Chicago Bears Name Aurora Student High School All-Star

Aurora IL

31 March, 2022

12:50 PM

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AURORA, IL — A senior at Marmion Academy in Aurora is now a Chicago Bears Community High School All-Star award winner, team officials announced Thursday. Anthony Kuceba is the fourth student to receive the award by the Bears this season. Through the program, a total of nine high school football players are honored for making a positive impact on their school and community. For each winner, the Bears make a $500 donation to a charitable organization of the student's choosing. Kuceba selected Special Olympics Illinois, Region C, as his charity. Along with the title and donation made on their behalf, each winner receives a custom hand-painted football, a gift bag and an invitation to a future Bears event. "I am truly honored to receive the Chicago Bears Community All-Star award," Kuceba said in a statement. "It has been my greatest pleasure to serve the wonderful community around me. I thank God for providing me with the faith and courage necessary to be the best version of myself on and off the field." The Marmion Academy student holds a 4.55 GPA and has taken 13 honor classes, five AP classes and three dual-credit college courses throughout his four years in high school. Kuceba ranks in the top 10 percent of his graduating class and was named an Illinois State Scholar, officials said. Having spent three years as a defensive back on his school's football team, Kuceba was named to the Kane County Chronicle All-Area honorable mention team in 2021. But outside of football, the student has spent significant time — more than 210 hours — doing community service, according to a news release. Organizations he has participated in include Crayons for Kids, Special Olympics and the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program. "I have enjoyed giving back to a community that has given so much to me and hope that I was able to inspire the younger Cadets during my four years at Marmion Academy to make a difference and lead a life of service," the student said. "It has given me great pride to be able to work with a charity as amazing as the Special Olympics, which gives some of the most inspiring athletes in the area a chance to compete and display their talents." In his statement, Kuceba thanked his family, school community and coaches for their help, as well as the Bears for recognizing him and his fellow nominees. His football coach, Daniel Thorpe, praised Kuceba for the work he has done and called him a "perfect teammate." "Anthony has always been the perfect teammate, not only to Marmion but the Special Olympics and all the volunteering he does," Thorpe said in a statement. "With his energy, zest for life, and positive comments and actions he energizes and impacts so many others. He truly is an inspiration to his school, teammates, and our faculty and staff."