Forest Park, IL...Proviso Township High Schools Superintendent, current PTHS students, and PTHS alum were celebrated for their excellence, leadership, and service at Operation Uplift’s 22nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Luncheon held on January 16th.

“This event gave us an opportunity to once again observe the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was the inspiration that promoted the beginnings of our self-help organization in 1968,” said Operation Uplift President Northica Stone. “Since Dr. King’s life was spent being an anchor of hope, peace, and empowerment, I congratulate each of our honorees who are great examples of that in our community. Their contributions and achievements will become their legacy.”

PTHS 209 Superintendent Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart received the “Spirit of Uplift Award” for implementing various improvement initiatives to support the community and the students of Proviso. PMSA freshman A.J. Williams, and Proviso East Senior Miracle Ham received the “Vision 21 Youth Leadership & Motivational Awards” for their talent, character, and academic achievements. Also, several PTHS alumni were honored as hometown heroes with Operation Uplift’s “Hometown Dream Weaver Achievement Awards” including: Proviso West alum and US Fighter Pilot Lt. Alexander Hamilton; Proviso West alum and Reverend, Dr. Joseph D. Turner; and Proviso West alum and WGCI radio personality Al B. Sylk.

“Operation Uplift has been a staple in the Proviso community for over 40 years,” said Dr. Collins-Hart. “It is an honor to be recognized. It is an honor for all of our students and alumni to be recognized. Their recognition by the community is a reminder of the great scholars, community servants, and successful individuals that walked the halls of Proviso. It’s a testament to who and what our students can become. I am so proud of all of the honorees, they represent PTHS very well.”

This year’s awards luncheon theme was “Rebuilding Community Thru the Dream.”

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