Two D228 Staff Members and Two Students Surprised at Board Meeting

Jack Cascone and Abby Simon (Tinley Park High School students), Jesse Tyler (Hillcrest High School custodian), and Gina Arguelles (Bremen High School Spanish teacher) were surprised at the April 21 Board of Education meeting when they received news that they will each receive an INSPRA (Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association) Distinguished Service Award of Excellence for their work in increasing communications in our schools and the community.

Jack and Abby are receiving the award for creating a program called The Panther Project. They brought the program to 8th graders at Arbor Park Middle School to provide information and answer questions that will assist in transitioning the 8th graders into the high school environment. The pair also shared the program and trained students in our other three high schools so that they could also create a similar programs.

Jesse is receiving the award for his communication skills by going out of his way to welcome students and guests to the school with a cheerful smile, a warm “hello,” and a “how can I help you”, as well as having a kind and nurturing attitude with students, pushing them to excel through academia and to get involved with extracurricular activities.

Gina is receiving the award for becoming an ambassador for Bremen High School’s Spanish speaking parents and students by creating programs and assisting with the school’s special events. Ms. Arguelles has worked hard to form relationships and provide assistance where it’s needed most. Just some of the events she has assisted with include 8th grade orientations, open houses, FAFSA workshops and financial aid nights, as well as hosting an adult ELL (English Language Learners) program.

These award recipients will be honored at INSPRA’s Distinguished Service Award banquet on May 8 at Bolingbrook Country Club. We’re so proud that all four of them will receive the top honor, an Award of Excellence!