27-03-2025
Light honored for outstanding contributions to local schools
Lindsay Light, Licensure Specialist for the Vermilion County Regional Office of Education #54, has been recognized by the Illinois Education Association (IEA) and the National Education Association (NEA) for her exceptional dedication and significant contributions to the school districts within the region.
She will be honored at the annual Friends and Advocates Banquet (FAB) on April 28.
The FAB event, hosted by IEA Regions 8 & 9, celebrates individuals who have made a profound impact on education. Light's nomination, submitted by Daniel R. Hile, leader of Career and Technical Education (CTE) at Danville High School (DHS), highlighted her crucial role in navigating the complex licensure process for skilled professionals seeking to become teachers in high-demand areas.
'Lindsay Light has been a beacon of hope over the past many years that we have worked with her to help quality women and men become licensed to teach at Career & Technical Education at DHS,' Hile said in his nomination. 'In a time of critical teacher shortages, particularly in CTE, Lindsay's expertise and dedication have been invaluable.'
The nomination emphasized the challenges faced by Danville schools in staffing growing CTE programs, including Family and Consumer Sciences, Business Education, Computer Education, Work Based Learning, and Industrial Technology. Mrs. Light's ability to guide industry professionals through alternative licensure routes has been instrumental in filling these vital positions.
Testimonials from educators at Danville High School further underscored Light's impact.
'Lindsay is a rockstar and a blessing to Vermilion County,' said Michael Ladd, DHS Industrial Technology Educator.
'She played a huge role in my career transition from the business setting to the world of teaching,' Blake Wadsworth, DHS Business and Computer Educator said.
DHS principal Jacob Bretz said, 'DHS, and particularly the CTE Department, is better for all of the support from Lindsay.'
'Lindsay reflects exceptional dedication and excellence in her field,' echoed Amanda Krabbe, DHS Family and Consumer Sciences.
And Sue Heidle, DHS Family and Consumer Sciences, said 'Lindsay worked tirelessly on the meticulous details in order for this to happen.'
These testimonials highlight Light's friendly demeanor, thorough communication, and ability to simplify the complex licensure process. Her efforts have enabled numerous qualified individuals to transition into teaching careers, directly benefiting students and the community, a news release states.
'Without Ms. Light's staffing and licensure help, growth in CTE would not be possible,' Hile concluded in his nomination.
