President George W. Bush presents the President's Volunteer Service Award to Linda Cesario of Arlington Heights outside Air Force One at O'Hare Airport. (Mark Black/Daily Herald)

Linda Cesario of Arlington Heights couldn't believe her ears when she got a call from The White House! From a group of nominees being considered, Linda was chosen to be a recipient of the President's Volunteer Service Award! The Volunteer Center of Northwest Suburban Chicago nominated Linda for her outstanding service to the community. She is a member of the Speaker's Bureau for the center and it's RSVP branch (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program), and conducts workshops on public speaking, volunteerism, parliamentary procedure, managing stress and resolving conflict in the workplace. Linda was also being nominated for her deep commitment and volunteer work on behalf of adult literacy. Her love of people and learning, and approach to teaching has provided great strides of success for her students. She currently tutors 17 students, from 8 different countries! Her tutoring activities are through Township High School District 214's Read to Learn for a Brighter Future program, The Women's Center (a Community Education Program of District 214), and the Literacy Office of the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. Additionally, she is a volunteer Reading Room Librarian at the Arlington Heights Senior Center.

On Wednesday, August 10, 2005, Linda Cesario was received by President Bush, at O'Hare Airport, as he disembarked from Air Force One. President Bush congratulated Linda on her good works, presented her with a special pin, and they had a picture taken together in front of the presidential seal. In turn, Linda thanked the President for his support and promotion of volunteerism.

Linda and her husband, Joe (who is also a kind and committed volunteer), were then invited to be V.I.P. guests of President Bush for his signing of the Federal Transportation Bill. They flew with him on helicopters to the signing and then back to the airport for his departure after the ceremony. Linda described the President as "warm and absolutely charming…a pleasant person you could genuinely feel comfortable with."

We congratulate Linda on winning this award, and thank her for all she does to enrich the lives of others. Giving of herself through community service between 40 – 50 hours every week, Linda Cesario is truly an amazing lady!

[HOME] [Volunteer Opportunities]