Peoria counselor honored for outstanding student support
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Michaura Pittman works every school day at Manual High to make sure she actively listens to her students. She wants them to feel seen and heard.
'It's pretty cool to be able to help them with their academics, help them socially and emotionally, as well as preparing for college,' said Counselor Michaura Pittman. 'I remember being in this position my senior year waiting to start my college career so it's pretty cool to be on the other end helping students through that.'
She's spent six years as a counselor within Peoria Public School's district. The last two of those at Manual, which she said is a full circle moment.
'It's very rewarding to be able to pour into the lives of students who are in the same neighborhoods that I live in or grew up in,' said Pittman. 'It's very rewarding to be able to serve alongside the many of staff members at PPS.'
Pittman recently received the 40 Leaders under 40 Award for her dedication to helping Peoria youth. She said she's proud of her impact, both professionally and personally.
'It's very fulfilling to be able to help students in the capacity that my school counselors once helped me with,' said Pittman. 'I'm able to help in a manner that they may not have those resources and I'm able to provide those resources, so it's very fulfilling.'
She wants to leave a positive legacy for the students who walk through Manual's halls and in the community through her work with Big Brothers Big Sisters and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.
'When they look back on their high school years here at Manual High School, [I hope] that they remember me as being a influential role model in their lives. As someone who helped pave the way for them. Someone who will help motivate and encourage them along the way to accomplish their goals.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
American Legion Post 2 holds annual D-Day remembrance ceremony
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — American Legion Post 2 held its annual D-Day remembrance ceremony Friday, marking the 81 years since Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, a turning point in World War II. The ceremony took place at 10 a.m. along the Peoria Riverfront next to the RiverPlex, where Legion members gathered to honor the bravery and sacrifice of those who took part in the largest amphibious invasion in history. On June 6, 1944, approximately 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily fortified French coastline to confront Nazi Germany. The operation was supported by over 5,000 ships and 13,000 aircraft. By the end of the day, the Allies had established a critical foothold in continental Europe but at a steep cost. More than 4,700 Allied forces died that, about 2,000 of them being Americans. Gary Hall, the service officer for Post 2, delivered remarks during the ceremony, underscoring the importance of remembering those who served. 'These events right here — like for D-Day — we want people to never forget what a sacrifice, what payment was made in order to keep our freedom. All gave some and some gave all,' Hall said. Notably, no members of the public attended the ceremony this year. Hall expressed disappointment in the turnout but said he understands that many people had work obligations during the morning hours. The event was held at the Military Services Memorial Plaza, continuing a long-standing tradition by Post 2 to honor those who served and to remind future generations of the cost of freedom. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Peoria Park District seek input on new playground design
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The Peoria Park District is asking the public to share their input on the future design of the Columbia Park playground. Park district staff and the Board of Trustees are asking the public to review and provide feedback on three proposed playground concepts, Park District Executive Director Emily Cahill said. 'We're asking the public to share their feedback and help us choose one of three concepts,' said Cahill. 'We are especially grateful to the City of Peoria for helping to fund this project through a Community Development Block Grant, and we want to ensure that those who consider Columbia Park their neighborhood park have a chance to shape its future.' The total cost of the project is expected to be $475,000, with construction expected to be completed by the end of the year. People interested in participating in the online survey to provide input can do so here. A public hearing will also be held at the park on June 10 from 5 to 6 p.m. Community members will be able to view the designs in person and share their thoughts directly with district staff. Feedback will be accepted through June 13. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Peoria celebrates Juneteenth with a powerful line-up of events and gatherings
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The City of Peoria is coming together to honor Juneteenth with a powerful lineup of events and a united voice. On Thursday, June 5, at 1:30 p.m., a Joint Press Conference was held at Peoria Freedom & Remembrance Memorial Park to officially kick off the community-wide celebrations. Hosted by the Peoria Park District in collaboration with key community partners—including the City of Peoria, Peoria's Miss Juneteenth Pageant, NAACP Peoria Branch, The YANI Collective, Southside Community Center, and the Heritage Ensemble—the press conference spotlighted the many events that make up Peoria's Juneteenth Week. Running from June 7 through June 21, Peoria's Juneteenth events will include parades, pageants, festivals, concerts, and gatherings that highlight Black excellence, resilience, and culture. These celebrations are aimed not only to entertain, but also to educate and unite the community through music, storytelling, art, and remembrance. Local leaders, including Mayor Rita Ali and Robert L. Johnson Sr., along with representatives from each organizing group, will speak at the press conference about the significance of Juneteenth and what each event contributes to the celebration. Event Highlights Include: • Peoria's Miss Juneteenth Pageant Saturday, June 7 | 3:00–6:00 PM | Carver Center A showcase of young Black women exemplifying leadership and cultural pride. • Ernestine Jackson Juneteenth Freedom Parade Saturday, June 14 | 12:00 PM | NAACP Peoria Branch Building A lively parade honoring the legacy of Black freedom fighters. • Juneteenth Fest: Black Wall Street Saturday, June 14 | 11:00 AM–6:00 PM | John H. Gwynn Jr. Park A vibrant festival celebrating Black entrepreneurship and culture. • 26th Annual Juneteenth Father's Day Choral Celebration Sunday, June 15 | 3:00–5:00 PM | ICC Performing Arts Center An uplifting musical tribute from the renowned Heritage Ensemble. • Jubilee Day: A Juneteenth Celebration Wednesday, June 19 | 1:00–9:00 PM | Glen Oak Park A full day of family-friendly fun, performances, and community gathering. • Freedom Fest 2025 Friday, June 21 | 12:00–4:00 PM | Trewyn Park A joyful celebration hosted by the Southside Community Center to close out the week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
