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30/10/2026

👑 Black Boy Joy Spotlight #37:
EVAN TREJO
Age 16 | Sophomore | Yorkville High School
INTELLECTUAL. ATHLETE. ROLE MODEL.
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❤️ Academic excellence. Athletic discipline. Leadership through action! Meet EVAN TREJO, a 16-year-old sophomore at Yorkville High School who is balancing advanced academics, multiple sports, and community service while preparing for a future in engineering! With a 4.75 weighted GPA, a commitment to helping others, and a determination to challenge himself, Evan is showing what it means to lead by example!

🖤 Evan has built an impressive academic record while taking multiple Advanced Placement courses! Recognized as an Illinois and National Scholar, he participates in multiple honor societies and DECA, an organization that helps students develop business and leadership skills. His academic accomplishments reflect the discipline and consistency he brings to his education every day!

💚 Evan competes in multiple sports while participating in his school's Student Athlete Leadership Team. He understands that leadership isn't simply about what you say — it's about what you do! Beyond his own academic and athletic commitments, Evan volunteers as a math and Spanish tutor, sharing his knowledge and helping fellow students succeed. His resilience and determination have helped him remain confident in who he is, refusing to allow physical characteristics or outside expectations to define his possibilities!

💛 His future: Evan plans to pursue a degree in engineering at a university that will challenge him academically and help him grow personally. His goal is to attend a highly selective university, develop his talents, and build a career where he can apply his knowledge to solve problems and create new possibilities!

👑 Nephew, we're proud of you! Keep challenging yourself in the classroom, competing with purpose, and making time to help others along the way. Your commitment to education, athletics, and service is laying a strong foundation for the future you're building. Keep moving forward, young king!

Yorkville School District 115

30/10/2026

👑 Black Boy Joy Spotlight #36:
EMERSON HILL
Age 15 | Sophomore | West Aurora High School
CHAMPION. ATHLETE. HUMANITARIAN.
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❤️ Focused. Relentless. Strong! Meet EMERSON HILL, a 15-year-old sophomore at West Aurora High School who is making his mark in basketball and football while developing a passion for serving others!

🖤 Emerson has already experienced success in basketball! In 2024, he helped his eighth-grade team capture a state title. As a freshman at West Aurora High School, he helped his team earn another title, received King of the Hill honors, and was part of a team recognized as Lower Level Team of the Year at the Westy Awards.

💚 Football is Emerson's favorite sport, and his performance is getting noticed! Wearing #7 for the sophomore West Aurora Football team, he scored five touchdowns in his last six games. His efforts earned him a promotion to the varsity squad, where he now wears #36!!!

💛 His future: Emerson hopes to attend a Division I university to play football while exploring his interests in business and entrepreneurship. He also enjoys volunteering and helping people in need. One of his long-term goals is to partner with his siblings to establish a facility in Illinois that supports children who have experienced abuse or neglect.

👑 Nephew, we're proud of you! Your dedication to athletics and your desire to help others give us plenty to celebrate. We look forward to seeing where your journey takes you!

West Aurora School District 129

30/10/2026

👑 Black Boy Joy Spotlight #35:
TAMIR BELL
Age 23 | 13th Ward Ald. – Rockford, IL
PUBLIC SERVANT. TRAILBLAZER.
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❤️ History maker. Community advocate. Young leader! Meet TAMIR BELL, a 23-year-old Rockford native who made history in 2025 as the youngest person ever to serve as Ald. City of Rockford and is currently the youngest Ald. in the state of Illinois! A graduate of Rockford Lutheran School and a political science major at Rock Valley College, Tamir's journey is a reminder that YOU ARE NEVER TOO YOUNG TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

🖤 Born and raised in Rockford, Tamir developed an early passion for community service, youth mentorship, and neighborhood improvement. Today, he represents Rockford's 13th Ward, with interests in economic development, housing, food access, youth empowerment, and neighborhood revitalization.

