During a recent government meeting, the board discussed the proposal to name a press box in honor of Jeff Elkus, a notable alumnus who passed away in June 2023. Elkus, who lived with muscular dystrophy, became a trailblazer in the medical community, participating in a clinical trial that led to the widespread use of a steroid treatment for the disease. His legacy includes being a summa cum laude graduate and the beloved \"voice of the Abes\" at Sycamore High School, where he served as a sports announcer despite his physical limitations.

The board acknowledged the significant impact Elkus had on the community, with many donors contributing to a fundraising campaign that raised $50,000 to secure naming rights for the baseball press box. However, due to the absence of a baseball press box at this time, the board considered temporarily naming the multi-purpose stadium press box after Elkus until the baseball facility is completed.

Several board members expressed the importance of ensuring that Elkus's story and contributions are widely recognized. Suggestions included placing a plaque inside the press box and potentially adding a more visible tribute outside, as many community members may not enter the press box. The discussion highlighted the need for a permanent recognition of Elkus's contributions, with some advocating for the press box to bear his name indefinitely.

Steve Imhoff, who led the fundraising efforts, emphasized that the naming rights were initially intended to be permanent, and he urged the board to reconsider any time limits on the naming. He argued that Elkus's life and achievements warrant lasting recognition, and he proposed that the board amend their motion to reflect this sentiment.

The board is expected to vote on the proposal in the coming meetings, with strong community support for honoring Elkus's legacy in a manner that reflects his significant contributions to the school and the broader community.