Schools
Troy school dedicates bench in memory of teacher Kelly Holmes
Former Troy Cronin Elementary School math teacher passed away last year
Former colleagues of Kelly Holmes, a beloved third grade teacher at Troy Cronin Elementary School who passed away in May 2020, honored her this month with the dedication of a masonry bench outside her former classroom.
Cronin Principal Jill Howard called Holmes a dedicated colleague, educator and friend.
“Other teachers sought her out to learn, listen and grow from her,” Howard said. “Today is about celebrating Kelly in all that she means to each one of us.”
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Troy Facilities and Operations staff Andrew McCormick, Mark Gonzales, Manuel Velasquez-Rios and F & O Director Ben Hettel designed and constructed the bench.
Superintendent Dr. Todd Koehl said the bench represents the impact a teacher has.
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“When we consider the number of students Kelly impacted through her career,” he said, “no one can deny the hope that gives us. She will be with us and all those students as they change and grow and become adults and make their own impact on the world.”
For 14 years, Holmes taught second and third grade at Troy Cronin. She coordinated efforts to support Veterans Day celebrations, served on the Building Leadership Team and was a mentor for her fellow teachers.
She received the Great Teacher Award from the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry; a Teacher of the Year Award from the Kiwanis Club; and was chosen for a Troy Q Award posthumously for being an advocate for her students.
“Kelly is the one who people went to for personal and professional advice,” Cronin teacher Kim Walaszek said. “And even though we can’t stop by her room, she’s still guiding us.”
Teacher Ashley Smith said Holmes was an exceptional role model with a huge passion for teaching math.
“Kelly, we love you so much, and we miss you every single day,” Smith said.
Former Cronin instructional coach Amy Deang described Holmes as a human lighthouse, to whom everyone gravitated.
“You just knew you could trust her and that she’d be there to support you,” she said. “May this be a reminder to us all to keep Kelly’s legacy alive and to be that human lighthouse to others.”
