Lake County Gazette

Members of the Highland Park City Council said goodbye to departing council members Michelle Holleman and Adam Stolberg and thanked the Class of 2023 student commissioners at the board's April 24 meeting.

The student commissioners are Highland Park High School upperclassmen who volunteer to serve on the city’s advisory groups, boards, or commissions to give their input. In all, council said goodbye to 11 seniors who had served the city and wished them well as they moved from high school.

"Each graduating senior will receive a certificate from the city in recognition of their service," Mayor Nancy Rotering said. "We just congratulate you on your graduation, and thank you really for bringing your time and your service to our community. I hope this is the beginning of a long life of engagement civically, and we wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors."

The students who advised the commissions were Ava Edelman, Business and Economic advisory group; Asher Mendelson, Mia Ness, Human Relations; Davide Albiani and Leah Bahn, Sustainability Advisory; Noah Aptly, Library Board of trustees; Spencer Sabbath, Cultural Arts; Colin Chase, Housing; Adriana Lauren Mendoza, Plan and Design; Ari Posner, Transportation; and Jeremy Bach, Zoning Board of Appeals.

In saying goodbye to council members Holleman and Stolberg, Rotering said she's "appreciated that individualism and fearless representation throughout her entire term on this council, whether it was raising creative ideas during budget meetings, careful and detailed assessments of new policy proposals, or as recently as last summer, rising to the challenge of helping the mayor of this traumatized city communicate clearly and immediately with our residents, neighbors and the nation. I will forever appreciate the perspective and skills Michelle Holleman brought to her time on the dais." 

Holleman served on the council for nine years. Stolberg served on the planning and design commission before joining city council six years ago.

“Throughout his time on the council, Adam has brought a perspective of fair and transparent consideration, hearing and considering all sides clearly communicating his concerns and support for the broad range of topics considered," Rotering said, crediting him for his diverse experience and ability to connect with the entire community.

Each of the council members shared stories about their time serving alongside the two council members, thanking them for their knowledge and care for the city. 

Holleman thanked the council for their support during her tenure. 

“I never imagined that I would become an elected official, but my path took an unexpected turn, and I am most grateful.” 

Stolberg told council that “I see so many people in this room who, when I first started, I called colleague and now I am proud and honored to call friends.”