Illing Receives Leadership Award

On Tuesday, Oct. 4, members from the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) presented the Arthur Director Leadership Award to Illing Middle School for fostering a culture of giving through the school’s many clubs and organizations.  The award is named for Arthur Director, the founder of the CT Lighting Centers and a philanthropist whose family continues to support many charitable organizations that mentor young people.  

Illing Middle School was among the 50 schools that participated in the CAS Leadership Conference last Spring and was the sole recipient of the award which included a plaque and a $250 donation to the school.

According to Earle Bidwell, CAS Exec Director, it was the well written application by last year’s Illing Student Council President, now MHS freshman, Kaitylin Maloney that impressed him. She described Illing as a place that educates students from all walks of life and fosters a rich climate of acceptance. She mentioned the IMS Poetry Club and the Future Educators of America as clubs that go above and beyond what is offered at other middle schools by allowing students to express themselves through words and actions. In addition she also noted that 90 percent of the student body signed an anti-bullying pledge.