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Awake Illinois is happy to shed light on the following list.
We aim to celebrate citizens, advocates, and leaders who are effecting positive change
in their communities and throughout the state.
To submit a suggestion for our quarterly Awake Warrior Award please email info@awakeil.com.

Attorney Thomas DeVore
The Inaugural recipient of the award was presented to Attorney Thomas DeVore on March 26, 2022. Tom was the only attorney in IL who educated parents and citizens on the law and empowered them to litigate for due process. Governor Pritzker called him a "grifter". We call him a "winner". Congrats, Tom!

Minister, Homeschool, Candidate for Mayor of Chicago
Latasha is a warrior advocating for Education and Parental Rights. Her faith and ministry is having an AMAZING impact on many young souls in the south side of Chicago.

Student Warrior Addison G.
Voices like Addison are inspiring a generation. Awake Illinois is pleased to present her with the Advancing Freedom Award honoring her commendable advocacy for Students' Rights and Civil Liberties. She bravely spoke to the local school board on behalf of her peers and attended a conference in D.C. as a result of speaking up.

Student Warrior Leslie Mendoza
The leadership of this young lady is inspiring advocacy across the state and country. She is unwavering in her convictions and we are so pleased to recognize her commendable advocacy for Students' Rights and Civil Liberties. Leslie is a campus coordinator with Turning Point USA, a stellar academic student, and an amazing public speaker. Congrats, Leslie!

Pastor Corey Brooks, New Beginnings Church
Pastor Brooks (Rooftop Pastor), Pastor Brooks has lived in tents since Nov 2021 to draw attention to the need to raise money to replace a motel with a community center in the Woodlawn neighborhood.
After raising $20 million, he has enough money to build the center which will "Help Others Obtain Destiny" (HOOD). Congrats, Pastor Corey!
After raising $20 million, he has enough money to build the center which will "Help Others Obtain Destiny" (HOOD). Congrats, Pastor Corey!

Tara Neilsen
Ms. Neilsen has been educating the Lake in the Hills community on the drag queen entertainment being held with minors present at a local bakery. Her peaceful advocacy aims to protect children from exploitation, which isn't for the faint of heart. Congrats, Tara!