Buffalo Grove teacher is a "Champion of Children"

Friday, March 13th was a great day for Illinois kindergarten teacher Jessie Locke. Locke, a teacher at the Champions Extended Learning program in Buffalo Grove received a surprise visit on Friday, March 13, from District 96 Foundation representatives and received the great news that she was the recipient of the 2015 Crystal Apple Award. Champions is a leading out-of-school time provider of extended learning and education programs for school-age children.

“In KCSD96 the early education students are lucky to have a partner in the Champions program at Willow Grove,” said Superintendent Julie Schmidt. “Many of the parents enrolled in this program credit a very special teacher – Jessie Locke. Jessie is described as dedicated, engaged, and committed. Her [classroom] parents are in awe of her strength and dedication to preparing her classes for first grade. She never lets them down.”

The Crystal Apple Award is given to individuals who go the extra mile for students. Past recipients include District 96 alumni, local businesses, teachers, and school staff members. The award program began 22 years ago in 1993. Nominations are submitted each fall and the awards presented in the spring. In 2011 Champions earned their first Crystal Apple Award for more than 10 years as a District 96 Friend of the Foundation. Locke was nominated by one of her former student’s parent.

Locke is a three-year Champions employee and a kindergarten enrichment teacher.

“She works very hard to make her classroom a loving learning environment,” said Annette Anderson, center director at the Champions Extended Learning program. “She builds strong and meaningful connections with her students and their families. She truly cares about every child and lives Knowledge Universe’s Service Values every day.”

Deb Merdinger, client relations business partner for Champions, said Jessie’s commitment and dedication to District 96 students touched the committee and lead them to honor her as this year’s “Champions of Children.”

Locke was honored at a ceremony on March 20th. Her father, Helen Makaritis (the parent who nominated her), and the rest of Locke’s Champions team joined her at the celebration.