The District 202 Board of Education honored 24 exceptional educational staff and community members at its 33rd annual Awards of Excellence Ceremony on April 9, 2025.
The Awards of Excellence honors teachers and non-administrative staff who have significantly impacted their students, schools, and the community. The Board will present 20 Awards of Excellence to district staff members this year.
A committee of three Board members and the Board’s two community ambassadors selects the Awards of Excellence winners from nominations submitted by students, staff, and parents. The Board has honored more than 500 individuals since the Award’s inception in 1993.
“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,” said Board of Education President Rod Westfall, chairperson of the Board’s recognition committee.
The Board will also present the:
Cheryl Ricciardi Exceptional Student Service Award to Anya Herlien, social worker, Creekside Elementary School.
Richard Ira Jones Memorial Award to Dr. Kathy Baxter, retired District 202 administrator and current school board member.
Elizabeth “Bess” Eichelberger Award to Dr. Deb Coberley, Principal at Lincoln Elementary School
Lane Abrell Award to Tim Albores, Director of Student Services - High School and ED/Alternative Programs.
The 2025 Awards of Excellence winners are (in alphabetical order):
Sevgi Acik, Plainfield South High School
Heidi Beiler, Plainfield Academy
Kaela Bonow, Creekside Elementary School
Jill Brown, John F. Kennedy Middle School
Kris Bruno, Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
Lynnette Dattomo, Lincoln Elementary School
Clara Dominguez, Plainfield South High School
Janine Dwyer, Lincoln Elementary School
Emma Garner, Liberty Elementary School
Heather Joy, Drauden Point Middle School
Kimberly Jurani, Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
Laura Klima, Grand Prairie Elementary School
Alfonso Lopez, Aux Sable Middle School
Patty McNamara, Bonnie McBeth Early Learning Center at Wallin Oaks Elementary School
Gina Negrete, Plainfield East High School
Dan Schmitt, John F. Kennedy Middle School
Peggy Staszak, Aux Sable Middle School
Christine Torres, Plainfield East High School
Lindsey Waldorf, Ridge Elementary School
Denise Wilson, Creekside Elementary School