JTHS Bridge Builder Mary White receives INSPRA Award

The statewide Distinguished Service Awards program honors those whose efforts have enhanced education and conveyed its importance to the community on behalf of their schools and districts.

JTHS Bridge Builder Minister Mary White has been selected as a recipient of an Award of Excellence in the Community Member category as part of the 2020 Distinguished Service Awards Program sponsored by the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (INSPRA). White was nominated for this prestigious award by Kristine Schlismann, JTHS Director of Community & Alumni Relations.

The statewide Distinguished Service Awards program honors those whose efforts have enhanced education and conveyed its importance to the community on behalf of their schools and districts.

When Minister Mary White approached the Joliet Township High School Community and Alumni Relations Director with her desire to support grandparents who are raising grandchildren, the school district did not hesitate to embark on a partnership that would meet the needs of a vastly underserved population.

Mary immediately became a member of the district’s Bridge Builder Ambassador Program to serve as a trusted key communicator and bridge between the school and families. As a grandmother raising her granddaughter, Mary knows first-hand the needs of grandparents and brings a wealth of encouragement and support.

The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren meetings are open to all grandparents. Meetings feature presenters that provide valuable information from community organizations, and legislators are scheduled to attend so they can understand the grandparent’s needs.

The second half of the meetings include candid conversations and an outlet to voice frustrations and to share victories. Mary sends inspirational messages to the grandparents throughout the week.

Mary plans special events for the grandparents such as the Grandparents Spa Day where the grandparents were pampered while their grandchildren were in the room next door participating in activities provided by the library.

Schlismann said, “Word is spreading, and area superintendents and principals have reached out with referrals for the group. JTHS is fortunate to take part in this amazing program that fills such a great need.”