The Maine Township High School District 207 Board of Education honored three students in the area of community service naming them “207’s Best” at a recent meeting. Bilal Usman from Maine East was honored for his advocacy, innovation and empathy.
The following information was written about Bilal Usman as part of the nomination by Maine East principal Dr. Melissa A. Pikul.
BILAL USMAN, MAINE EAST
Bilal Usman is exceptionally deserving of recognition as 207’s Best because of the meaningful ways he has turned leadership, empathy, and initiative into service for others. His commitment is especially evident through B4All, a nonprofit organization he created to address food insecurity while recognizing the dietary needs of diverse families. Through B4All, Bilal has raised more than $4,000 and developed a lasting partnership with the Maine Township Food Pantry. After learning of a need for halal meat, Bilal connected the pantry with local butchers, helping establish a system that now allows the pantry to consistently provide halal meat to Muslim families in our community.
Bilal has demonstrated the same thoughtful leadership at Maine East. Recognizing the challenges faced by student-athletes who fast during Ramadan, he advocated for and organized snack packs that students could access when it was time to break their fast during practices and competitions. He recruited fellow students to prepare the packages, raised funds, partnered with staff and coaches, and helped educate others about the needs of fasting athletes.
His commitment to service extends through Lyceum, where he participated in a summer service trip to Detroit and regularly contributes to projects including stocking the food pantry and tutoring elementary students at the East Maine 63 Family Resource Center.
Perhaps most impressive is that, at such a young age, Bilal already understands an important principle of service: people should not have to set aside an important part of their identity in order to access the support they need. He notices where systems can better serve people, brings others together, and creates sustainable solutions.
Bilal is also quick to recognize that his accomplishments have not happened alone. He describes his mother as the “relentless force behind everything” he does. She is someone who continually encourages him and reminds him of what he is capable of accomplishing. That combination of gratitude, empathy, initiative, and genuine commitment to others makes Bilal an outstanding representative of 207’s Best.