💚 His professional background in communications, digital media, and community outreach reflects his commitment to connecting people, organizations, and opportunities. He also serves as Chair of the Board of Directors at Jackson Charter School and holds board positions with the YMCA of Rock River Valley and Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens. In 2021, Tamir received the Rockford Area Arts Council's Youth Arts Ambassador of the Year Award, recognizing his contributions to the community.

💛 In 2026, Tamir served as the keynote speaker at the Aurora Juneteenth Youth Summit, where he led a workshop with young men and participated in a LIVE interview with FOX 32 Chicago News! During the celebration, he was honored with Aurora in Black’s 2026 Juneteenth Trailblazer of the Year Award, recognizing his contributions to youth leadership and community service.

💛 His future: Tamir plans to continue building a career centered on public service and community development locally, regionally, statewide, and possibly nationally, all while remaining committed to helping communities thrive and encouraging young people to become involved.

👑 Nephew, we're proud of you from Aurora to Rockford! Keep leading, learning, serving, and opening doors for others. YOU ARE THE HOPE AND THE DREAM OF OUR ANCESTORS.

29/10/2026

👑 Black Boy Joy Spotlight #34:
LEONIDAS 'LEO' HOBSON
Age 18 | Freshman | Harper College
MVP. CHAMPION. LEADER.
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❤️ Strong. Loyal. Determined! Meet LEONIDAS 'LEO' HOBSON, an 18-year-old freshman at Harper College and 2026 graduate of Waubonsie Valley High School who is taking his championship mindset from high school athletics to college. Leo is pursuing studies in law enforcement while continuing his wrestling career!

🖤 During his years at Waubonsie Valley, Leo competed in football, wrestling, and lacrosse, demonstrating versatility, athleticism, and an unwavering competitive spirit! His hard work earned him All-Conference honors in both football and wrestling, distinguishing him as an exceptional athlete in two demanding sports.

💚 A Champion on the Wrestling Mat! Wrestling became one of Leo's greatest showcases for athletic excellence! He earned recognition as his team's Most Valuable Wrestler and captured first place in the DuPage Valley Conference (DVC). These accomplishments reflect countless hours of preparation and conditioning. Even when faced with the challenge of hand surgery before regionals, Leo demonstrated the resilience and determination that have defined his athletic journey.

💛 His future: Leo has two ambitious dreams! He is pursuing a career in law enforcement, dedicating himself to serving and protecting others. He also dreams of becoming a UFC fighter, taking his wrestling background and competitive spirit into the world of professional mixed martial arts!

👑 🇵🇷WEPA!!!! Nephew, you continue to make your community proud! You've already proven yourself as a champion, a dedicated student-athlete, and a determined young leader. Whether you're protecting your community or stepping into the octagon, your journey is a powerful reminder that determination and perseverance can take you to incredible heights!

Indian Prairie School District

29/10/2026

👑 Black Boy Joy Spotlight #33:
RHAYDEN BROWN
Age 13 | 8th Grade | Washington Middle School
SCHOLAR. ATHLETE. CHAMPION.
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❤️ Kind. Smart. Admirable! Meet RHAYDEN BROWN, a 13-year-old eighth grader at Washington Middle School who is proving that excellence isn't just about what you accomplish, but also about how you use your talents to help others! From earning academic honors to winning championships and mentoring younger athletes, this remarkable young king is already building an impressive record of achievement, leadership, and service!

🖤 Rhayden is a dedicated student who challenges himself by taking advanced classes in all core subjects! Throughout middle school, he has consistently earned Honor Roll and High Honor Roll recognition, demonstrating his commitment to academic achievement. He's also been named Student Athlete of the Week twice, an honor that celebrates his success both in the classroom and in competition!

💚 Rhayden has been playing football since he was 8 years old with the Patriots YTF and wrestling since age 9 with the West Aurora Blackhawk Wrestling Club! He also proudly represents Washington Middle School in both sports. Last wrestling season, Rhayden went undefeated and captured both the City and Conference Tournament Championships! He has even served as a coach for the first- and second-grade flag football team at West Aurora!

💛 His future: Rhayden is excited about continuing his academic and athletic journey at West Aurora High School, where he hopes to compete in both football and wrestling! His dreams include playing football or wrestling at the collegiate level. But beyond sports, Rhayden has an even greater goal: becoming a police officer and serving his community!

