Video: Ellyn Ross Receives Bill Reid Award

Buffalo Grove resident Ellyn Ross was presented Monday with the Bill Reid Award, an honor bestowed annually by the Buffalo Grove Rotary Club to a longtime community contributor.

Ross has served on the District 102 School Board since 2002 and volunteered with Stevenson High School’s community foundation since 2005.

The award includes a $500 donation in Ross’ name to the Rotary International Foundation and a $500 donation to the charity of her choice. 

The award was named in memory of Reid, who was a longtime educator, Buffalo Grove trustee and Rotary member. Rotarian Bill Balling, who presented the award, said that Ross was nominated by a number of community leaders.

“She is an exceptional citizen and also exemplifies the values and principles of Bill Reid,” he said. Among the accolades that she received from those nominators was that “she has the rare ability to bring her passion about education … to the individual level,” Balling said.

“When we looked a the nominations we had this year, we just felt that Ellyn totally reflected the values that Bill brought this community and the spirit of championship for the Bufffalo Grove community, and felt that it was really well earned,” he said.

While accepting the award, Ross acknowledged the late Reid, her children and the school districts she serves.

“I thank you from the bottom of my heart. It is my pleasure and my passion to serve all of the children of our community the best I can,” Ross said.

Ross received a trophy, and her name will be engraved on the Bill Reid Award plaque at Village Hall.