Summit School Students Receive the Polchopek Excellence Award

ELGIN, IL - Summit School recognized two students at its 3rd Annual Michael E. Polchopek Excellence Celebration on May 20, 2024 in memory of long-time board member, Mike Polchopek.

Elementary student, Millie Clement, and high school student, Treyson Grimm, received this year’s Michael E. Polchopek Excellence Award in recognition of their year-long achievements. Students who earn the distinction of this award are asked to embody Mike’s spirit of hard work, loyalty, resilience, joy and compassion in all aspects of their EAGLE Plans.

At Summit School, participation in the EAGLE program, Summit School’s schoolwide behavioral program, is paramount to student success. Actively self-reflecting and changing their mindsets for a fresh start each class period, while not easy, is something Summit’s students do every day. Each of those days add up into an entire school year that reflects their hard work and the progress they have made. Students who have logged the most time on the Excellence Level of the EAGLE program are considered for the annual Excellence Award.

Joining Summit School to present Millie and Treyson with their awards were Mike’s wife, Nancy Polchopek, and their three children, Jennifer, Ame, and David. After the awards presentation and all-school assembly, award winners, their families, the Polchopek Family, and honored guests, enjoyed a breakfast celebration at Southern Belles in Carpentersville.

“Mike Polchopek served Summit School for more than 20 years with a deep passion for our students and support of our staff,” said Steve Baldwin, Summit School, Inc. President and CEO. “He guided our program through growth and changes with a wisdom and kindness that was unparalleled. He touched our lives personally and collectively in a way that made us feel appreciated, empowered and loved. His work with Summit’s programs impacted thousands of lives.”

Mike’s influence continues today as an inspiration for the Excellence Award and to the students who strive to achieve the award each year.

Summit School is a private therapeutic special education program serving an average of 60 students from throughout northern Illinois. For more information about Summit School, visit www.summitinc.org.