By Dan McGrath
On Monday, March 11, it was ABC-7’s turn to showcase Leo.
The Chicago Bears were here to honor junior Nick Armour as a Community All-Star, in recognition of his accomplishments as a student-athlete and his dedication to community service. Channel 7 was here for coverage and aired a segment on its mid-day newscasts.
An ‘A’ honor-roll student, an all-conference football player and a state-meet qualifier in both wrestling (heavyweight) and track and field (shot/discus), Nick was nominated for the award by his coaches. The Bears’ Community Relations team chose him, based on those accomplishments as well as his activities with the Boy Scouts, where he is closing in on becoming an Eagle Scout.
With Nick in a leadership role, his troop held a coat drive over the Christmas holidays and provided warm winter clothing for more than 80 needy families.
“In the time I’ve been around Nicholas, he has embodied the Leo motto of Facta non Verba–Deeds not Words,” Leo football coach Marques Stevenson said. “This is a tremendous honor, and he’s truly deserving.”
Gustavo Silva and Lenny Smith, Youth Football Initiatives coordinators for the Bears’ Community Relations team, presented Nick with a specially designed football, some Bears Wear and four tickets to next month’s Bears Draft Party, where the No. 1 overall choice will be the center of attention unless the Bears trade the pick beforehand.
Nick’s parents, Gavin and LeShele Silas-Armour, his grandparents and several other family members were in attendance.
“I’m grateful to the Bears for the award,” Nick said, “and I’m grateful to Leo for the opportunities I’ve been given.”