Aaron Woodard at the 2025 Gala Celebration held at Lorenzo R. Smith School. Photo by Louise Campbell-Anthony Aaron, age 24 - “I believe the reason I was hired to the line and selected to go to China is that I told them I had taken 4 years of Spanish. That I was diligent at practicing my Spanish when I was at DePaul and with the CDC. While with the CDC, I practiced it to bridge the gap with our Latino community. I also told them I’m trying to learn Chinese. ” Aaron came to Hop

Gloria Hamilton, mentor for C.R.A.F.T. “I have worked with Center for Re-Creation and Family Training (C.R.A.F.T) for over 25 years. I am a board member and a staff member. I mentor junior high school students (6th - 8th grade) at Lorenzo R. Smith School. I encourage students in life skills, self-esteem and character education. C.R.A.F.T has been instrumental in helping me achieve my long-term goal of empowering local youth to reach their full potential and help them strive