Quintessential Barrington - Quintessential Person - Rob Weidner

I'd like to personally thank every person who I have ever come in contact with. It is because of everyone that I am who I am today.

Thank you.

Defining Moments — Rob Weidner

By Tanya Mookerji | photo by Thomas Balsamo

---------------------

A budding entrepreneur at the tender age of 17, Rob Weidner has made people laugh hysterically, cry shamelessly, and think critically with his videos. His messages resonate with students and adults alike. But Rob’s own journey from an inexperienced cameraman to a sensational artist is as complex as the stories he tells.

It started as a simple desire to pass the time. Rob had a brief stint with summer construction and lawn mowing, but lost interest. He loved technology and movies. In high school, he found people with similar interests, including a student who would become one of his mentors. “I literally bumped into Dillon Schneider my freshman year. He liked to ski and make movies and I liked to ski and make movies, so we just started talking,” Rob said. Dillon encouraged Rob to join the school video production class. Rob observed his mentor’s success. He focused on his own ambition during a Thanksgiving dinner sophomore year. “My aunt has a son who started his own business, so she encouraged me to start one of my own,” Rob said. That night, Weidscreen Productions was born.

Today, Rob’s most-acclaimed project to date is a documentary featuring the siblings of children with Down syndrome. With a slight smile, Rob struggles to describe what the experience meant to him. “To see these kids that are 7 and 10 years old have so much love for their family blew me away, because I had never seen anything like that.” The children’s stories, filmed for Gigi’s Playhouse in Hoffman Estates, unexpectedly changed the way Rob understands family. “You could just sense the love [the siblings] had for their family. It opened up my eyes to the whole situation, and I see Down syndrome so differently now.”

The experience also made him more sensitive to the insults people use jokingly, including the word “retarded.” Before the video, he didn’t think twice about using them. He may have used the word without realizing it. But after witnessing the children’s everyday struggles, he monitors his own behavior more closely. “I hear these peoples’ stories, and there’s no comparison with how people use the word ‘retarded’ and what it actually is. It’s an awful part of our society that we use it to joke around when it’s not a joking matter at all,” Rob said.

Though Rob is disenchanted with the way society treats others, he searches for a good quality in everyone. He encourages others to change their behavior by filming people from different perspectives. Video captures subtleties that our eyes don’t. “Through video, you get to see the silver lining in people. That’s one thing that’s fascinated me, that everything has a silver lining. You just have to look for it,” he said.

Rob pushes his limits to make videos into works of art. After filming Gigi’s Playhouse, he spent about 150 hours to cut 14 hours of footage down to the 15-minute documentary. Balancing his activities is hard, so he must use his time wisely. “I’d come in to [video production], sit right down, get in this zone you get in, go to volleyball practice, come back, do it all over again.” Despite his tight schedule, Rob is constantly scheming. “There are always things going on in my mind with projects and video ideas. School’s always first, and it’s hard to put off a video I’m really passionate about.”

Rob’s commitment has led him to numerous awards and once-in-a lifetime opportunities. Gigi’s Playhouse won most inspirational video in the Great Minds Foundation video competition. He also received a student Emmy, which he has yearned for since his freshman year. The joy of winning was overwhelming. His charisma has helped him establish relationships with Rob Johnson, the weekday co-anchor of CBS News, and Jerry Angelo, the Chicago Bears general manager. After Gigi’s Playhouse, Rob Johnson reached out to Rob, as his brother has Down syndrome. They, as well as ESPN and the NFL, have provided him with letters of recommendation.

Despite his achievements, Rob humbly credits personal success to his parents and his mentors Dillon Schneider and Brad Kopp. The Barrington High School video production crew and adviser Jeff Doles are like family, and they never cease to inspire him. Rob admires Jeff for his creativity and an endless effort to see his students succeed. “We are always looking out for each other. If it weren’t for his ideas, I wouldn’t be in the place I’m in,” Rob said.

Rob’s balancing act of activities may keep him home working Friday night instead of going out with his friends but his energy and passion for telling stories make the sacrifices a little easier to bear. “I still have to be a kid, and sometimes I notice it’s lacking, but I really love what I do.”

Rob is climbing his way to the top but making videos means more to him than trophies and recognition. They have taught him to view the world through a new lens and to show unconditional respect for others. For a high school junior, his work is challenging and time consuming. But the desire to empower people prevails. In the chaos that is high school, Rob stays grounded by finding his passion and relentlessly chasing his dreams.

Here are some words that others shared about Rob Weidner.

Dr. Jeff Arnett

I enjoy the pleasure of working with Rob to produce various video projects for the Barrington 220 School District. I see him frequently around Barrington High School and in the community. I know Rob’s parents, grandparents, teachers, and classmates — all of whom are clearly proud of and impressed by his potential.

Rob is one of those rare individuals who seem completely comfortable with himself. Rob’s combined attributes of humility, self-assuredness, and imagination make him poised and mature beyond his years. What I enjoy most about Rob is how helpful he is, how he uses subtle humor to engage people, and how he is surrounded by family and friends who are better because of him and who set the standard for service that he continually exceeds. I observe Rob at work and quietly hope my own son, who is in middle school, will someday achieve the same levels of ingenuity and promise that young Mr. Weidner exhibits. Whenever I see Rob, his smile, calm demeanor, and politeness immediately put me at ease.

Michael Brownson

I met Rob in kindergarten at North Barrington School and he was my first friend there. He is still the same tall, goofy, lovable person who I met more than 10 years ago. We had a seemingly unexpected friendship, as he was over a foot taller than me even back in elementary school. I still remember getting mistaken as his little brother whether it was in Naples, Fla., or at a White Sox game downtown. We became a dynamic duo in elementary school and were almost inseparable. However, Rob and I fell slightly out of touch as we went to different middle schools. I am glad to say that we were reunited in high school and he was still the same person. It is rare that a person can remain as genuine and as sincere over a long period of time. But I guess that is what is so special about Rob; he has the ability to transcend the odds. It is safe to say that he is, and will always be, one of my closest friends.

Melissa Dawson

I have known Rob Weidner since he was a young boy; his parents are dear friends. Rob has always shown a passion for activities including basketball, baseball, volleyball, and anything technical in nature. Rob has a maturity about him that exudes wisdom beyond his years. He exhibits compassion for those in need and is willing to spend his free time working to help them through special projects. I have had the pleasure to stay with the Weidner children when necessity dictates that their mom joins their dad on business trips. It is during these stays that I get to spend some fun times talking with and listening to Rob and his younger brother, Matt. Rob has a unique and enjoyable sense of humor and an always interesting perspective on life as a teenager today. Rob impresses me with the ease with which he carries on conversations with adults. All of these exceptional qualities are the result of a strong family relationship and support system. I look forward to wonderful accomplishments out of this young man!

Max Deevy

I have played volleyball with Rob for the past few years and co-mentored freshmen at Barrington High School with him. He and I have become close friends. Rob is the single funniest guy I know. Whether be it his wild volleyball antics or his vision for a future video, he is always able to make you laugh. He is also one of the hardest workers during volleyball and, when he is not at volleyball, I usually see him working on his videos. There are very few students as dedicated as he is, and with all of this on his table, he still has time to perform well-above average at school. 

Jeff Doles

I have worked with Rob as his video production teacher and Video
Club adviser. Rob is just as comfortable and articulate speaking with a classmate as he is with the executive producer of a major news channel. He carries himself with a humble confidence, setting lofty personal goals while also enriching the lives of those around him. Rob has an innate ability to instantly learn and use new technology but also the skill set necessary to break down the information and teach others.

Rob is a major contributor in our video production club, 238 Studios. He shows initiative by going beyond the given task and pushing himself and his film crew to their creative limits. The group has earned 13 student Emmys in the last two years in large part due to Rob’s hard work and dedication. Rob and the group have created a plethora of projects including videos for BHS’s new stadium JumboTron, Chicago Bulls, Bears, Cubs, NFL Films, ESPN, Fox News Chicago, Chevy, Great Minds Foundation, and even interviewed President Obama. Thank you, Rob, for being such an incredible student! 

Nancy Gianni

Rob worked on a project with us for GiGi’s Playhouse Down syndrome awareness centers. We collaborated to produce a video about siblings of children with Down syndrome and the message they wanted to share with the world about their amazing brothers and sisters with Down syndrome. I remember being afraid to put such an important message into the hands of high school students … until I met Rob. He and his crew taped hours of heartfelt stories from children as young as 6, and believe me, this was not easy!

After seeing all the footage, I did not know how we were going to put it all together. It wasn’t until I sat down with Rob that day and watched him work his magic that I knew this video was going to be amazing. Talk about talent! Rob truly captured the voice of these children and because of him people can hear their stories. While working with Rob I remember thinking I hope my son is like this when he is in high school. He used to say “Oh my goodness” all the time, which I thought was so cute out of a young man. That is the perfect saying for him. He truly is full of goodness.

Rob Johnson

I got to know Rob when he was producing a video about being a sibling of someone with Down syndrome for Gigi’s Playhouse. My younger brother, Edward, has Down syndrome, so I was happy to participate. Rob, his fellow students, a teacher from the high school, and some of the Gigi’s folks came on down to CBS 2 to interview me at the station. As someone who knows a thing or two about video and cameras, I was immediately impressed by how creative and mature Rob was. He clearly is a high achiever. The project came out extremely well, and I was able to acknowledge his great work at the Gigi’s fundraiser several months later when the video was unveiled. Shortly thereafter they won an Emmy for their efforts. Not bad for a high school student who thinks he might want to get into this profession. I’ve told Rob that I am ecstatic someone of his character and ability may be among the next generation of journalists. I also told him I want to stay on his good side because I might be working for him one day. Congratulations, Rob!

Elizabeth Kahn

I am so very blessed to call Robbie my friend. I can not express how truly proud I am of this incredible, unique individual. He has shown endless dedication to his passions, and it certainly shows. Robbie is an inspiring, giving man who is far head of his years. I am truly so fortunate to have him in my life. His ability to capture life and live it to the fullest has been so inspiring to all those who know him. I am so thankful for every moment shared with him. He has been so humble with all of his accomplishments over the years. Now is truly his time to shine. You deserve every minute of this, Robbie.

Allie Mallon

Rob is one of my best friend’s (Elizabeth Kahn) boyfriend. Every morning at school, I see Rob with a bright smile ready for a new day. Rob has such a kind and caring heart and loves to help out others. With his positive attitude and daily optimism, Rob can always put a smile on your face. He never fails to display his true colors.

Tim Martin

I have served as Rob’s guidance counselor and was also his freshman basketball coach. It has been a privilege to work with him. Rob has that rare combination of leadership skills and authenticity that inspires the people around him to work together to achieve great things. Whether it is academics, athletics, or cinematography, Rob approaches everything he does with an unmatched energy and enthusiasm. He has the unique ability to truly lead and motivate his peers and the personality to connect with all of the staff members and students he comes in contact with. It is especially gratifying for me to see the integrity and character that he displays in all areas of his life. Rob is genuine and his judgment is developed well beyond his years. Barrington High School is filled with exceptional students, and Rob is a great example of the quality of the students we have. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Rob, and I know that he will be highly successful in whatever he does.

Steve McWilliams

One of the more enjoyable and rewarding experiences as an educator and Barrington High School principal is watching young men and women search for and find academic areas that excite them. During the past two years, I have had the pleasure of observing this in Rob. He has found his niche in the Barrington High School community as an outstanding video production student where he has excelled above the norm. As an advanced level student, Rob often becomes a second instructor by sharing his expertise with his fellow peers.

It was inspiring to watch Rob and his colleagues develop this year’s video for the 2009 Senior Breakfast at BHS. Their efforts continued well into the evening, but they never seemed to lose focus or cease having fun creating. At one point, they were even able to coax a few laughs out of their usually reserved principal. Observing Rob that evening not only confirmed his talents as a film maker, but revealed his leadership abilities and his capacity to inspire others.

Andrew Norbeck

Rob is a friend and classmate as well as a co-worker on many videos. He is a hard worker. I sit back and wonder how he keeps up with everything and still produces great work. He is one of the most dedicated partners I’ve ever worked alongside. It takes a lot of time to create a well-put together video. He has spent many nights putting overtime even on school nights. One night I saved a football highlight until the day before and suddenly just felt too sick to complete it. I called Rob at about 6 a.m. the morning the video was due, and he came over on one of his only days to sleep in and helped me finish the video. The DVD didn’t finish burning until 20 minutes before it was supposed to be played. He has already received many awards for his videos and still manages to keep his grades up, which I find amazing. I’m excited to see what he will do next with his talent and in the years to come.

Liz Sauer

I am friends with Rob through gym class and by having the same friends. Rob always has a good attitude in whatever situation he is in. He always has a positive mind-set and an encouraging word to get the group excited. Rob can always put a smile on your face and make you laugh when you are having a bad day. I don’t think I have ever passed him in the hall without him making me laugh in that short time period! He cares very much for the people around him and treats them with respect. 

