Latest news with #AwardofSpecialRecognition
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Community news: Nazareth Academy hosts FISH Prom, Leyden teachers lauded, and more
Forty people 13 to 21 years old attended the seventh annual FISH Prom for Teens with Disabilities recently at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park. The Campus Ministry Department invites previous attendees and spreads the word via local organizations that work with teens who have developmental disabilities. The event is free but attendees don't need to bring a date. Each guest is accompanied by a Nazareth student 'buddy' and receives a photo and flowers, followed by two hours of games, dancing and food. More than 100 Nazareth students, faculty, staff and community members volunteer for the semiannual event. The prom, which first took place in 2011, was inspired by ASPIRE of Illinois and the Nazareth Friends in Service and Hospitality Service Team, or FISH. 'That night, when young adults walk up the green carpet dressed up like stars and dance the night away, their smiles and laughter fill my heart with happiness,' Nazareth Social Studies Department Chairman Anthony Gonzalez shared in a news release. 'Their excitement at experiencing what every teen should reminds me of why I am in education and why I love being involved at Nazareth.' Teachers Teagan Lyke and Eric McFadden of Leyden High School District 212 have been honored by the Illinois State Board of Education as part of its Those Who Excel program. Lyke, who focuses on vocational training and independent living skills in the special education department, earned an Award of Excellent in Early Career Educator. She's been with the school since 2021. Recognized teachers must have 'demonstrated a commitment to equity and to the success of students,' a news release noted, as well as collaborating with students, colleagues and families and being lifelong learners 'who connect their schools to the community at large and who inspire other education professionals within and beyond their schools.' McFadden, who began as a substitute at Leyden in 2005 and joined the staff in 2007, received the Award of Special Recognition as a Classroom Teacher. He focuses on video game design and digital literacy in the business department. His award is given to educators who 'are valued members of their school community who have been recognized by their colleagues, students, families, and administrators for the skills, passions, and talents they bring to their school community,' the release shared. Learn how to make the medicine go down when Hinsdale Central High School Drama presents 'Mary Poppins, the Broadway Musical' Performances are at 6 p.m. April 24, 25 and 26 and at 1 p.m. April 27 at the school, 5500 S. Grant St., Hinsdale. A holiday party with a character meet and greet is planned after the Sunday matinee. Children and families can meet the cast, explore the sets and enjoy treats and snacks. The musical is based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the film by Walt Disney. Tickets cost $20 for regular admission and $10 for organization group sales and students in kindergarten through 12th grade. They are available at The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association's Monday Enrichment Series offers 'Suffrage Song: The Haunted History of Gender, Race, and Voting Rights in America' at 1:15 p.m. April 28 in the second-floor ballroom at its building, 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. Featured speaker Caitlin Cass, an author and illustrator, will read excerpts from her book and share images from the process. The Oak Park River Forest High School graduate, a cartoonist and installation artist, publishes 'Great Moments in Western Civilization Postal Constituent,' a bimonthly comic periodical. The Monday Enrichment Series, which features art, literature, science, social sciences and music, is free to the public although donations will be accepted. The association was established in 1891 by a group of women who believed charitable activities, civic involvement and education were vital for a community to thrive. Information is at New York Times bestselling author Cole Arthur Riley will give a lecture and book signing at 6 p.m April 25 on the University of Chicago campus in Swift Hall, 1025 E. 58th St., Chicago. The writer, poet and culture critic is being hosted by the Martin Marty Center for the Public Understanding of Religion at the University of Chicago Divinity School. A reception follows, and copies of Riley's books will be available to buy before and after the lecture. Riley wrote 'This Here Flesh: Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories that Make Us' and 'Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Staying Human.' Her writing has been featured in 'The Atlantic,' 'The Washington Post' and 'Guernica.' Riley is also the creator and writer of Black Liturgies, a project that integrates spiritual practice with Black emotion, Black literature, and the Black body. RSVP at Information is at 773-702-7049. Send news to pioneerwest@
Chicago Tribune
20-02-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
South Elgin High School teacher announced as one of 30 finalists for 2025 Golden Apple Award
A South Elgin High School teacher is among 30 finalists for a 2025 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching, and nine other U-46 educators are among more than 500 being honored by the Illinois State Board of Education. Matthew Erbach teaches civil engineering, architecture and precision manufacturing courses at South Elgin, according to a news release from the nonprofit Golden Apple Foundation. A teacher for nearly 20 years, Erbach was the second-place winner in 2018 and one of 54 finalists in 2017 in the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, the release said. He also was an an Illinois State Board of Education Award of Meritorious Service honoree in 2024. Erbach has a bachelor's degree in teaching from Northern Illinois University and a master's degree in workforce development from Southern Illinois University, according to the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools website. In the Golden Apple news release, one of Erbach's colleagues said his passion and expertise, in addition to the positive impact and support he extends to students, serves as a 'benchmark for quality, surpassing many other manufacturing programs in the state.' Golden Apple Award winners will be announced in spring. Northwestern University provides a free spring sabbatical to award recipients and each receives a $5,000 cash award. The finalists were culled from more than 470 nominations, according to a foundation news release. Award recipients also become Fellows of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, a group of educators who help prepare the next generation of teachers in Golden Apple Scholars and Accelerators programs, which are initiatives dedicated to addressing the teacher shortage in Illinois. 'Great teachers change lives. These finalists exemplify the dedication and passion that define exceptional teaching,' Alan Mather, president of Golden Apple, said in the release. 'Their commitment to fostering student growth and inspiring a love for learning enriches not only their classrooms but also the entire educational community. We are honored to recognize their invaluable contributions.' In the awards announced by the state board of education, nine Those Who Excel honorees are employed by Elgin-based District U-46. They are: Kimberly Blazek — second-grade teacher at Centennial Elementary School, Award of Excellence; Patricia Briones — project access coordinator, Award of Special Recognition; Jill Gerovac — math teacher at Eastview Middle School, Award of Excellence; Angela Ginnan — principal at Eastview Middle School, Award of Meritorious Service; Paul Kowalyszyn — English teacher and instructional coach at Streamwood High School, Award of Meritorious Service; Lela Majstorovic — deputy superintendent of instruction, Award of Meritorious Service; Rafael Martinez-Ortiz — associate principal at Dream Academy, Award of Special Recognition; Jose Mora — world languages teacher at South Elgin High School (Award of Special Recognition; Angela Rojas — early childhood teacher at Independence Center for Early Learning, Award of Special Recognition. According to the ISBE website, the Award of Excellence is the most prestigious of the honors, followed by the Award of Meritorious Service and the Award of Special Recognition. For more information on the awards, go to and
