2016 Bonnie McBeth Scholarship Winner Has Dedicated Life to Special Needs Students

PLAINFIELD, IL — Darlene Harrington has a special place in her heart for children with special needs.

In fact, she has dedicated much of her professional life to teaching and helping special needs students succeed in the regular education classroom. She has a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education, and has taught special needs children both professionally and as a church volunteer for 15 years.

Now, Harrington is going back to school herself to become an even better teacher.

Harrington is the 2016 winner of the Bonnie McBeth Early Learning Scholarship. She will use the $1,500 gift to complete graduate-level training in autism and behavioral-related courses at the University of St. Francis.

Bonnie McBeth was District 202’s first kindergarten teacher in 1951. She taught kindergarten and reading and also worked as a reading specialist during her 38-year education career.

She created and endowed the annual scholarship in 2007 to support early learning teachers taking graduate-level course work in early childhood education. McBeth passed away in February 2014.

The Plainfield Foundation for Excellence – District 202’s private fundraising organization -- administers the McBeth scholarship. Foundation Trustees Ina Brixey and Pat Herman, who were both close friends of McBeth’s chose this year’s winner.

Harrington was honored to be recognized for what has long been her professional love.

“I am truly passionate about working with young children with special needs and their families, giving them the best educational environment possible,” said Harrington, who is also an active volunteer and Sunday School teacher with her church, her kids’ schools and in the community.

“I also strive to bring a ray of sunshine and hope” to her students and their families, she said.

Harrington stood out from among three excellent applicants because of her “commitment to early childhood education, her desire to seek additional training and her service to others through community involvement,” Brixey said.

“We feel that Bonnie would be pleased that she is once again helping a dedicated early childhood teacher learn new skills and strategies to help young children learn,” Brixey said.

“Darlene will carry on the fine tradition and legacy of Bonnie’s generous, thoughtful reach into the future. This scholarship honors Bonnie and in a tangible way makes a difference in many lives,” she said.

Photo Bonnie McBeth Early Learning Center teacher Darlene Harrington (center), with some of her students, is the winner of the 2016 Bonnie McBeth Early Learning Scholarship. She will use the $1,500 gift to take graduate-level training in autism and behavioral-related education. Harrington is pictured with (from left) Bonnie McBeth Principal Kristin Brower; Plainfield Foundation for Excellence Trustee Ina Brixey; Foundation Trustee Pat Herman; Bonnie McBeth Assistant Principal Lindsey Bandy; and Bonnie McBeth teacher Maria Maguire. (Courtesy of PSD 202)

Submitted by Plainfield School District 202