Kevin Leslie, a counselor at North High School in Downers Grove, was honored with the 2023 Operation Snowball Adult Excellence Award. Leslie is the sole award winner, which takes entries from more than 70 Snowball chapters throughout Illinois. The award seeks to honor and celebrate an adult in Operation Snowball for their ongoing service that has made an exceptional and measurable impact in their community.
Leslie, who has been a sponsor for North High’s Snowball program for 22 years, helped grow the District 99 chapter and started the Snowflake program with area middle schools. Leslie’s involvement allowed North High’s Operation Snowball to grow from a single retreat to an all-year program for student leaders districtwide to learn, grow, and create community.
“Kevin makes sure everyone's enjoying themselves with his easy style and infectious laugh. The impact he's had on thousands of students he's worked with is immeasurable,” said Dawn Sprengel, Special Services Teacher at North High.
“We are so proud of the work Kevin has done with Snowball,” said North High Principal Dr. Courtney DeMent. “He will have a legacy that will continue, and I know our students are so proud of him and love working with him.”
Leslie, a school counselor at North High since 2011 and a North High faculty member since 2001, will retire in June 2023.
“Our Snowball program won't be the same without Kevin. We want him to know how much we appreciate him and what a legacy he leaves for students and the community who will be part of District 99 Snowball for years to come,” said Keith Bullock, North High’s Student Assistance Program Coordinator.
Operation Snowball is an international youth program that empowers student leaders through prevention education, community advocacy, and leadership development.
To learn more about Operation Snowball, visit https://operationsnowballinc.org. And to learn more about North High’s Operation Snowball program, visit csd99.org/dgn/activities/operation-snowball-2020-21