The Chicago Bears are proud to announce Dontus Hardy, a senior at Eisenhower High School in Blue Island, Illinois, as the seventh recipient of the Community High School All-Star award for the 2023 season. The Community High School All-Star award, brought to you by Athletico Physical Therapy, will recognize nine total high school football players from March through May who are making a positive impact in their community and at their school.
What sets Dontus apart is his unwavering commitment to serving his community. During the summer, he serves as a camp counselor for his school’s summer football program, mentoring and leading young players. Additionally, Dontus is a founding coach of the Blue Island Park District Jr. Cardinal Flag Football Program, where he dedicates his time during the school’s football season to help develop young players into better athletes and people. Through his service, character, and leadership, Dontus has helped change the narrative in his community and kept youths on the right path.
Apart from his community service, Dontus is a dedicated student-athlete who has excelled in both the classroom and on the field. He has overcome numerous barriers and challenges, both on and off the field. Despite not having played football before high school, his work ethic and effort led him to become a two-year captain, a three-time South Suburban Red All-Conference selection, and a staple of the Cardinals’ offensive line. He is a multi-sport athlete and has managed to balance an extensive athletic and community service schedule while maintaining a 3.0 GPA. Dontus is currently set to enroll at Saint Xavier University to continue his education and football this coming fall.
Dontus’s high school football coach, Sheamus Murphy, praised him by saying, “Dontus has high character, has worked hard in the classroom, excelled on the field as a three-year varsity starter, and gave back to the community as a flag football coach for the Blue Island Park District Jr. Cardinals. We were so fortunate to have him be a leader in our program and wish him all the best in his next chapter at Saint Xavier University!”
Each Community High School All-Star award recipient will receive a custom hand-painted football, gift bag and an invitation to a future Bears event. The Bears will also make a $500 donation to the charitable organization of the player’s choosing.
The above story is from the Chicago Bears news release
Congratulations to senior Dontus Hardy from @DDEcardinals on being named a @ChicagoBears Community High School All-Stars recipient brought to you by @Athletico! pic.twitter.com/xmkw2ZVNYi
— Chicago Bears (@BearsOutreach) April 20, 2023
About Community High School All-Star Award
The Chicago Bears are proud to partner with Athletico Physical Therapy to present the Chicago Bears Community High School All-Star Award that recognizes high school football players who make a positive impact in their community and school. These student-athletes exemplify service, leadership, and character. The Chicago Bears Community High School All-Star is an off-season initiative that encourages players to be involved in community service during offseason, and take the lessons learned through playing the sport of football and use them to benefit their community.
For more information, please visit ChicagoBears.com/Community/Community-High-School-All-Star
2023 Chicago Bears Community High School All-Star Award Winners
Week 6 – Earnest Davis, Chicago Academy
Week 5 – Olivia Hansen, United Township HS
Week 4 – Hunter Birkhoff, Marian Central Catholic HS
Week 3 – Jack McGeehan, St. Laurence HS
Week 2 – Eliza McHale, Lane Tech
Week 1 – Jacob Lachs, Glenbard West HS
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