👑 Nephew, you make us so so proud! Keep studying hard, competing with determination, and lifting others as you rise. Your future is bright, your potential is extraordinary, and we can't wait to celebrate all the victories still ahead!

West Aurora School District 129

29/10/2026

👑 Black Boy Joy Spotlight #32:
MATTHEW BAKER
Age 15 | Sophomore | West Aurora High School
Intellectual. Athlete. Innovator.
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❤️ Brilliant. Talented. Community-Minded! Meet MATTHEW BAKER, a 15-year-old sophomore at West Aurora High School who is excelling in the classroom, competing in two sports, and finding meaningful ways to contribute to his school, church, and community!

🖤 Matthew is an exceptional student who challenges himself with Honors and Advanced Placement courses in all core subjects. HE HAS EARNED STRAIGHT A'S EVERY SEMESTER, MAINTAINING AN EXTRAORDINARY 4.6 GPA! His commitment to learning extends beyond traditional academics. He is a member of West Aurora’s Black Student Association and the Stellar Engineering Club

💚 Matthew balances his demanding academic schedule with participation in both basketball and volleyball! Beyond school and sports, Matthew is actively involved at DuPage AME Church, where he serves on the Usher Board and participates in Sunday School. This year, he is beginning his journey with the DuPage ACT-SO program.

💛 His future: Matthew has his sights set on a career in aerospace engineering or architecture! With a passion for innovation, design, and problem-solving, he's already exploring the possibilities ahead.

👑 Nephew, you make our entire community proud. Whether you're designing the next great architectural landmark or helping engineer the future of aerospace, we know you're destined to accomplish extraordinary things!

West Aurora School District 129

28/10/2026

👑 Black Boy Joy Spotlight #31:
EASTON SMITH
Age 8 | 3rd Grade | Freeman Elementary School
Achiever. Athlete. Alabama Fan!
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❤️ Caring. Responsible. A Natural Leader! Meet EASTON SMITH, an 8-year-old third grader at J H Freeman Elementary School who is proving that you don't have to be the oldest to lead the way! As the youngest of four children, Easton has spent years observing, learning, and preparing for his own opportunities to shine. Now that his moment has arrived, this young king is making every opportunity count!

🖤 Easton has a natural ability for sports and a determination to make the most of his talents! He approaches new opportunities with enthusiasm, confidence, and a willingness to learn. By paying attention to the experiences of those around him, like during his time with the Aurora Gators Youth Football, he's developed valuable lessons about responsibility, teamwork, and making good decisions.

💚 Even at just 8 years old, he understands that playing sports is a privilege and that his education must remain his number one priority! Easton is caring, responsible, and a leader who takes advantage of the opportunities he's given. He's learning early that talent opens doors, but discipline keeps them open!

💛 His future: He wants to play college football for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, even though nobody else in his family is an Alabama fan! 😂 But his ambitions don't end on the football field. Easton also dreams of graduating from college and becoming an orthodontist! From the gridiron to helping people achieve healthy smiles, this young king is already imagining a future filled with achievement, education, and opportunity!

👑 Nephew, we are so proud of you! Whether you're wearing crimson on a college football field or a white coat in your own orthodontic practice, we can't wait to see you make your mark!

West Aurora School District 129

28/10/2026

👑 BLACK BOY JOY SPOTLIGHT #30:
MARQUIS BROWN
Age 18 | Senior | Metea Valley High School
COMPETITOR. SCHOLAR. OVERCOMER.
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❤️ DETERMINED. INTELLIGENT. RESILIENT! Meet MARQUIS BROWN, an 18-year-old senior at Metea Valley High School whose story is one of perseverance, purpose, and possibility! Marquis has been through so much, yet he has navigated life's challenges and continued to succeed! Through it all, this remarkable young king has remained focused on his education, committed to his goals, and determined to build a bright future!

