Jaydn Thomas, an eighth grader at Infant Jesus of Prague School in Flossmoor, was presented with the Elementary Student African American Heritage Award. Jaydn was selected from nominees representing Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago.
The presentation was included in the Archdiocese of Chicago’s 43rd annual African American Heritage Prayer Service on Feb. 26. Due to COVID-19, this year’s service was held virtually. Participants prayed for and celebrated the African American heritage, culture, community and its contributions to the church.
Jaydn was nominated by IJP Principal Charlotte Kelly, who was one of his teachers and worked with him on the school’s leadership team.
“I saw the great things he was doing, so I decided to nominate him. All his talents and things he accomplishes show through in his work,” Kelly said.
Jaydn, 14, is the son of Erica and Tito Thomas of Richton Park. He’s attended IJP since third grade. He plays saxophone in the school band, was the center for the basketball team, and now serves as president for the National Junior Honor Society.
He believes IJP is a special school “because there’s something for everybody to get involved in. We have team events, a yearbook, NJHS club and projects for service hours.”
After graduation, Jaydn will attend Marian Catholic High School
