By Diana XinThe Daily Northwestern

Evanston/Skokie School District 65’s superintendent has been selected to receive a local community service award, according to a statement released Monday.

Family Focus, an Evanston community center, chose Superintendent Hardy Murphy as an honoree for its auxiliary board’s 20th Annual Award Benefit because of his community involvement.

“We choose people who exemplify giving back to the community,” said Sandra Hill, director of Family Focus. “These are people who serve the community, especially through empowering children and their families.”

Since becoming superintendent in 1999, Murphy has also served on the boards of Evanston Hospital and the McGaw YMCA,district spokeswoman Patricia Markham said.

Murphy also volunteers as a youth basketball coach, and is a guest speaker for community events.

Hill said Murphy has introduced several positive programs in bilingual education, such as the two-way language immersion program. He has also made efforts to decrease the racial achievement gap.

“My family has a long history of professional dedication to children and education,” Murphy said in the release.

He also acknowledged the efforts of district teachers to help students succeed.

Three other individuals also will be honored – young grassroots volunteers Courtney Hammell and Michael Low, as well as community activist Geraldine Sizemore.

In addition to recognizing exemplary volunteers, Family Focus honors an organization every year.

This year’s honoree will be the North Shore Chicago chapter of the Top Teens of America.

Family Focus, 2010 Dewey Ave., has provided family support programs free of charge for more than 20 years.

It has seven locations throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.

The recipients will be honored at an awards banquet April 14,at the Levy Center, 300 Dodge Ave. Tickets to the 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. event cost $65. Proceeds help support Family Focus programs.

Reach Diana Xin at [email protected].