Casey graduated from Conant in 2006 and attended all Elk Grove/Schaumburg schools. She has lived in Elk Grove all her life and has been your typical suburban kid. Although struggling with epilepsy at 15 years old, she fought to be a normal kid. She attended SIU for 2 years and Roosevelt University for 3, receiving a bachelors in journalism with a minor in psychology. After graduation, she could not find a job and was tired of sending out resumes without even a rejection letter. She decided to work for very little pay at the Association House of Chicago. She traveled 1 ½ hrs each way on a train and 2 buses to Humbolt Park helping ex convicts to find jobs by assisting them with resume and cover letter writing, along with interview training. After that, she was placed in another position, as you can read in the attached letter. She absolutely loves what she does. Had she gotten a job after college, she would never have had the opportunity to do this kind of work. She is now considering attaining a Masters degree in psychology so she can continue to help the less fortunate.

She was recently recommended and will receive, as one in 8,000 Americorp workers, the Outstanding Americorp of the Year award for demonstrating extraordinary leadership, dedication, peer
collaboration, attendance, and commitment to the organization. She will be flown to Las Vegas July 7-10 to receive this award.

Casey is an inspiration to all who commit to do a job without the dream of fortune or fame and are recognized for their hard work and dedication.