Victor J. Andrew High School senior Addison Piel was recently recognized by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias for her outstanding work promoting organ and tissue donation with the Illinois Donate Life Program. She was selected as one of only five student ambassadors statewide for the 2025 Lifesaving Education and Awareness on Donation (LEAD) program. She and the other ambassadors travel to high schools across Illinois, presenting to students about the importance of joining the Donate Life Program and the lifesaving impact of organ and tissue donation.

In addition to her statewide efforts, Piel has shared her passion locally, presenting to Andrew’s Driver Education classes each semester for the past two years, inspiring her peers with her knowledge and passion for this meaningful cause.

In 2019, Piel’s gymnastics club teammate Maddie Grobmeier died of an asthma attack and donated her organs. Addison was touched by the good that came out of the horrible situation. She said, “I never really knew much about organ donation until she donated hers. I knew how she helped save numerous lives and that it not only means a lot to her close friends but also the families of the people she saved.”

High school students interested in supporting the cause can earn community service credit for participating in the LEAD program. They need a faculty member to serve as program adviser and work with the Secretary of State's office regional program coordinator, who will provide virtual training materials, answer questions, and provide guidance.

Teens are also encouraged to host events and spread the word about the importance of signing up to be an organ donor.