The annual Collinsville Community Collaboration Awards—known more commonly as the C3 awards—have chosen Laila Hutchison as this year’s Leader of Tomorrow C3 Award recipient. This award will be presented on Wednesday, December 3rd, at the C3 Awards dinner held at the Gateway Center.
The City of Collinsville, the Collinsville Unit School District #10, and the Collinsville Chamber of Commerce recognize several Collinsville members each year with awards such as Firefighter of the Year, Stan Schaeffer Education Community Leadership, Outstanding City Employee, etc, to honor awardees who have served and contributed greatly to Collinsville’s community.
Senior Laila Hutchison has, no doubt, fit the mold as a Leader of Tomorrow perfectly.
“Whenever I found out I won the award, I was in the middle of taking a science test, and it was very unexpected,” Hutchison commented when asked about her initial reaction to being named the award recipient for 2025. “Even more, it was a very heartwarming moment for me. What was a room of nervous test takers turned into a room of applause and celebration…That moment in my classroom perfectly captured the spirit of what being part of the Collinsville community means to me: unconditional support and endless encouragement. I am so proud to call Collinsville my home and to belong to such a great network of people, and this reward reminds me of how lucky I am to be a part of this community.”
The criteria to win this award is anything but brief; to be named a Leader of Tomorrow, you must present how you have applied yourself to the community of Collinsville in constructive and positive ways, how you have impacted the lives of others who reside here, and further, how you have inspired others to make a difference through their actions. Hutchison has demonstrated a multitude of these qualities throughout her education, including being a four-year varsity tennis player, a board member of the Childhood Cancer Awareness Club, and vice president of both the National Honor Society and the Student Council—just to name a few.
“The various volunteer opportunities I have been given through CHS to connect with my community have all taught me that, at the end of the day, showing up for others is what truly matters,” said Hutchison.
When asked about what being named a Leader of Tomorrow means to her, she answered, “This award means so much to me. I have always tried to find ways to give back to my community since I was young. I always questioned if what I contributed was enough. Am I doing enough? Am I making enough of a difference? Being named as the recipient for this award serves as a reminder to me that any act of kindness, compassion, and consideration—no matter how small it may seem—can make a positive impact. This recognition is truly a testimony that being selfless and giving back to others, award or not, creates a chain of positive impact for everyone around you.”
As is in the name of her title, it is sure that Laila will continue to better her community in the future. “I hope to continue volunteering at children’s hospitals,” said Hutchison. “As I go off to college, I plan to study to become a pediatric doctor of occupational therapy and hope to help as many children as I can, whether it be in the hospital or school setting.”
To support Laila’s history of exemplary community service as she accepts her award, be sure to check the City of Collinsville website, where tickets are available for purchase. Just as the several men and women receiving awards have served the citizens of Collinsville in numerous ways, be sure to cheer them on at this event as they are recognized for their achievements.
