When Michael Stevanovich learned he was going to be published in a prestigious law journal at Columbia University, one of the first people he thought of was Oakbrook Elementary teacher William Mader.

“Some days I am blown away by the opportunities life has given me," he said sharing his latest accomplishment with Mr. Mader. "Thank you for encouraging me to dream from a young age. Those dreams have opened doors I never imagined I would walk through.”

Stevanovich's accomplishments have been many. He is the youngest American to ever address the United Nations. He is in the second year of law school at Columbia University, where he has earned academic honors. Next year he will study abroad in France to earn a certificate in global governance from the Sorbonne and Sciences Po Paris. He is currently working in New York City’s legal department. 

But it was his latest accomplishment – being published in the Columbia Journal of Transnational Law – that he wanted to share with Mr. Mader.

“I would not be the writer I am without your help,” he wrote.