Senior Emma Ziebka Recognized with Arlington Heights' Student Heart of Gold Award

The Village of Arlington Heights' Young Champion Heart of Gold Award recognizes a middle or high school student who goes beyond what is expected to have a positive impact on our community. Emma Ziebka is just that person. She continually displays her leadership skills and provides service to others while navigating her senior year at Saint Viator High School.

Emma’s leadership skills are evident in her roles as president of her class, captain of her soccer team, and student leader of the youth program at her church. Emma volunteers to plan and coordinate school masses, helps acclimate new students as they enter high school, assists students in dealing with Covid, and leads retreats and fundraisers. Her efforts have benefited the local community while working with the residents of the racetrack backstretch and the children attending the Saint James Vacation Bible School. 

Emma has gone where needed in the greater Chicago area to assist the students at Saint Malachy and Our Lady of Angels Missions and even traded one week of her summer vacation to help paint the walls of a Nashville school in need. Emma’s time and energy have also benefited the Feed My Starving Children organization, Buddy’s Helpers, the Linus Project, the Wheeling Township food drive, and the area homeless shelters. 

The list goes on and on, as Emma is so very giving of her time and attention.  

“The village of Arlington Heights is home to one truly special young champion, and we are elated to be able to honor Emma with this well-deserved award!”