ROCHELLE — Rochelle Township High School sophomore Kaylie Bargman did not expect to hear her name announced as this year’s car winner.

“I was shocked, I thought my name would never be called,” Bargman said.
Mike Myers presented Bargman the 2007 Saturn Aura following the Renaissance Assembly Friday morning. This year was the 26th for the program that recognizes students for their perfect attendance throughout the year.
Bargman said she looks forward to a car ride with friends Kaylee, Madi, and Kenzie.
Restaurant gift cards, fitness memberships, pizza party, season tickets for Hub athletic events, movie tickets, and a class ring were just some of the items won.
Counselor Laurie Pillen gave a speech to honor Dan Sawicki, who passed away last December. Since the first Renaissance assembly, Sawicki graciously donated a car and presented it to the lucky winner. Pillen spoke about the moment in 1993 when she reached out to Sawicki, who volunteered a car and has every year.

Pillen announced an Outstanding Achievement Award is being given in Sawicki’s honor along with a tree planted just outside the commons area.
Sawicki’s widow, Sue Sawicki expressed her gratitude, acknowledging that her husband would have been “overwhelmed by this all.”
“This is a lovely tribute and honor for Dan,” said Sue Sawicki. “He would have been pleased and very taken aback by it.”
Myers acknowledged he was happy to help continue the tradition that Sawicki started.
“It’s awesome to keep what he started going. The speech Ms. Pillen gave was very nice…he went to RTHS and was giving back to the community and doing what he could to help,” said Myers, General Manager at Sawicki Motors. “My family, all my kids went to school here so it’s nice to come back and do something, especially local, and do something to help keep the kids in school.”
 As part of the tradition at the end of the year assembly, several fun acts were incorporated, including the skit that poked a little fun at some of the teachers.
Several awards were also presented, including teacher’s perfect attendance and accomplishments along with the students’ academic ‘R’ presentation.
Three retiring RTHS staff members were also acknowledged:  Mark Lamb, 25 years of service; Dr. Peggy Franklin, over 17 years of service; and Kevin Crandall, 24 years of service.