L-W East Student-Athlete Named Recipient of Chicago Bears Community of Champions Award

A student-athlete has been singled out by the Chicago Bears for his accomplishments on and off the football field.

Senior Jake Aleck, a two-year starting middle linebacker for the Griffins who enjoys helping others through volunteer work, fundraisers and community service projects, was named recipient of the prestigious Chicago Bears Community of Champions Award.

He was one of three students honored for their community service work at the National Football Foundation Awards Ceremony held Feb. 20 at Halas Hall.

“Jake Aleck represents all that is right about the game of high school football today,” said Lincoln-Way East teacher and head football coach Rob Zvonar. “Where the size of a young man’s heart is still more important than the physical size of his body and that with passion, effort and determination, anything can be accomplished.”

Jake, who volunteers at his church and often helps feed the homeless at Morning Star Mission in Joliet, received his Community of Champions Award in front of such guests as Chicago Bears Coach Lovie Smith, Pro Football Hall of Famer Ted Hendricks, Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany and former Chicago Bears players Desmond Clark, Jimbo Covert, Glen Kozlowski and Brian Baschnagel.

“When I found out that I won this award, I was instantly put in awe,” said Jake. “To receive an award from the Chicago Bears -- the team I was brought up to love and cheer for – it was simply jaw-dropping for me.”

The high school senior attributed the award to good role models, including his parents, brothers and coaches.

“Day in and day out, I developed character from my three older brothers and the way my parents acted upon some of the situations they put themselves in,” he said. “Not only at home was I reminded how I should act as a person but also six days a week when I was with my football family. Coach Z and every other coach on our team would stress mental toughness and determination on the field but also the right way to act off the field.”

The Chicago Bears Community of Champions Award was modeled after the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award and honors high school student athletes who have made significant contributions to their community and demonstrated remarkable community service during their high school years.

Jake, who serves as a peer helper in East’s Adaptive P.E. classes, provides support, encouragement and lunchtime assistance to special needs students at his school.

He also enjoys volunteering with the Lincoln-Way East Youth Football Camp and participating in the Do the Griff fundraiser each year. He is a member of the school’s Environmental Action Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Athletically, Jake is a two-year team captain who holds a four-year team record of 36-3-1. He is a member of the 2011 and 2010 Southwest Suburban Conference (Blue) Champions and led the defense that allowed less than 10 points per game. He ranks in the top 10 in tackles in East’s history.

“Selflessness, character and integrity are words used to describe Jake Aleck,” said Zvonar. “He has high moral standards and simply does what is right…. I cannot imagine a more deserving recipient (of the Chicago Bears Community Champion Award).”