By Judy Buchanan

“Resting on our laurels” – just an expression?  Or does it still have application to our daily routines?

The idea of resting on your laurels dates back to leaders and athletes in ancient Greek times. Laurel leaves and crowns of laurel were then a symbol of status and achievement.  Athletes in ancient games received wreaths of laurel.  Roman generals, victorious in battle were presented with crowns of laurel.  Through the centuries, those recipients became complacent, basking in their achievements and were said to be “resting on their laurels”.  The negative connation began in the 1800 and has since been used for those who have become overly confident, satisfied with their past successes and accomplishments.

Let it be said that today as we take a collective “SIGH” following a historic election – this is not the time to rest on our laurels.  We need to as a nation, state and more importantly a community, not be lulled into thinking that we can rest on our laurels, take anything for granted.  We will become the communities we emulate, those that are lead by example.  Leading by example doesn’t mean resting on past success, it means taking that success and turning it into an even greater success for others.

One such local individual who has lead by example is Dr. Anita Tillman, a local pediatrician, who this week has been recognized as the 2016 McLean County Public Health Award recipient.

Dr. Tillman lead with ongoing selflessness and dedication to children placed in the care of DCFS.  She and her staff have spent their days off, twice monthly to go to the Health Department to provide the Comprehensive Health examination as required within three weeks of placement.

Not resting on her laurels of already being engaged in an active private practice of pediatric medicine, Dr. Tillman has used her skills and talents to ensure children also have a chance to be sussuccssful and healthy members of our community.

Congratulations to Dr. Anita Tillman.