Published: April 12, 2009 07:03 pm      

Three honored for work with youth

DANVILLE — Women of Distinction winners say they’re passionate about what they do, and they hope they’re making a difference in young people’s lives.

That passion has led to six women — three from Vermilion County — being chosen for the honor by the Champaign Regional Service Center of the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois.

The local winners are Aya Fubara Eneli of Danville, Danville Police Commander Jane McFadden of Westville and Kay Smoot of Fairmount.

They will be honored Thursday during an awards presentation, which will feature a video highlighting the women’s accomplishments.

Women of Distinction are selected for outstanding leadership and service to their community and/or profession while serving as role models for young girls by living the Girl Scout Law.

Better choices

Eneli said, “That’s been my goal and a passion for a long time — touching the lives of youths and young women.”

For five years, she has run the Success and Empowerment Camp for Youth. The camp started out for both genders, but for the past three years, it’s been for girls only.

Life is confusing for young people today, Eneli said, so she hopes to inspire them to make better choices. “I feel it’s the role of us ordinary people to make time for young people.”

Eneli and her family will move to Texas this summer, and so, she said, “If you’re going to be recognized for being an active part of the community, it’s nice to have it happen before you leave.”

She said she was surprised to receive the honor, saying, “It’s an honor and a privilege, and I’m humbled by it.”

Eneli is an attorney, entrepreneur, life coach, mother of four and a certified diversity trainer who works with community members, colleges and school districts, including Champaign and Danville, to increase student success with an emphasis on at-risk students.

She is an author of two books and numerous articles, including a weekly column “Live Abundant Life,” and has worked with many Danville organizations to build coalitions and partnerships to enhance the quality of life for Danville.

Special youth

Smoot also said she was surprised and honored to receive the award.

Smoot, system director of the Vermilion Vocational Education Delivery System, has been an educator from preschool director to high school principal.

She has worked extensively with special needs populations.

“Working with youth has certainly been my passion throughout my career,” she said. “I firmly believe our youth have so much potential that I have been lucky to have a job that I truly, truly love. I hope that is what all students I work with see.”

Although the award is wonderful, Smoot said, “Nothing I do is about getting an award.”

Instead, she works for the best interest of the students, and loves working with each of them individually.

“I hope I have a positive influence (on students),” she said.

Smoot was a leading force behind the movement that resulted in Danville Area Community College offering occupational classes to high school juniors and seniors.

She has won multiple education awards and has been active with Rotary, Executive Club, Festival of Trees, the United Way, the HALO project, the Agra-Business Council, the Catlin United Methodist Church, and Mental Health Board, Workforce Development Committee and Youth Council in Vermilion County.

Positive presence

McFadden said she is humbled to be among the Women of Distinction winners.

She, too, said she doesn’t strive for awards, but is involved in several non-profit groups because she thinks kids are important.

One program she oversees is the Junior Citizens Police Academy, a five-week program that gives sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders an inside look at law enforcement. This year, 34 young people will graduate from the program at the end of this month, and they’ll take an oath to be good citizens.

When a plan for the program was proposed in 2006, McFadden said she thought it was a good idea. There’s no positive police presence at the junior-high level, and no DARE program anymore, she said.

McFadden was a detective for a couple of years in the juvenile division, and then was promoted to sergeant. However, she’s still a certified a juvenile officer, and is concerned about young people.

She’s also president of the Big Brothers Big Sisters board of directors and mentors two girls. In addition, she’s involved in Peer Court and Prairie Center for substance abuse prevention.

At the Danville Police Department, she is a commander and supervisor for the Crime Scene Unit, being the highest ranking female officer. She has received numerous commendations for life saving and service.

McFadden completed her law enforcement degree at Danville Area Community College, and was inspired to become an instructor, receiving the Adjunct Faculty of the Year award in 2006 and helping revise and develop the criminal justice curriculum.

Other winners

The six recipients were chosen from candidates nominated by members of their communities in the five-county service area of the Girl Scouts service center. The process requires a nomination form, letters of support, a life resume, and supportive materials.

The other honorees are Lela Wilson of Urbana, school volunteer and athletic booster; Lyn Jones of Champaign, president and CEO of United Way of Champaign County; and Judith Jepsen-Popel of Paxton, former teacher and principal at Ludlow Grade School.

COMING UP

The 18th annual celebration honoring the Women of Distinction will be at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Hawthorn Suites, 101 Trade Centre Drive, Champaign. A reception begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and awards presentation at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $50 per guest; $25 for children.

To make a reservation, call the Girl Scouts office at 693-4732.