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Several Members of the District 97 Community Earn Those Who Excel Awards

August 30, 2012

Several members of the District 97 community have earned awards in conjunction with the Illinois State Board of Education’s “Those Who Excel” educator recognition program. Below are the names of the winners, the type of award they received and a quote about each of them that was provided by the individual(s) who nominated them.

  • Elyse Smith, teacher at Longfellow Elementary School (Award of Excellence) - “She works hard for her students, for their parents, for her school, for her district, and for the community.”
  • Frank DiPaolo, building engineer at Irving Elementary School (Award of Meritorious Service) - “He is a key part of why they (our students) are excited to come to school each day and why they remember Irving so fondly after they graduate.”
  • Alanna Sullivan, community volunteer (Award of Meritorious Service) - "Whether sorting Thursday packets, managing the Rocket into Reading program, or serving on the School Improvement Team, IMP.A.C.T., and PTO, Alanna has truly given of herself during the past nine years to benefit our students and their families. She is a worker bee extraordinaire who has never sought the spotlight; she is irreplaceable."
  • Megan VerVynck, teacher at Brooks Middle School (Award of Meritorious Service) - “Megan knows that all of her students can be successful, and makes sure they know it as well. She is truly a professional who demonstrates excellence in the classroom and the community.”
  • Karen Foleno, student support specialist at Beye Elementary School (Award of Special Recognition) - “Karen has an incomparable work ethic, always going above and beyond what is required with thoughtfulness and enthusiasm, while modeling teamwork and reflection in her approach to tasks and interventions."
  • The Technology Team at Mann Elementary School (Award of Special Recognition) - "We owe this technology team an award for envisioning a new kind of classroom, persevering, and partnering with parents and District 97 to help our children realize their fullest potential.”

They will be among the individuals honored at a banquet being held in Normal, IL on October 20, 2012.

The “Those Who Excel” program annually recognizes and honors people who have made outstanding contributions to public and non-public elementary and secondary education. You can access additional information about the program by visiting http://www.isbe.state.il.us/those_who_excel.htm.

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