St. Charles proclaims Suicide Prevention Month, Adult Education Week and presents Spirit of St. Charles awards

Mayor Clint Hall on Sept. 2 read proclamations designating September 2025 as Suicide Prevention Month and Sept. 14–20, 2025, as National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week in St. Charles. The council also presented Spirit of St. Charles awards to local volunteers and nonprofits for community service. The suicide‑prevention proclamation urged residents and organizations to increase awareness, reduce stigma and connect individuals to local resources. Mayor Hall noted local organizations and crisis lines and invited representatives to speak. Ruthie Layman of Kayla’s Hope described her organization’s mission and personal history: after the suicide loss of her daughter, Layman said she and family members formed the group to create awareness and support. “Talking can cancel a mental health crisis,” Layman said. The adult‑education proclamation highlighted national literacy statistics cited by the mayor and recognized local volunteer literacy programs that provide low‑cost services to adults. A local literacy volunteer thanked the council for support and summarized services provided to adult learners in the Fox Valley. The council also recognized Big Hearts of Fox Valley, a nonprofit supporting District 303 families, and presented awards to student and civic volunteers. James Reiner, a junior at St. Charles North High School and co‑founder of STC Urban Design Advocates, was honored for work on bicycle and pedestrian safety and a Fox Valley transportation survey. Cheryl and Doug Dents were recognized for long‑standing volunteer work in mental health advocacy, education and arts promotion. All proclamations and awards were ceremonial; no council action or funding commitments were made during the presentations.

Speakers quoted or referenced in this article are those who spoke during the proclamations and awards portion of the meeting and are listed in the speakers section below.