Chicago Magazine names JRW players as youngest-ever 'Chicagoans of the Year'

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The accolades just keep coming for the Jackie Robinson West All-Stars. Chicago Magazine honored the Little League heroes on Wednesday for making the city a better place. Eyewitness News Reporter Leah Hope was the emcee for the event.

The "Chicagoans of the Year" arrived to be honored for their efforts to uplift Chicago and the world around us. The youngest Chicagoans to ever be recognized by Chicago Magazine, the players of Jackie Robinson West are still basking in the spotlight of their Little League National Championship.

PHOTOS: Jackie Robinson West in Little League World Series

"Two kids came up to me like, 'Marquis Jackson?' and like, for them to know my whole name, it was fun. I was excited like, to know that the kids look up to me," said Marquis Jackson, JRW player.

"It shows that kids can be just as important as grown-ups, and we can do things too," said Ed Howard, JRW player.

Another "Chicagoan of the Year" is Amy Lehman, who is creating a floating hospital to care for patients in the Central African area around Lake Tanganyika.

Dr. Juan Andrade was honored for inspiring 150,000 young people just this year across the country to strive for more.

Stuart Dybek shared the rich stories of our local residents and neighborhoods in the literary legacy of great Chicago writers.

Sister Rosemary Connelly from Misericordia was honored for championing the rights of disabled residents to live full lives, even challenging Mayor Emanuel to assist in their mission.

And the players and coaches of Jackie Robinson West were acknowledged for their focus and dedication at the Little League World Series.

"Five million viewers on their shoulders, of 11, 12, 13-year-olds, and they didn't want to let anyone down," said Darold Butler, JRW coach.

While there are only five highlighted as "Chicagoans of the Year" this year, organizers of this event want us to remember there are many doing good, and who knows who will be next year's "Chicagoans of the Year."