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Teaching student raises money for Sandy Hook
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Updated: January 11, 2013 9:44AM
Lindsey Heller, 20, of Northbrook, along with one of her close friends, Lauren Dzakovich, planned the Dec. 21 “Thoughts and Prayers for Newtown (Sandy Hook)” fundraiser outside of la de da!, a downtown Northbrook boutique.
Heller’s friend, Claire Prosperi, also of Northbrook assisted. North Shore businesses, including Josh’s Hot Dogs, were generous donors. The total came to $2,282, Heller announced via Facebook.
Her parents are Jay and Lori Heller. Her sister, Stephanie, 25 is a Glenview Winkelman School special education teacher. Their brother Ryan is 28. Their uncle Todd Heller is a Northbrook village trustee.
Visit the Thoughts and Prayers for Newtown Facebook page at www.facebook.com/events/423068304430602/
Q. Lindsey, please share your background.
A. I was a national tennis player since I was about 7 years old. I traveled around the country and competed in high-level tournaments. My sister and brother were also national tennis players and helped me to become the player that I am. I still play tennis, but stopped competing at the college level because I wanted to focus on my studies and Indiana University had the perfect program (elementary and special education).
Q. Tennis holds special memories?
A. I played high school tennis while I wasn’t playing national tennis tournaments and I absolutely loved it. I was a captain my senior year 2009-2010 season. I played on varsity all four years and played number 1 or number 2 singles and doubles. Besides tennis being such a huge part of my life, my family is my whole world.
Q. So you’ve got a friend in family?
A. I am so close with my family, and when people ask me who my best friends are, I automatically say that it is my family. They support me in everything that I do and make it possible to reach for my dreams. I am lucky to have a family that I am so close with.
Q. Your love of teaching lights up your face.
A. Teaching is something that I know that I have wanted to do for my entire life. When I was younger I would set up a little classroom in my room or basement and play imaginary school, pretending that I had a classroom full of students.
Q. Can one person affect change?
A. I love the feeling of making a difference and showing everything that there can always be good in the world. I love to teach, especially special education, because those are the kids that need the most help and need someone to believe in them and I love that I can be that person. That is why I did this fundraiser. Even though I am just one person, I like to believe that with one person’s voice and dedication, that we can all make a difference.
