RLC grad recognized for making a difference

INA, Ill. (May 7, 2018) - Rend Lake College graduate Zachary Brookman is no stranger to going above and beyond to help others. During his time as a Warrior baseball player, Brookman knew the importance of team work and dedication. Now, he’s applying those fundamentals to work off the field, and catching the eye of some very important people.

Brookman has dedicated so much of his time and energy to helping others that he recently received the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, an annual award presented by the Governor’s Office which recognizes “volunteers … that make a difference in Illinois and highlights the importance of volunteerism and community service.”

RLC graduate Zach Brookman recently received the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for his service to the Opdyke-Belle Rive school district.

“It was a big honor to receive this award. I am very thankful for the opportunity to travel to Springfield and accept this award,” Brookman said.

In addition to playing baseball at RLC, Brookman also became involved with AmeriCorps, and it is through that organization that he found his path to volunteering.

“I heard about AmeriCorps my first year at Rend Lake from some of my friends that were in the program. I decided to join AmeriCorps my second year at Rend Lake to gain experience in the education field and help students,” Brookman explained.

“My advice to all students is to try to give back to your community. AmeriCorps is a great way to give back to your community. As an AmeriCorps worker, you impact the students that you meet on a daily basis. I really enjoyed my time at RLC. It was great to go to college somewhere local for me. By going to Rend Lake, I was able to do AmeriCorps at the grade school that I went to.”

A 2017 RLC graduate, Brookman is currently pursuing a degree in elementary education. He is also a Mt. Vernon Township High School graduate, class of 2015. He combined those two things (educating youth and hometown loyalty) to settle on volunteering with the Opdyke-Belle Rive school district.

At OBR, Brookman has tutored students and helps with reading in several classes throughout the day. He also carried over his love of athletics, coaching for Opdyke as well as a summer team in Mt. Vernon.

“I chose to serve at this district because that is where I went to school. I wanted to give back to the children. I enjoyed my experience at the school and it is amazing to come back and serve with the teachers that taught me in school,” Brookman expressed.

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