The Juvenile Justice Council would like to recognize Ivan Carmona as its 2019 Outstanding Student. Ivan was nominated by his teacher, Karen Tobin. Wrapping up his senior year at Dream Academy in Elgin, Ivan shared his story of moving to the United States as an only child without his parents. Growing up in Mexico, at the age of 8, Ivan was working to help his family financially while also grieving the death of his mother. After his father was diagnosed with cancer, Ivan moved to the U.S. at the age of 14, enrolling in school and working 32 hours per week to help with his living expenses. Despite having multiple adverse experiences in his childhood that impacted his mental wellbeing, as well as his social and academic development, Ivan has demonstrated resilience and perseverance. Ivan is determined to honor the memory of his mom and dad by making a positive future for himself, considering plans to join the military or pursue an education at Elgin Community College as an auto mechanic with aspirations to open his own business someday.