagle restaurant in Niles.

“It’s a community recognition event,” said Katie DiMaria Schneider, executive director of the Niles Chamber of Commerce. “It’s about getting the community together, including various causes and clubs such as the Lions Club, the village, the park district, businesses, the chamber of commerce, schools, Scouts, churches — we want to get everyone involved.”

“It’s a recognition of who we are and what makes the Niles community so great,” Schneider said.

The process of determining winners started in January, when the Niles Chamber of Commerce placed ads in local newspapers asking residents to nominate people for the awards. Nominators had to explain the nominees' work and activities and which award category they fell into.

“We had a very good response from the community,” said Schneider.

The nomination forms were turned in by Feb. 19, and the chamber’s nominating committee met, reviewed them and determined the winners, she said.

The Niles Chamber of Commerce will also present its scholarships at the event.

Entertainment will be provided by an East Maine School District 63 jazz band, and music students from Culver District 71. Culver students are also creating rose-themed artworks to decorate for the evening.

All community members are welcome to attend the event, which begins at 6 p.m. Tickets, which cost $50 each, may be obtained by calling Brenda at the Niles Chamber at (847) 268-8180 or e-mailing events@nileschamber.com.

Following are the award recipients:

The Bob Wordel Living Legend Award is presented to Peter “Uncle Pete” Zonsius. A Niles resident since 1956, Pete has had a lifelong crusade to help the needy, the homeless and less fortunate, whether they are from Niles or the Near West Side of Chicago.

Business of the Year: Salon M

The Nigro family opened its business in 2003 and has not only built a full service salon, but frequently donate gift certificates and gift baskets for schools, fundraisers, organizations and good causes.

Coach of the Year: Danielle Desherow

Danielle is a coach, teacher and mentor at the Niles Family Fitness Center, teaching Pilates, strength training and spinning to help people achieve their fitness goals. She has rallied countless participants for the Dollars for Scholars spin-a-thon, Make a Wish Anelise's Run and the Zumba benefit for the American Cancer Society.

Dynamic Parent Volunteer: Patrick Byrne

Patrick Byrne serves as president for the Board of Education of Clarence E. Culver School. He is active with St. Juliana Parish, the Niles Park District and other organizations and causes.

Fire Fighter “Hot Spot”: Charles Seleen

Charles Seleen is a Lieutenant for the Niles Fire Department and an EMS Coordinator. As a 30-year veteran, he works on and off duty to ensure the safety and high quality medical services of fellow fire fighters and the Niles community.

Ken Scheel Chamber Member of the Year: Dennis Vaccaro

Dennis Vaccaro is a five-year member of the Niles Chamber of Commerce and Industry and owner of RV Enterprises, Ltd. a promotional products and printing company. Dennis has volunteered as past chairman of the membership committee and continues to serve on it. He currently chairs the golf committee and serves as second vice president for the Niles chamber.

Niles Citizen of the Year: John Imber

John Imber is a longtime volunteer for Our Lady of Ransom parish and the Knights of Columbus Council #4338 in Niles. He coordinates the annual fun fest at OLR, which involves planning and organizing more than 300 volunteers.

Niles Golden Senior: Charlotte Lindquist

A Niles resident for more than 60 years, Charlotte Lindquist has contributed valuable volunteer efforts to the St. John Brebeuf youth ministry. She is currently the only woman to sit on the parish’s Men’s Club Board, is active with the Catholic Women’s Club, Joy in Jesus program and helps to coordinate an annual parish flea market.

Niles Good Neighbor: Ed Bertram

Inspired by the interaction between staff and residents, Ed Bertram volunteers whenever he can at St. Matthew Center for Health, a rehabilitation and nursing facility. He brought his musical passion and talent to residents, performing for them, singing with them and giving residents an opportunity to sing and play themselves.

Police Officer “Special Agent”: Nicholas Zakula

Officer Zakula joined the Niles Police Department in 1992 and became a detective in 2005. Since that time he has handled many high profile cases, received numerous commendations and distinguishing letters for his dedication and professionalism.

Teacher of the Year: Maria Pilati

Maria Pilati, the ELL teacher at Culver School, helps young students who know very little English and are often new to the community and the country. One of her students, now holding a prestigious position at the Library of Congress in Washington D.C., considers Maria Pilati “the single most important reason for my success.”

Unsung Worker “Not Enough Hours in the Day”: John Mazur

Whether it is 8 a.m. or 10 p.m. it is John Mazur who is there to set up, take down and get things done at St. John Brebeuf parish. He oversees the entire church, campus and grounds and assists with clubs, organizations and societies.

Youth of the Year: Olivia Schoenfeldt

Olivia Schoenfeldt is an eighth-grader whose youthful energy keeps her busy volunteering for the GLADD (Giving Love to the Developmentally Disabled) program, training altar servers, participating in the new bell ringing musical group at her church and tutoring young people at the Niles Public Library. She is an active Girl Scout who also finds times for sports.