Mark Gunther
(Ed. Note: The following was submitted for publication in the Journal & Topics.)
The Arlington Heights Senior Citizens Commission announced that Mark Gunther has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Dr. Kenneth Hood Award, honoring his outstanding volunteer service and extraordinary commitment to improving the lives of older adults through intergenerational programming.
The Dr. Kenneth Hood Award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to enhancing the quality of life for older adults in the Arlington Heights community. Gunther’s decades of service have created lasting relationships between generations while reducing social isolation and strengthening the community.
For the past 24 years, Gunther has served as the Service Over Self (SOS) teacher at John Hersey High School. While inspiring students to become engaged community members is part of his role, his dedication to older adults extends far beyond the classroom. Much of the programming he coordinates with senior living communities and the Arlington Heights Senior Center reflects countless volunteer hours, personal initiative, and an unwavering belief that meaningful relationships across generations enrich everyone involved.
This year, Gunther partnered with the Arlington Heights Senior Center to launch Kid Connections, a monthly program that paired students with older adults through activities including Senior Olympics, community service projects, holiday events, and a Graduation Walk celebration. Participants quickly formed genuine friendships.
Many seniors described the experience as one of the highlights of their year. One participant remarked, “Some of us don’t have younger grandkids,” while another shared, “I love meeting young people with their whole life ahead of them.” Parents of participating students also praised the program for teaching empathy, respect, and appreciation for older adults.
Gunther’s volunteer efforts extend throughout the Northwest suburbs. He has coordinated intergenerational activities with Sunrise Senior Living of Prospect Heights, Mount Prospect Horizon, Church Creek, Lutheran Home, The Moorings, St. Joseph Home, Waverly Inn, and other senior communities. Through trivia, bingo, music, book clubs, and conversation, he has helped older adults remain socially engaged and connected.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when many seniors faced unprecedented isolation, Gunther organized drive-through celebrations with Hersey students who decorated their cars, played music, and delivered messages of hope to residents confined to their communities. He also coordinates the beloved Love Bus, bringing student groups — including Poms, Cheerleaders, Show Choir, and Orchesis — to perform and spend time with older adults, creating meaningful experiences for both generations.
“Mark has dedicated his career — and countless volunteer hours beyond it — to ensuring older adults feel seen, valued, and connected,” said Fred Vogt, chair of the Arlington Heights Senior Citizens Commission. “His ability to bring generations together has enriched the lives of seniors, inspired young people, and strengthened our community in immeasurable ways. He exemplifies the spirit of the Dr. Kenneth Hood Award.”
Gunther will receive the Dr. Kenneth Hood award at the Tuesday, Sept. 22, Arlington Heights Village Board meeting.
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