LHS Volleyball Program Rallies to Support Injured Chicago Christian Student

Each week, Lemont Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments.

We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid.  Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to Local Editor Amanda Luevano at amanda@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the information included below.

And without further ado, this week's Whiz Kids are...

Whiz Kids' Names: Gabbi Alvarez, Reilley Sullivan, Lauren Donar, Kathy Balnius, Emily Brown, Megan Litoborski, Cara Howell, Kiley Rendak, Lanie Coules, Katie Pellegrine, Mellisa Bruckner, Tess Moeller, Kelly Ferguson, Lexi Burton, Asst. Coach Jessica StramaHead Coach Chris Zogata

Whiz Kid's School:

Whiz Kids' Accomplishment/Key to Awesomeness: Recently, the volleyball program learned of Katie Vree, a Chicago Christian High School junior and former volleyball player who was left paralyzed after a virus attacked her spinal fluid. According to the Chicago Tribune, Vree contracted the virus during a mission trip to Guatemala, where she was visiting an orphanage for abused and abandoned children.

After hearing her story and learning of a fundraiser at one of Chicago Christian's volleyball games, the Lemont volleyball players rallied to collect money from their own pockets. The coaches matched their donations and the program was able to send a check in Vree's name for $150.

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Thanks to a partnership with Nancy's Pizza, each Lemont Patch Whiz Kid will receive a certificate good for for one small Super Thin Crust cheese pizza.

Whiz Kids may redeem their certificate at , 1240 State St. For more information call Nancy's Pizza Lemont at 630-243-0033.

About this column: Each week, Lemont Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments.