District 202 Board honors 21 "excellent" educators and staff; Ira Jones award also slated for outstanding citizen
The District 202 Board of Education will honor 21 of the district's most exceptional educators and staff members for their contributions to District 202 at a special ceremony on May 12, 2010.
The 18th Annual Awards of Excellence will be held at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at Plainfield East High School, 12001 S. Naperville Road, Plainfield. The event is open to the community. A reception with light refreshments will follow the ceremony.
The award honors teachers and non-administrative staff who have in one way or another touched the lives of their students and peers. In all, 196 nominations were received for 85 District 202 educators and staff members.
A committee of three Board members and the Board's community ambassador picked this year's Award of Excellence winners. Since 1993 the Board of Education has honored about 236 teachers and staff with Awards of Excellence.
"The Awards of Excellence are always a highlight of the year for the Board of Education, because we get the chance to thank some of our very best employees for their dedication and hard work," said Board of Education President Rod Westfall, who led the recognition committee.
"District 202 is a great public school system, and all of this year's winners have helped make us the caring, excellent district that we are," Westfall said. "They deserve our recognition and our thanks," he said.
The 2010 Award of Excellence winners are:
Plainfield High School Central Campus Spanish teacher Bill Johnson One student wrote, "I don't know any other teacher who could explain a whole other language to me as simple as possible. I have learned so much from him, whether it's about school or not."
Plainfield North High School math teacher Steve Balhan A team of teachers wrote, "If excellence is what we repeatedly do, then Steve Balhan exemplifies this characteristic every day as an educator and as our department chairperson. Steve is someone who is always striving to improve and inspires everyone else around him to improve as well."
Plainfield South High School Athletic Trainer Brian Beck Two district parents wrote, "We speak to the qualities of this very exceptional man because he's touched the lives of our own children, as well as of our family. We're also the parents of one student-trainer. We've come to recognize that lessons in first-aid and injury treatment pale in comparison to the life lessons our daughter has learned from Mr. Beck."
Plainfield East High School art teacher Cindy Egizio One coworker wrote, "Cindy has gone above and beyond in all aspects of her job. If you know her, she is the most bubbly person you will ever meet. There is always a smile on her face, (and) she has a great attitude which she exudes in all of her classes."
Ira Jones Middle School art teacher Courtnye Rossi -- One student wrote, "Mrs. Rossi is the nicest art teacher I've had. She is funny, nice and caring to me and other kids. She helps us when we are having trouble shading, molding clay or drawing animals."
Drauden Point Middle School 8th grade social studies teacher and girls soccer coach Eric Kelly One parent wrote, "I knew he was a special person, however, I never imagined what a great inspiration he would continue to be to my daughter and her friends all these years. Mr. Kelly actually took the time to send inspirational notes to all his past players as they moved through high school, on tryout days and for special games."
John F. Kennedy Middle School social worker Jill Cheney -- One parent wrote, " Incredibleness' is the answer our son gave us when we asked him for a one word description of Ms. Jill Chaney. We thank our lucky stars that she's there every morning when he arrives at school. Jill Cheney has literally changed our son's life and our family's life for the better."
Heritage Grove Middle School 7th grade language arts teacher Justin Brand One parent wrote, "Mr. Brand goes above and beyond to meet the needs of his students. He is the first teacher to really take that extra time to help boost (our daughter) to a higher level, and she actually enjoys it! Mr. Brand has a way of making learning fun, which can't be easy with 7th graders. I cannot think of a more deserving person."
Timber Ridge Middle School resource teacher Karin Schmidt One coworker wrote, "As a friend and colleague, Karin accepted a challenge without being asked (when) a colleague went on medical leave without warning. All (Karin) cared about were the needs of her students and how she could support them. Throughout all of this Karin maintained a positive attitude and continued to inspire all with her willingness and determination to do what was best for students. She's an awesome role model for all!"
Ira Jones Middle School art teacher Judy Erwin A coworker wrote, "(Judy) has shown her excellence on the job through her counseling, advice and example as a breast cancer survivor. Having just recently gone through the disease, I know what she went through and how hard it was, and yet she came to work every day, took care of her students and helped her colleagues. She is a shining example of the sacrifices that teachers make every day for their students."
Aux Sable Middle School choir teacher Kristina Riewaldt A colleague wrote, "In her four years in District 202, Kristina has developed and created a high quality music and choral program at her school. Her commitment to quality music education is evident in all that she does. She takes pride in her work and builds pride into the lives of each and every one of her students."
Thomas Jefferson Elementary School teaching assistant Linda Long A coworker wrote, "Linda is a true educational professional. Linda provides an atmosphere of learning that is important for each individual student. Her attitude of "student first" is evident in her patient and caring approach with the students. She is a model that should be emulated by others in this position."
Lincoln Elementary School kindergarten teacher Pam Yarbrough One parent wrote, "As a first-time kindergarten parent, I have witnessed the power of teaching first hand. My daughter loves going to school and specifically loves Mrs. Yarbrough. She takes the time to teach the kids at their pace, and I believe truly enjoys it. It takes a great teacher who goes above and beyond to keep children excited about learning!"
Meadow View Elementary School art teacher Sheila Schau A coworker wrote, "Sheila goes above and beyond what is expected of her in everything she does, without any complaint or recognition. There are several students who like to work on additional art projects during recess. Sheila uses her lunch and plan time to work with these students without any benefit to herself. The kids simply adore her and the time she gives them. In fact, they beg her to stay in from recess to spend time with her."
Crystal Lawns Elementary School custodial shift supervisor Christina Martinez One coworker wrote, "Besides keeping our building clean and in good repair, she takes good care of our staff. She makes us laugh, she visits with teachers as she cleans their rooms at night and keeps up with their worries and celebrations. Christina does her job with heart."
Lakewood Falls Elementary School third grade teacher Brianna Longtin A colleague wrote, "She has done a wonderful job keeping the (third grade) team up to date with the latest decisions with all language arts curriculum. Brianna spends hours of her own time and is extremely generous with her team. She creates lessons and is quick to share!"
Lakewood Falls Elementary School third grade teacher Stefanie Fitzgerald A colleague wrote, "Stefanie has supported the third grade team at Lakewood Falls with our Flex process. She serves (in many capacities and leadership roles). She is a key communicator for our grade level with our administrators. Stefanie does a great job letting our team know the latest curriculum information and keeps us all in the loop."
Bonnie McBeth Learning Center teacher Carly Ionta A parent wrote, "Carly truly understands the needs and personalities of all her children. She cultivates a love of learning and encourages her students every step of the way. Carly has the ability to inspire and motivate students through her own enthusiasm and energy."
Creekside Elementary School physical education teacher Jeff Peterson A colleague wrote, "Jeff Peterson saw a growing problem in the Creekside community (with increasing numbers of at-risk, low income children.) Jeff took it upon himself to make a Backpack program at Creekside. Today, with the help of many supporters and the Student Council, each Friday, 27-30 at-risk students take home a backpack filled with good and other necessities to help them have food for the weekend."
Plainfield Academy 11th-12th grade teacher Christina Hossbach A former coworker wrote, "Ms. Hossbach is an extremely dedicated professional. I have witnessed both sides of her personality and am impressed that one person can be tough and caring with such great success."
Ridge Elementary School secretary Theodora Yuhas A coworker wrote, "Theo is not only the best secretary I have ever worked with, but the most kind, caring, gentle person I have met. She knows everything there is to know about the job she has done for the past eight years. Theo genuinely cares about her job, the people she works with and the work she does to better help staff and students."
The Board will also present the Ira Jones Award to First Midwest Bank Vice President Rob Epley for his significant service and contributions to the District 202 community.
The Ira Jones award, created in 1986, is named for Richard Ira Jones, the proprietor of Jones Hardware, which was located in downtown Plainfield for many years.
Jones was a member of the District 202 Board of Education from 1936-1972, including the last 15 years as president. He also served as a member of several other public boards, including the fire district and various community service organizations.
Born and raised in the western Chicago suburbs, Epley and his wife, Gail moved to Plainfield in 1995. Their four children Jake, Teagan, Brock and Cole attend Ira Jones Middle School and Lincoln Elementary School.
Among the many hats he has worn over the years, Epley has been an active member of the Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce since 2002 and is a past Chairman of the Board of Directors.
He served on the C.W. Avery Plainfield YMCA Advisory Council from 2003-10, co-chairing the annual "Giving Gala, which raised over $100,000 in three years.
Epley also sat on the Metro Board of Directors from 2009-10 for the Greater Joliet Area YMCA, and has been an active member of that organization since 2003. He was recognized in 2009 as Volunteer of the Year.
In Plainfield, Epley was elected president of the Plainfield Riverfront Foundation for 2009-10. He was also past president of the Exchange Club of Plainfield, is a former member of both the Moose and Rotary organizations, and has served as a youth basketball and baseball coach.
"Rob Epley is the kind of young leader that every community hopes for and needs," said District 202 Board of Education President Rod Westfall.
"His long list of community service and accomplishments would be impressive even for someone twice his age," Westfall said. "But more important, Rob's dedication and hard work have helped make the District 202 community a better place to live, work and raise families.
"The Board of Education is proud to honor Rob Epley with this award," Westfall said.
"I am humbled by this recognition and honor," Epley said. "My only intent is to make a difference within the community that my family and I plan to call home for many years to come," he said.