Intern helps Mundelein High win state award

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Student Kadeem Williams (right) of Mundelein with former Chicago Bear Alex Brown. | Special to Sun-Times Media

Updated: April 18, 2012 1:52AM

MUNDELEIN — Mundelein High School senior Kadeem Williams juggles three sports, a part-time job as a student intern, remains an honor student, and recently helped net the school’s 50th Anniversary Memory Book an award.

Williams logged dozens of hours assisting Mundelein High Communications Director Ron Girard with the memory book project in his capacity as a student intern. That project won them an award from the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association.

Williams, 18, said he and Girard compiled as much information about the school as they could in honor of the 50th anniversary.

They gathered information about big events from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, athletic awards, achievements, who joined the military, about all the superintendents and “as much information as we could” get during the monthlong project, Williams said.

“I was actually really impressed with the outcome of the book. Dr. Girard didn’t think we’d sell many, (but) we were sold out. There’s not a single copy left. It’s a really good book,” Williams said.

The honor student is deciding which college he wants to attend. He was accepted by Marquette University, University of Minnesota and University of Illinois. He is considering a career in business or finance.

He was able to fill his college applications with a myriad of activities. Besides being a three-sport athlete — soccer, swimming and gymnastics — he is a member of five school clubs.

“I think I’m doing the right amount. It keeps me busy, sometimes too busy,” Williams said. “I feel like it’s my duty to keep it up and try to be involved in everything I can.”

He said he got a job at his parent’s suggestion. He called it a good experience.

“I just have a really good connection with Dr. Girard. I met him my freshman year and he helped me out,” Williams said.

He helps with school Web site, posts news releases, makes brochures and puts items on the calendar.

“Kadeem is personable, he works hard and he is a very quick learner. It’s been a pleasure to work with a high school senior who is just as comfortable speaking with adult professionals as he is with his own peers. He’s been a great help to me,” Girard said.