D230 Foundation earn recognition

The District 230 Foundation was listed among the annual Illinois State Board of Education Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards honorees for their extraordinary contributions to education across the state. The D230 Foundation was awarded a Special Recognition award.

The annual awards celebrate incredible classroom teachers, administrators, teams, volunteers, and school support personnel who have made lasting impacts on the students, families, and fellow educators in their school communities. The awardees will be celebrated at a banquet on April 29.

By providing more than $400,000 to support nearly 150 projects over the past 16 years, the D230 Foundation has made a significant impact on students' education. These grants support hundreds of students, including special needs students, in diverse and wide-ranging academic spheres. Grants have supported social studies, art, foreign language, sports medicine, democracy, special services, science, literacy, college preparation, character development, international studies, environmental awareness, business, physical education, family and community connections, and so much more.

Stagg High School English/EL teacher and grant recipient Amal Ribhi Abdellatif said, ”With this grant, I was able to organize an English language Learners' Assembly for the very first time in our district. Through this assembly, the students displayed their culturally diverse backgrounds and personal talents, as well. The D230 Foundation supported an event which, in my memory, is truly one of the happiest days of my life. The families and students felt honored and celebrated, as well.”

In addition to teacher grants, there have been dozens of scholarships provided to D230 students over the years. Through the Foundation, the administrators of District 230 formally recognize one senior at each campus who approaches academics with an open mind and rises to the challenge of the highest standards of excellence, represents the very best that their school has to offer through co-curricular involvement and achievement and demonstrates leadership in representing their fellow students, their school, and their community.

D230 Foundation scholarship recipient Katherine Watzke, Class of 2022 Andrew High School graduate and current University of Illinois-Chicago engineering student said, “Earning a D230 scholarship made a significant difference in my first semester costs, so that I do not need to work a part-time job this semester, giving me more time and focus for my studies. The award of the D230 Foundation scholarship gave me confidence that someone recognized my high school achievements and all my hard work.”

District 230 Superintendent Dr. Robert Nolting congratulated the Foundation and added, “The District 230 Foundation is a partnership between community volunteers and school leaders to provide educational opportunities and services for students beyond what the typical budget can fund. Led by volunteers who know the impact and importance of a quality education and who live and breathe the selflessness of service for others, the D230 Foundation is successfully meeting and exceeding its mission.”

Thank your present and past D230 Foundation Board members. Current members include:
Ann Oliver, President
Bob Keane, Vice President
Andy Stefo, Treasurer
Andrea Ramirez Justin, Secretary
Susan Larson Spencer, Board Member
Mike Rummery, Board Member
Dave O'Connor, D230 School Board Liaison
Dr. Bob Nolting, D230 Superintendent
Heather Gordon, Executive Director