INSPRA Recognizes D228 Staff Members at Distinguished Service Awards

The Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (INSPRA) honored 35 public education individuals and teams for their outstanding communications work at INSPRA’s annual Distinguished Service Awards luncheon at the Bolingbrook Golf Club on Friday, May 5. Two Bremen District 228 staff members were among those recognized at this special event.

Bremen High School Teacher, Coach and Sponsor Terry Stephens received an award in the Faculty/Certified Staff category. He was nominated by Bremen Principal Dave Kibelkis. Dr. Kibelkis had this to say about Mr. Stephens in his nomination. "Terry Stephens is a 1969 graduate of Bremen High School. He has worked for Bremen High School District 228 for 43 years. Stephens raised his children in the Bremen community that he loves and served as Mayor of Midlothian from 2009-2013. Terry Stephens gets it – he loves kids and kids love him! That makes them want to learn what he is teaching. Terry will be retiring at the end of the school year and when asked what he enjoyed most about the job, his response was, 'Being part of the lives of the friendliest, most thoughtful and generous kids in the world.' Recently, Stephens’ NHS students wanted to attend the 2017 LEAD Conference. Terry picked up the balance of the students’ expenses so they did not miss the opportunity. This year, Terry received a Teacher Tribute Initiative Award from Stanford University. He was nominated because he “played a significant role in the intellectual, academic, and personal development” of one of his students. This news became a Facebook post that received 18,837 views and 77 congratulatory comments. Terry Stephens loves his students, parents and community. He understands that communicating with and supporting these precious stakeholders makes all the difference in making our communities successful places to live, raise a family and educate children. Mr. Terry Stephens exemplifies the type of individual that would receive an INSPRA Distinguished Service Award."

Mrs. Phyllis Becker, Hillcrest High School's Secretary to the Principal, received an award in the Support Staff category. Principal, Renee Simms nominated Mrs. Becker for the award and had this to say in her nomination, "Mrs. Phyllis Becker has worked in various positions in Bremen District 228 during her 17 years of employment, most recently as Assistant to the Principal at Hillcrest High School. With each change in position, she was chosen not only because of her qualifications but also for the qualities she brought to the table. Phyllis is an important and trusted person, one of the most important persons on my team. She has an outstanding ability to troubleshoot, resolve issues and be a calming force for all. She goes out of her way to welcome guests and staff, and she has helped re-brand the school by building relationships with the community. Mrs. Becker’s efforts include organizing events and getting community and business support to serve as sponsors and partners in our endeavors. Currently, she is assisting with the school’s 50th Anniversary Gala. During the holiday season, Phyllis is always mindful of the school’s families by organizing special events to honor employees who have been ill and by trimming holiday trees with tributes to families and loved ones. She also assists with honoring families that have members in the military. Mrs. Becker has great relationships with the community, from caterers to elected officials and students to residents without children in our schools. Her efforts are invaluable. Mrs. Becker has provided a deep understanding of the importance of positive relationships in her years of service to District 228.

“INSPRA is very happy and proud to recognize and honor this year’s recipients for their excellent communications about public education,” said INSPRA President Ryan McPherrin. “These awards rightly highlight some of the many people who help our families and taxpayers understand the vital role of public education. This work is more important now than ever,” McPherrin said.

The mission of INSPRA is to provide a source of connection, collaboration and professional development for school communicators in order to strengthen support for Illinois public schools, which leads to greater student success. Workshops and programs take place throughout the year, providing opportunities for members to learn and grow in their craft. The Distinguished Service Awards luncheon is a highlight of the year.