2011 All-Chelsea Resident of the Year Award

Ilana Ascher

By all accounts, Ilana Ascher is a terrific teacher. Her students speak glowingly of her instruction and her administrators admire her school presence. What happens in her high school history classroom, though, reveals only part of Ilana's impact on Chelsea's students, and leaves out much more about her contribution to the betterment of the entire community.

Ilana's involvement in her students' extra-curricular activities and the affairs of the city began with the community service club she led while teaching at the Clark Avenue School. As the tree that her students raised money to buy and plant grew, so did their interest in their environment. That led Ilana to partner with the Chelsea Recreation and Green Space Committee; a relationship that quickly grew to one of leadership in the organization for her.

At CHS, she contributes to educational advancement committees and continues to search for ways for her students to expand their horizons. Her help in forming the Mock Trial Program and the United Nations Team has provided students with fantastic experiences. Ilana also organized the popular Interact Club, an affiliate of the Chelsea Rotary Club, where she mentors students while directing and celebrating their impact in reducing graffiti around the city, increasing recycling at CHS and reaching out in service to others, like the Chelsea Jewish Nursing Home and the Soldiers Home. Interact participants enjoy spring camp and continue to involve themselves in international projects, like sending books to and raising funds for new medical facilities for needy populations. For her efforts in and out of the classroom, Chelsea Rotary bestowed its annual Teacher of the Year Award upon her.

Ilana is busy elsewhere, like helping to preserve local history as an active member of the Governor Bellingham-Cary House. She has served City government and continues to support many community activities. Her professional passion and personal interests continue to intersect through efforts like reintroducing Student Government Day and leading teams of students during the annual Keep Chelsea Beautiful clean-up. Her newest effort to help create an internship program for CHS students will introduce those students to potential careers and connect even more community stakeholder to the schools.

Ilana Ascher has inspired students and challenged fellow residents to reach for more. As an educator, mentor, community activist and contributing citizens she continues to dedicate herself to the betterment of the community and the enhancing of the lives of those living with her in it.

2011 All-Chelsea Youth of the Year Award

Elsa Nunez

Elsa Nunez is an excellent student who is involved in many activities that positively benefit the Chelsea High School community. She is a member of the Class of 2012 who maintains a 4.05 GPA. She is an honors level student, presently enrolled in two Advanced Placement courses. In recognition of her academic achievement, Elsa is a member of the National Honor Society. Her commitment to NHS goes far beyond academics though.

Elsa is a member of the CHS Yearbook staff, responsible for production of the student-produced yearbook. She is an active member of the CHS Class of 2012 cabinet, leading many fund-raising and social activities. Last year, Elsa led the establishment of the Chelsea HS Peer Mentoring Program. For one class period each day, she worked with at-risk students to engage them in their coursework and to help them succeed in the classroom. She has also been a Peer Mentor for 9th graders for the past two years. She is also a member of the Interact Club and participates in community service such as recycling for CHS.

Elsa has been a member of the Girls' Varsity Soccer Team for four years. She has helped to establish the program as a varsity program that is respected for its sportsmanship and competitive spirit, while also building a culture of competition. She has been a captain of the team for the last two years. Unfortunately, during the first week of this season, Elsa sustained a significant knee injury that will most likely result in her missing her entire senior season. Despite this injury, Elsa continues to participate, acting as an additional coach, particularly to the younger, inexperienced players who benefit greatly from her spirit and insight. Elsa was also named as the CHS Woman Athlete of the Year last year for the Mass Celebration of Girls and Women in Sports Day.

In addition to all that she accomplishes through her involvement at CHS, Elsa also gives back to the larger community. She has volunteered at Thanksgiving luncheons and with Literacy Day. She also is a participant of Summer Search and spent the past two summers in Maine and in Ghana performing community service.

Elsa Nunez is a terrific example of all the good that so many Chelsea kids represent. She has succeeded in developing into an outstanding young woman, while also having an impact as a role model and as a doer; someone who wants to and knows how to get things done. As she prepares to enter college, many around her look forward to the further accomplishments she will no doubt enjoy. The entire community remains proud of her achievement.