McHenry MCC Student Winner of Blanco Spirit Award

McHenry County College named Jeffery Stark of McHenry, right, as the recipient of the Fall 2010 Joseph A. Blanco Spirit Award, a $500 gift given to a student with special needs who displays a positive attitude while pursuing a degree or certificate while overcoming a disability.

Stark has been a student at MCC since spring 2008 and has earned a cumulative GPA of 3.10. He plans to use his award toward spring semester classes at MCC. He expects to transfer to Northern Illinois University sometime next year to work toward his goal of becoming a history teacher.

“Jeff is a diligent student committed to his education,” said Gayle Barkley, Special Needs assistant, who nominated Stark. “Jeff is dependable, kind-hearted, and committed. He has proven what a “can do” attitude will do.”

“He must rely on public transportation, but he doesn’t complain. He plans ahead and works around the Pace schedule,” Barkley said.

Joe Blanco, a Special Needs Department tutor, founded the award in 2009 as a way to recognize students for their hard work and can-do attitude despite their disabilities.