Thomas A. Demetrio Presents the Partnership to Educate & Advance Kids (PEAK) with Mentoring Award of Excellence

CHICAGO (February 24, 2010) – The Partnership to Education and Advance Kids (PEAK) today was presented with the 2010 Thomas A. Demetrio Award of Excellence for the “Most Exemplary Established Mentoring Program in the Chicago Area.” 

PEAK is a non-profit organization, which provides mentoring services and scholarships for at-risk Chicago youth to attend Holy Trinity High School.  During its 12 year existence, PEAK has helped nearly 200 youth to receive a quality education along with the support and guidance of adult role model mentors.  The Demetrio Award is a $10,000 award funded annually by the law firm of Corboy & Demetrio, P.C. and awarded through the Lawyers Lend-A-Hand to Youth Program. 

The Lawyers Lend-A-Hand to Youth Program was created by The Chicago Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Foundation in dedication to the lasting memory and generosity of Judge "Abe."  Their mission is to promote one-on-one mentoring relationships that foster consistent, long-term bonds between the mentor and young person.  In 1994, Thomas A. Demetrio created the Lend-A-Hand Award of Excellence, with a desire to impact the lives of Chicago’s underprivileged children by recognizing the efforts of exceptional tutor/mentor programs in the Chicago communities.   Since its founding, Lend-A-Hand has awarded close to $750,000 in grants and positively affected the lives of tens of thousands of youth throughout the Chicagoland area.

This year, PEAK was amongst 40 grantees that applied for funding through the Lend-A-Hand program.  Each of those grantees was eligible for the Demetrio Award, but PEAK was one of four finalists to be considered.  What distinguished PEAK from the other programs that applied for the grant, was “the four year commitment of their volunteer mentors, who offer consistent mentoring for the students throughout their high school career,” said founder Thomas A. Demetrio.    “I don't often come to the presenting ceremony, but when I got to know what PEAK does with Holy Trinity, I had to be here.  Our focus has become to try to help those programs that deliver consistency, and I must tell you, bar none, the PEAK program is the finest I've ever come across.  It is my honor to be affiliated not only with such a great high school with the history of Holy Trinity, but also with the wonderful mentoring program of PEAK." 

Mr. Demetrio went on to say to the students, "If fortunate enough, everyone should have a mentor at some point in their life, and PEAK is providing that opportunity for each of you. Someday, it will be your turn to LEND-A-HAND.”