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The District 202 Board of Education is set to honor 24 outstanding educational staff and community members at its 33rd annual Awards of Excellence Ceremony. The event will take place on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of Plainfield High School-Central Campus in Plainfield. The ceremony is open to the public.
The Awards of Excellence are given to teachers and non-administrative staff who have made a significant impact on their students, schools, and the community. This year, 20 district staff members will receive these awards.
A selection committee comprising three Board members and two community ambassadors chooses the winners from nominations submitted by students, staff, and parents. Since 1993, the Board has recognized over 500 individuals.
“The Board of Education is very proud of all of our staff and the tremendous work they do every day, every year, to serve our students and families,” stated Board of Education President Rod Westfall, who also chairs the Board’s recognition committee.
The ceremony will also present several special awards. Anya Herlien, a social worker at Creekside Elementary School, will receive the Cheryl Ricciardi Exceptional Student Service Award. Dr. Kathy Baxter, a retired District 202 administrator and current school board member, will be honored with the Richard Ira Jones Memorial Award. Dr. Deb Coberley, Principal at Lincoln Elementary School, will receive the Elizabeth “Bess” Eichelberger Award, and Tim Albores, Director of Student Services - High School and ED/Alternative Programs, will be presented with the Lane Abrell Award.
The 2025 Awards of Excellence recipients include:
- Sevgi Acik from Plainfield South High School
- Heidi Beiler from Plainfield Academy
- Kaela Bonow from Creekside Elementary School
- Jill Brown from John F. Kennedy Middle School
- Kris Bruno from Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
- Lynette Dattomo from Lincoln Elementary School
- Clara Dominguez from Plainfield South High School
- Janine Dwyer from Lincoln Elementary School
- Emma Garner from Liberty Elementary School
- Heather Joy from Drauden Point Middle School
- Kimberly Jurani from Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
- Laura Klima from Grand Prairie Elementary School
- Alfonso Lopez from Aux Sable Middle School
- Patty McNamara from Bonnie McBeth Early Learning Center at Wallin Oaks Elementary School
- Gina Negrete from Plainfield East High School
- Dan Schmitt from John F. Kennedy Middle School
- Peggy Staszak from Aux Sable Middle School
- Christine Torres from Plainfield East High School
- Lindsey Waldorf from Ridge Elementary School
- Denise Wilson from Creekside Elementary School
