The Mount Prospect Special Events Commission has announced the winners of Mount Prospect’s 2025-26 Shining Star Awards. The awards will be presented at the 33rd Annual Shining Stars Gala on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Crystal Palace Banquets in Mount Prospect. Award winners will be honored with special video tributes.
Please join us in congratulating Mount Prospect’s 2025-26 Shining Stars:
- Best Educator: Karolyn Marabotti
- Best Neighbor: Bob and Alison Burdick
- Community Partner Award: Mike, Eric, Omar, and Sammy - Pure Elite Fitness
- Exceptional Youth Award: John Ciok
- Inclusivity Award: Frank Mirandola
- Open Arms Award: Lemons of Love
- Public Service Award: Jill Friedrichs
- Star Spangled Banner Award: Ron Vlcek
- Unsung Hero Award: Mike Mokate & Maura Reschke - St. Mark's PADS Shelter
Click here to read about each winner.
Gala Tickets
The Mount Prospect Special Events Commission invites you to a night out with the community. Discounted Early Bird tickets are on sale now! For $75, party-goers will experience an open bar, appetizers, dinner, a dessert table, live music from Out of Control, professional photography, dancing & entertainment. Gala tickets can be purchased here.
The Shining Stars Gala honors individuals and organizations that have a positive impact on Mount Prospect. The winners are selected by the Mount Prospect Special Events Commission from nominations submitted in the fall by members of the community. The categories cover a wide range of interest areas and are designed especially to seek out individuals who do things that often go unnoticed.
Whether or not you know one of the winners, the Special Events Commission invites everyone in the Mount Prospect community to enjoy a night out with their neighbors. For more information about the Shining Star Awards, visit mountprospect.org/shiningstars.