🖤 Wearing #18 for the Metea Valley Mustangs, Marquis is a running back who brings determination, discipline, and teamwork to the football field! He's also a dedicated wrestler who has competed since childhood and continues to wrestle during his senior year. Through both sports, he's developed the mental toughness to compete, the discipline to keep improving, and the character to lead by example.

💚 Marquis has maintained consistently strong grades throughout all four years of high school! And he's already taking steps toward his professional future by earning college credits while still in high school through the Technology Center of DuPage, where he's studying heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). While balancing academics, football, wrestling, and career training, Marquis continues to demonstrate what it means to stay focused on the bigger picture!

💛 His future: Marquis is preparing to turn his technical education into a promising career in the skilled trades! Following graduation, he plans to join an hvac union, where he can continue developing his expertise, gain hands-on experience, and build a future with meaningful opportunities. He's already putting himself in a position to succeed by combining classroom learning with career-focused training. His journey is proof that success comes in many forms, and that pursuing a skilled trade is a powerful pathway to professional achievement!

👑 Nephew, we are so proud of you! Your future is as big as your determination! Your commitment to your education, your dedication to your sports, and your determination to establish a successful career speak volumes about your character. You're already laying the foundation for something extraordinary, and your greatest victories are still ahead!

Indian Prairie School District

27/10/2026

👑 BLACK BOY JOY SPOTLIGHT #29:
ASHTON KYLE
Age 15 | Sophomore | Oswego East High School
LEADER. SCHOLAR. ATHLETE.
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❤️ Intelligent. Talented. Self-Motivated! Meet ASHTON KYLE, a 15-year-old sophomore at Oswego East High School who is proving that true greatness is about more than talent. It's about character, compassion, and the drive to be your very best! This young king is a gifted student-athlete, a natural leader, and a shining example of Black Boy Joy both on and off the court!

🖤 Ashton is a talented two-sport athlete who brings his competitive spirit to both the basketball court and the football field! Representing the Oswego East Wolves, he demonstrates athletic versatility, determination, and a commitment to teamwork. He's also involved with IGN I Got Next basketball, continuing to develop his skills and pursue his passion for the game.

💚 But Ashton's greatest strengths extend far beyond athletics! He's an intelligent, self-motivated student who takes his education seriously and continually challenges himself to grow. He's also a loving and protective big brother who leads by example at home and is a role model among his peers!

💛 His future: Ashton has his sights set on college and ultimately the NBA! With his passion for basketball, strong work ethic, and determination to succeed, he's dreaming big and preparing himself for the opportunities ahead.

👑 Nephew, we are so proud of you! Keep excelling in the classroom, competing with heart, protecting and encouraging your siblings, and treating others with the kindness that makes you special!

Oswego East High School Athletics
Oswego Community Unit School District 308

27/10/2026

👑 BLACK BOY JOY SPOTLIGHT #28:
JAKOI RUFF
Age 12 | 7th Grade | Herget Middle School
ALL-STAR. CHAMPION. TRAILBLAZER.
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❤️ Determined. Self-Motivated. Kind. Meet JAKOI RUFF, a 12-year-old seventh grader at Herget Middle School who is ranked among the best young track stars in the nation! He is an All-American Track Athlete who brought home a national bronze medal and two Top 10 finishes from the 2026 AAU Junior Olympic Games!

🖤 Representing the Aurora Sundowners Track Club, Jakoi delivered an incredible performance on the national stage, capturing 3rd place in the 100-meter dash and 10th place in the 200-meter dash! But before taking on the nation's best, he dominated the regional competition, bringing home three gold medals with first-place finishes in the 100m, 200m, and 400m!

💚This young champion demonstrates the dedication, focus, and perseverance required to compete at the highest levels of youth track and field. Whether he's training, competing, or setting his next goal, Jakoi is showing that greatness is built through hard work, consistency, and believing in yourself!

💛 His future: Jakoi dreams of continuing his track career through college and competing in a New Balance track competition! With national recognition already under his belt at just 12 years old, he's setting his sights on even greater opportunities in athletics and education.

👑 Nephew, you make your whole community proud! Your accomplishments are already extraordinary, but the determination behind them is what makes your journey so powerful!
West Aurora School District 129

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