Jackson Moran received quite a surprise Sunday.
Thinking he was going to a celebration of fellow Wheaton Warrenville South High School athletes at Stadium Field, the 18-year-old senior and soccer player instead found that he was being honored for his volunteerism on behalf of the poorest area in the United States.
With parents, coaches, teachers and nearly 50 of his peers on hand, Moran received honors from Buddy s HELPERS, a nonprofit organization devoted to student-athletes who make a difference off the field.
Moran, who plans to begin his studies in mechanical engineering this fall and play soccer at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. earned a 3.75 GPA and attained all-academic honors all four years at Wheaton Warrenville South.