INSPRA Recognizes Six EPCHS Public Education Ambassadors

Public education advocates from throughout the State of Illinois were honored for the support of their local schools during the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association’s (INSPRA) annual Distinguished Service Awards (DSA) luncheon. The event took place on May 10, 2019 at Bolingbrook Golf Club.

Sixty-one individuals and teams from across the State of Illinois received INSPRA Distinguished Service Awards in seven categories. School communicators from 13 states judged the entries against a criteria of excellence, and only those receiving top scores received awards. Six individuals from Evergreen Park Community High School received an INSPRA Distinguished Service Award.

Mr. Ray Schellenberger, School Counselor, received an Award of Excellence in the Faculty/Certified Staff Category. His desire to promote the positive at EPCHS and support students and staff led him to create proactive relationships, work with career exploration and internships, the Student Assistance Team, and the Student Leadership Team. He also is the school’s Snowball Director and his ability to relate to students and parents has been key to the program becoming the largest extra-curricular at EPCHS.

Ms. Amari Brown received an Award of Merit in the Student Category. Amari was recognized for working as a Student Ambassador to the Board of Education as well as her work with the Principals Advisory Committee and Snowball. Amari was also recognized for her outstanding people skills, helping others to build self-confidence, and providing service to her community.

Ms. Serene Dorgan received an Award of Merit in the Support Staff Category. Ms. Dorgan received the award for her work as the school’s Guidance Secretary and Registrar because she goes above and beyond to help those in need to find resources and other forms of assistance. At school, Ms. Dorgan also participates on the Scholarship Board, Student Leadership Team, Sunshine Committee and Snowball. Known as a true humanitarian, Serene volunteers at local shelters and her church.

In the Administrator Category, Mrs. Deb Schillo received an Award of Merit for her work as Curriculum Director. Mrs. Schillo was nominated for considering all voices while creating programs for students, professional development for staff, and working with parents. The Bridge Program, new teacher mentoring, and student teacher programs are just a few of the ways Mrs. Schillo works hard to maintain the EPCHS status as an excellent high school.

Ms. Teri Schulte received an Award of Merit in the Parent Category. She was honored for being an advocate for EPCHS well before her children were of high school age, choosing EPCHS for them over the many nearby private schools. She continues to support the school by working as a very active member of the STamPede Booster Club and the Alumni Foundation. She understands how important it is to advocate for the students and community and does not hesitate to tell anyone how great it is to be a resident of the Evergreen Park school community.

In the Board of Education Category, Mr. Tom Sinon received an Award of Merit. Mr. Sinon and both of his daughters are graduates of EPCHS and he has dedicated many years working to improve upon all of the good things already going on in the school. Through positive public relations, Mr. Sinon has served on many school committees as well as the Board of Education. For many years, he organized two major events including the Jim Ryan Memorial Scholarship for a senior student’s volunteer efforts and the Evergreen Park Village Thanksgiving where volunteers provide 1,000+ meals to senior citizens, shut-ins, veterans, and those in need.

“I am so proud of our INSPRA Distinguished Service Award recipients,” said Superintendent O’Malley. “They constantly work to create and support programs and build positive relationships that make Evergreen Park Community High School a great place to receive an outstanding education.”