D140 Board of Ed Celebrates Students and Staff at May Meeting

At the May Board of Education meeting, several D140 students and staff were recognized for their contributions to D140’s school communities.

Prairie View Students Earn Top Honors at SWIC Declamation Competition

The Board of Education recognized four Prairie View Declamation team members for their impressive showings at the Southwest Interscholastic Conference (SWIC) competition.

Congratulations to:

• 1st Place, Humorous Duet – Kevin Foley (7th Grade) and Liam Gallivan (8th Grade)
• 2nd Place, Humorous Interpretation – Allison Birrell (7th Grade)
• 3rd Place, Dramatic Interpretation – Jayden House (8th Grade)

Coached by Mr. Mauer and Mr. Oganovich, Declamation is a highly competitive speech event that gives students the opportunity to express themselves through persuasive, comedic, or dramatic performances. The competition features six categories: Humorous Duet, Verse Interpretation, Prose Interpretation, Dramatic Interpretation, Humorous Interpretation, and Oratorical Declamation. Performances range from three to seven minutes and are judged on vocal variety, eye contact, gestures, and articulation.

KSD 140 Students Excel at 2025 South Cook Math Bowl

Seven outstanding D140 mathematicians were celebrated for their first-place and MVP performances at the South Cook Math Bowl. This annual event features the best math students from elementary and middle schools in the south and southwest suburbs competing in individual and team events.

Congratulations to Jonathan Awadallah. (Millennium), Chris Bonny (Keller), Victoria Chamis (Bannes), Tommy Fazekas (Prairie View), Landon Horton (Millennium), Ethan Moline (Millennium), and Emmett Walsh (Grissom).

Band Students Celebrated for Leadership and Performance Contributions

The Board of Education recognized several middle school musicians for their leadership and performance contributions to D140's band program. These students were celebrated for their exemplary performances at the IGSMA Solo & Ensemble Contest and their outstanding contributions to the IGSMA State Contest, where the District’s band program received Superior rankings.

Congratulations to:

6th Grade: Alexandria Brousil (GMS), Kendall Churms (GMS), Ariana Conrad (PV), Heidi Malec (GMS), Rorric Olson (GMS), Evan Panagiotopoulos (PV), Marianna Panagiotopoulos (PV), Maddie Pond (GMS), Max Przepiora (GMS), Talia Sweis (PV), William Vasich (PV), and Madelynne Wood (PV)

7th Grade: Alex Ashley (GMS), Lukas Bort (GMS), Charlotte Buda (PV), Ella Galati (PV), Liam Losselyoung (GMS), Allen Mech (PV), Adam Michalek (PV), Andrew Ryan (PV), Judah Slager (PV), Kristupas Stankevicius (GMS), Lucas Strand (GMS), and Emmett Walsh (GMS)

8th Grade: Benjamin Balediata (PV), William Bonny (GMS), Colin Boyle (PV), Olivia Carmody (GMS), Elizabeth Cruikshank (GMS), Daniel Kleinmark (GMS), Roxanne Moraga (GMS), June Murray (PV), Katherine Otokiti (PV), Damien Robinson (PV), Joshua Windle (GMS), and Ella Mae Wong (PV)

KSD 140’s Mike Szczasny Honored as Outstanding Music Educator

Band Director Mike Szczasny was celebrated for receiving the Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator Award from Quinlan and Fabish Music Company.

This prestigious award, given since 1989, celebrates exceptional music educators across the Chicagoland and Michiana regions. Recipients are nominated by peers and selected by past honorees for their lasting impact on music education.

Congratulations and Thank You to D140 Retirees

The Board of Education also recognized several retiring staff members. Their contributions have enriched D140’s school communities, and the district is deeply grateful for their years of service and dedication to its students and families.

• Julie Bekta - 22 years
• Kathleen Dunigan - 11 years
• Natalie Jones - 2 years
• Marilyn Jordan - 28 years
• Lisa Otto - 33 years
• Carolyn Mikos - 21 years
• Kathleen Skupien - 18 years
• Annette Szczasny - 27 years
• Therese Welser - 4 years