The credit card processor used for utility payments, auto-pay payments, and municipal tax payments has a system outage. Our team is currently working on a solution.
Published on November 19, 2025
MAYOR JOHN LAESCH HONORS TWO AURORA STUDENTS NAMED COOKE YOUNG SCHOLARS!
At Tuesday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting, Mayor John Laesch honored two East Aurora School District 131 students who were named Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars. The distinction, earned by Yahir Ferreira of Fred Rodgers Magnet Academy and Taleen Kandakji of Cowherd Middle School, is a selective five-year, pre-college scholarship given to exceptionally promising seventh grade students with financial need across the nation. The scholarship provides comprehensive academic and college advising, as well as financial support for schooling, Cooke-sponsored summer programs, internships, and other learning enrichment opportunities. “This is such an incredible honor for both Yahir and Taleen,” Mayor Laesch said. “With less than 100 people being recognized for this scholarship across the United States, having two come from East Aurora School District 131 is amazing and a true testament to our City’s academic success.” Ferreira is a high honor roll student, while also serving as a member of the National Junior Honor Society, Math Team, and band. Kandakji, meanwhile, recently moved to Aurora from the Middle East. She speaks four languages, has maintained a perfect grade point average, plus plays on Cowherd’s volleyball team.
Congratulations to both Yahir and Taleen! You make Aurora proud!