Plainfield School District Names Awards of Excellence Winners

The District 202 community is invited to help honor 14 exceptional educators and staff members who have significantly impacted their students, schools and the community.

The District 202 Board of Education will host its 25th Annual Awards of Excellence at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 23, in the auditorium at Plainfield South High School, 7800 W. Caton Farm Road. A reception with light refreshments will follow the ceremony.

The Awards of Excellence honor teachers and non-administrative staff who have significantly impacted the lives of their students and peers.

A committee of three Board members and the Board’s community ambassador picks the Awards of Excellence winners from nominations from students, staff and parents. The Board of Education has honored 370 individuals since 1993 with Awards of Excellence.

“Once again we are very pleased to recognize staff members who represent the excellence that we see in all of our staff,” said Board of Education member Rod Westfall, a member of the Board recognition committee.

“We are very proud of their commitment and dedication to students, our schools and the community,” Wesfall said.

The Board will also give two special awards that recognize community members for significant community service and volunteerism:

• The Richard Ira Jones award will be given to Plainfield Academy Principal Tod Schnowske, who has been very active in numerous community service organizations;
• The winner of the Elizabeth “Bess” Eichelberger award will be revealed at the ceremony.

Finally, the Board will present the 2nd annual Cheryl Ricciardi Exceptional Student Service Award to Wesmere Elementary School social worker Kelly Hinthorn.

The 2017 Awards of Excellence winners are:

¨ Timber Ridge Middle School band director Virginia Baker – a parent wrote, “Ms. Baker has a true passion and pride for what she does and a genuine interest in her students’ happiness and development of their potential. She goes above and beyond with her time and efforts to make every opportunity available for the students to have success and genuinely cares about their well-being.”

¨ Plainfield North High School Social Studies teacher Amber Bell – a student wrote, “With my spirits and confidence lagging, as in my eyes I had failed to thrive in the AP environment, Ms. Bell gave me the encouragement I needed to understand that not all things are a sign of failure, but instead a sign of knowing your own limits. She helped me to believe in myself and my abilities as a student again.”

¨ Ridge Elementary 4th grade teacher Greg Bollinger – a parent wrote, “He pushed (my son) to try harder, he found out what he was passionate about and used that to teach him. He encourage him to do his best and celebrated his successes, no matter how small they were. My son worked so hard in his class, he never wanted to let him down.”

¨ Plainfield South High School newspaper advisor Caroline Butler – a student wrote, “Mrs. Butler makes a conscious effort to help her students grow as intellectuals as well as people. She dedicates much of her after-school time to running the newspaper and girls' golf team. She wants the best for her students and does her best to make sure they receive it.”

¨ Plainfield North High School copy clerk Colleen Clark – a coworker wrote, She has done her best to minimize the impact of (the complications of a transition to a new copier system) on staff, and for that, I am so grateful. Colleen is always kind, patient, and accommodating, even when I know she is under pressure. I am proud to call her a colleague!”

¨ Charles Reed Elementary School Special Education teacher Erica Foley – a parent wrote, “(Her son) Cameron is no longer anxious about going to school and getting up for school is not a battle because he looks forward to learning in Miss Foley’s classroom. She has truly made a connection with him.”

¨ Timber Ridge Middle School Special Education teacher Hannah Golz – a student wrote, Ms. Golz…helped me stay out of trouble and helped me get in better classes for me. School is hard for me, but she is always nice to me and always helps me even when I'm difficult. She helped me get better grades and helped me not be a jerk anymore.”

¨ Plainfield Academy Therapeutic Academic Program teacher Stephen Hicks – a parent wrote, “He has a special gift for teaching. Mr. Hicks finds a variety of fun and interesting ways to keep his students engaged and learning in his classroom. He has positive energy, attitude and quotes to motivate students and staff throughout the day. I am forever grateful for the inspiration and mentor that Mr. Hicks has been to my son.”

¨ Plainfield High School – Central Campus Social Studies teacher Darren Kobliska – a coworker wrote, “He makes great connections with his students and is always going the extra mile to help young people. He has a humble, quiet personality that works perfectly when motivating young people. He is an excellent role model for both his students, and our staff. He is the model employee and always willing to help out in any situation.”

¨ Walker’s Grove Elementary School 5th grade teacher Bailey Mast – a parent wrote, “At a time when the curriculum demands so much from our teachers, Miss Mast manages to reach the students in ways that lead to success. She promotes self-confidence through opportunity and enthusiastic positive feedback. And most notably, she does NOT allow any of the students to fall through the cracks.”

¨ Timber Ridge Middle School 7th grade Math teacher Sarah Price – a student wrote, “I am not the greatest at math but she always seems to help me understand anything I may be confused on. It’s not just me though, she helps all of our class. Out of all the teachers I've had throughout my life so far, Mrs. Price has been my favorite.”

¨ Plainfield East High School Science teacher Emily Roth – a student wrote, “As a high school senior, I am pursuing a college track of studies within a dual degree of physics and engineering. Ms. Roth is responsible for fueling my passion for this career. Students hope to have her as a teacher...that speaks volumes to her reputation within the school.”

¨ Freedom Elementary School Special Education teacher Shannon Smith – a parent wrote, “Mrs. Smith makes us feel like my son is her only student, when in reality we all know that is not the case! Not only is she working with my son and his learning issues, she also has several other students all with different learning/medical issues. I think it truly takes a special person to work with these kiddos and engage them to want to learn.”

¨ Plainfield Academy Dean of Students Jon Zarzycki – a coworker wrote, “When you first see Mr. Z you will see… a combination of a hard core Harley-Davidson Rider and a member of the ZZ Top Band. When you talk to Mr. Z. you will hear a true professional that deeply cares about his students, his co-workers and the work he does. You will hear a man of integrity and wisdom that is guided by what is best for students in all his decisions.”

Submitted by District 202