DuPage Honors Elmhurst Resident for Outstanding Performance in Special Olympics

Information provided by the DuPage County Public Information Office

Jonathan Menconi of Elmhurst received a Resolution of Commendation from DuPage County Board Aug. 13. He received the honor for his 10 years of participation in Special Olympics, his seven state titles and 32 medals.

Former County Board member Jeff Redick of Elmhurst recommended Jonathan for the award.

Jonathan is a vibrant 19-year-old. He was born in 1994 at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital and attended York High School's Special Services program. He is a student at Elmhurst District 205's transition program for young adults ages 18 to 22, where he learns living skills and receives vocational coaching.  

He enjoys video games and family adventures, and he volunteers with his family at the Elmhurst/Yorkfield Food Pantry. He also works at Yorkfield Presbyterian Church in Elmhurst, preparing the church for Wednesday night youth programs.  He lives at home with his parents, Steve and Leslie Menconi, and his two older brothers, Clayton and Christopher, who are both in college. Jonathan hopes one day to learn to read and become a voice actor for animated television shows.  

Jonathan began participating in Special Olympics at age 10, in 2003, as a runner.  He participated in track and field events and received a third-place ribbon in the J. Kyle Braid Special Olympics Track meet for the 200 meter run.  He went on to receive a bronze medal at the Special Olympics track sectional meet for the same race, and a gold medal as the anchor runner for the 4X100 meter race.  In the following years, the relay team qualified for the Special Olympics state meet where they were awarded the gold medal in their age group. 

At age 13 Jonathan tried swimming with the Special Olympics training team and was quickly moved to the Special Olympics Swim Team because of his natural abilities in that area.  He continues to excel in this sport. He trains from October through the Special Olympics state games held the second weekend in June at Illinois State University in Bloomington.  

Jonathan is the 50-meter freestyle swimming state champion, adult division, for 2013. He successfully defended his state title in the same event in 2012. He is also the anchor on the Special Olympics State Gold medal 4 X 25 meter freestyle relay swim team for 2013.  

Jonathan’s Special Olympic medal count to date is:

• six Bronze medals  
• eight Silver medals
• 18 Gold medals, seven of which are state championship titles