Holy Family School’s Leslie Hunter Honored October 15
Leslie Hunter, the chaplain and religious studies instructor for Holy Family School, received the prestigious Gutenberg Award from the Chicago Bible Society at its annual awards luncheon at the Union League Club on October 15.
Chaplain Hunter is one of two honorees this year, joining Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM, the men’s basketball team chaplain at Loyola University Chicago.
Raised in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green Homes, Chaplain Hunter preached his first sermon at age 15 from the pulpit of Holy Family Lutheran Church, then in the shadow of Cabrini’s high-rise apartment buildings. Well-known for his poems, Leslie uses his spoken word skills to deliver the word of God. Leslie was chosen because of his lifetime of service to children and youth living in Chicago’s neighborhoods where role models are needed. His ministry is one of hope and courage.
Named in honor of Johann Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press and publisher of the first printed Bible, the Gutenberg Award is presented in recognition of an American who has made outstanding contributions to the cause of the Bible. Presented annually by the Chicago Bible Society, the Gutenberg Award recognizes individuals whose life and work have contributed to the promotion and understanding of the Bible. To see the full list of prior award winners, visit chicagobiblesociety.org/programs/gutenberg/hall-of-fame.
For nearly 35 years, Holy Family Ministries has been providing a rigorous, nurturing academic environment to children from communities where success is an infrequent commodity. Originally founded in the Cabrini-Green public housing community, in 2008, programs moved to the current location on the historic Homan Square campus in North Lawndale where the organization has gained a reputation as a welcoming community hub in service to the needs of west side families. Holy Family serves more than 600 youth combined across four programs: Little Learners Academy Jr. Kindergarten, Holy Family School (K – 8), Adventures in Learning After-School and Summer Program, and The Peace Exchange leadership program for teens and young adults. For more information about Holy Family Ministries, visit holyfamilyministries.org.
