The District 202 honored 24 exceptional educators at its 26th annual Awards of Excellence Ceremony on April 4.
The Awards of Excellence honor teachers and non-administrative staff who have significantly impacted their students, schools and the community.
A committee of two Board members and the Board’s two community ambassadors picks the Awards of Excellence winners from nominations from students, staff and parents. The Board of Education has honored 384 individuals since the Award’s inception in 1993.
“District 202 is very fortunate to have many talented, passionate and dedicated staff teaching our students and supporting our families and community,” said Board of Education member Rod Westfall, chairperson of the Board’s recognition committee.
“It is the Board’s great pleasure each year to recognize and honor a sampling of our excellent staff,” Westfall said.
The Board will also give two special awards that recognize community members for significant community service and volunteerism:
District 202 Technology Administrator Margie Bonuchi will receive the Richard Ira Jones award.
Central Elementary School Principal Linda DiLeo will receive the Elizabeth “Bess” Eichelberger award.
Finally, Mary Ellen Miller, clinical director for the District 202 Therapeutic Academic Program (TAP) will receive the 3rd annual Cheryl Ricciardi Exceptional Student Service Award.
The 2018 Awards of Excellence winners are:
Wesmere Elementary School kindergarten teacher Joyce Ansel
Indian Trail Middle School 8th grade social studies teacher Amy Bishop
Plainfield High School – Central Campus math teacher Lynn Bond
Wesmere Elementary School special education teacher Sue Carpentier
Plainfield High School – Central Campus math teacher Lynda Clark
Plainfield High School – Central Campus math teacher Matt Clark
Ira Jones Middle School reading specialist Karen Domabyl
Indian Trail Middle School art teacher Pam Dujlovich
Plainfield East High School English teacher Kady Fairfield
Heritage Grove Middle School choir director Jannica Fredrick
River View Elementary School kindergarten teacher Julie Kandell
Plainfield North High School guidance counselor Renee Koziol
Plainfield South High School world language division chair Maggie Lay
Lincoln Elementary School kindergarten teacher Linda Merdian
Bonnie McBeth Learning Center teacher Kelsey Miller
Eagle Pointe Elementary School music teacher Deborah Nelson
Walker’s Grove Elementary School physical education teacher Dana Olson
Plainfield East High School special education teacher Kristin Schmitt
Ridge Elementary School fourth grade teacher Ann Smelser
River View Elementary School media clerk Marsha Spidle
John F. Kennedy Middle School band director Chris Vanderwall