Norval Stephens

You watch a grandson to see which parent or grandparent he favors. Rob surprised us and impressed us with the first “task” I gave him. At a summer home that the branches of the Stephens family share, the tangle of wires for various computer accessories, the television, fax machine, VCR, DVD, Direct TV box, and two incoming telephone lines were too much for any of us to deal with. I asked Rob to tackle the problem.  He quietly installed two electrical strips and attached all the TV minutiae to one and all the computer tentacles to the other.  He used twist ties to combine related leads in direct lines from wall to machine. No one has touched his solution in two years. The answer to whom he favors: no one. He is just Rob, a quiet, hardworking teen with a touch of the incredible. I have since watched with pride as he gathers together the instructions of clients or school officials, reviews the footage he has, and then produces a small audio-visual miracle — an Emmy! He also comes over, like any good grandson, and helps us put away or bring up the summer porch furniture from our basement.

Kathy and Bob Weidner

As parents we are equally proud of our three children. Each has excelled in different activities, yet all posses an underlying sense of self-confidence and discipline. Rob, upon reflection, has a genuine sense of purpose and appreciation for his family, friends, and those who have touched his life in many ways. A leader, with an unrelenting compassion for excellence, Rob always gives extra effort and energy. The burst of enthusiasm in celebration of success in athletic competition, or the humbling smile on his face in capturing the children of Gigi’s Playhouse on film, defines him.

All parents have countless memories of pride as we think back upon our children’s lives. We certainly have been blessed. Finding one special memory is difficult, although Rob’s eighth-grade National Junior Honor Society’s paper stands out. Rob chose “Service” as the NJHS’ pillar most meaningful for him. He wrote not about a family member, teacher, or friend, but rather an institution — the United States military. He wrote about the men and women of our armed services who put themselves in harms way daily. Rob felt that is the greatest service anyone could offer. This recognition, at such an early age, albeit a teenager moved us deeply.

From childhood, Rob has had a contagious sense of humor, a comfortable presence around, a willingness to help others, a fearless approach to technology, and a love of life. Never one to shy away from the dinner table, his voracious appetite is channeled into his passion for film, video, and bringing smiles to others’ faces. We are ever so proud of his accomplishments and look forward to watching him grow professionally, socially, and morally. 

Lauren Weidner

To many of you, my brother is known as Rob, but to family, he is Robbie. The extra letters symbolizing not only a childish habit but also his quirky, funny, loving side our family knows and loves. Of course, being the older sister of a talented and handsome younger brother has had its challenges. It all began in the summers when at the family lake house, Robbie would stop at nothing to be just as accomplished in water sports as me and the older cousins were. Back then it was frustrating as an older sister to see my younger brother succeeding at something when he was 3 years younger than I was. Looking back, it is amazing how significant his efforts seem. Robbie far surpassed any of our expectations those summers at the lake and now as a senior in high school he is still doing it. Robbie exudes greatness in the way that he talks, works, and plays. I am still amazed that he rewired our entire basement and started his own production company at the ripe ate of 16 and picked up my sport of choice, volleyball. It wasn’t until recently that people started to think he was actually older than me, something I’ll never forgive his beard for. I am proud to say I am his sister. My brother is truly a wholehearted, altruistic guy with an eagerness to make a difference.

Carrie Zandi

I have served as the principal’s secretary at Barrington High School for 15 years. One of the rich blessings of my job is connecting with amazingly talented students. Rob is one of those special students. His talents and abilities in producing videos are already emerging at a professional level. He has an innate sense to create quality works that capture the heart and soul. You take notice of Rob, however, not only for his great talent, but for his respectfulness, winsome personality, and desire to serve.

I realized Rob was a special young man his freshman year when he came to my rescue during a time crunch and offered to produce our retiree video. The video was wonderful and touched the hearts of our staff members. I could not have been more grateful. Throughout his high school career, Rob has prepared videos for key events, which inspired our school community far beyond what we could imagine. We have received several letters in the principal’s office from organizations praising Rob for his video achievements. Most memorable was from the NFL. Such accolades and honors are truly well-deserved by this incredible young man. I know one day I will proudly say, “I knew him when … ”  I wish him the very best.

Publisher’s Note:  Quintessential People TM is a heartfelt collaboration between our publication and portrait artist Thomas Balsamo. Our goal is to share with you exceptional images and words that ring true about some of the finest, most inspiring people in the community. For more information about Quintessential PeopleTM, contact QB at www.QBarrington.com or Thomas Balsamo (Portraits by Thomas) at 847-381-7710 or www.portraitsbythomas.com.