Lake County Educator of the Year celebrated; Lt. Gov. Stratton warns about ‘Trump administration's chaos'
A crowd of more than a thousand school teachers, educators and staff were in attendance Wednesday at the fourth-annual Lake County Educator of the Year event at which Bryan Henley of Palombi Middle School was given the honor.
Lake Zurich High School sophomore student Jack Byrne, who MC-ed the event with fellow student Anna DaValle, said educators do more than just 'deliver lessons.'
'They inspire curiosity, challenge us to grow and help us become the best versions of ourselves,' Byrne said, sharing his own experience of a teacher pushing him to do better. 'She showed me real growth happens when we're put through challenges.'
Henley said it was 'a great honor' to be recognized, and he was surprised by the award. He's been a teacher for nearly 10 years, and has worked at Palombi for two years. He emphasized the importance of giving his all to the students.
'It's more whatever you put in, you'll get out of it, the amount of time and energy you give to the kids, it comes full circle,' Henley said. 'You have to remember it's all about the kids.'
But as Lake County celebrated, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton warned of unprecedented challenges facing public education from the administration of President Donald Trump.
Stratton spoke to the gathered educators, expressing how 'overjoyed' she was to recognize their work, describing them as 'critical pillars' of the community.
'You fortify curious minds and, in doing so, you help shape the perspectives of our future leaders,' she said.
She also highlighted the importance of mental health specialists, who she said make 'a difference in the lives of Illinoisians today and for generations to come.'
Stratton said they were facing difficult times, with schools being pressured to 'tailor lessons to the ideology of an extremist group.' The Trump administration has been responsible for book bans, the erasure of 'diverse voices,' the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education and the 'gutting' of mental health programs for students, Stratton said.
'At this moment in history, I find myself reaching deep into the well of courage,' she said. 'The last few years have brought so many unprecedented events that it can feel impossible to remember what was precedented in the first place,' she said. 'Our children and our educators are bearing the full weight of the Trump administration's chaos.'
Schools and educators have a 'unique opportunity' to shape with the next generation, she said. Stratton highlighted efforts by Gov. JB Pritzker to 'uplift educators,' including new financial investments, the ending of book bans and teaching 'the full and complete history of our communities.'
'You know what I see behind the slew of executive orders and intimidation tactics? I see an administration that is afraid of how access to knowledge can change lives,' Stratton said. 'When you pass on information, you ignite a spark in students. It's up to us as your leaders to help protect the future of that spark.'
Eight others were recognized Wednesday as winners in their own categories: Stacy Storey of Beulah Park Elementary as Elementary/Childhood Educator of the Year; Megan Swirsley of SEDOL 825 as Diverse Learner Teacher of the Year; Amy Smith of Oakland Elementary School as Early Career Educator of the Year; Stephanie Meek of Beach Park Middle School as School Administrator of the Year,; Yahaira Alvarez of Woodview School as Education Service Personnel of the Year; Jane Twohig of Lake Bluff Middle School as Middle School Teacher of the Year; Joe Veronese of Grant Community High School as Student Support Personnel of the Year; and Christine Zucker of Lakes Community High School as High School Teacher of the Year.
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