Lisle school social worker honored

(October, 2013) – The IASSW is honored this year to recognize Stacy Colgan as the 2013 recipient of the Association's School Social Worker of the Year Award. This award is presented annually to one School Social Worker in Illinois whose work in schools and communities exemplifies social work of the highest quality. Stacy Colgan's numerous nominations and recommendations from those familiar with her dedication attest to her outstanding contributions and commitment as a School Social Worker.

Stacy Colgan was recommended for this award by students, parents, co-workers, school social workers, and administrators for her extraordinary skilled and enthusiastic love and compassion she brings to her role as School Social Worker at Schiesher Elementary School in Lisle, Illinois.

Stacy is a compassionate person who goes above and beyond in meeting the needs and concerns of students and their families. As the School Social Worker for Schiesher School District, Ms. Colgan spearheaded several school-wide programs –Dare to be Rare, a lock-in evening for girls to help foster friendships and attachments, character counts program, a school-wide lunch program, a family fun night, Paws Laws, Check and Connect, and school-wide compliment cards. She was able to do many of these things through networking with community providers and securing additional funds. As Beth Lind, Schiesher Principal, notes,” all of Stacy's ideas and decisions she makes are well thought out and supported through research.”

In addition to implementing research based interventions, Stacy has made sure that Schiesher School students are supported with community and local resources. She partnered with a local business to get backpacks and supplies for students and with “Toys for Tots” for holiday help.

Not only has Stacy been an asset to her school and community but she has contributed to the profession by teaching a graduate class in Policy and Procedures at Aurora University and served on the IASSW Board as a regional representative and Vice President.

Through all these activities and accomplishments Stacy Colgan has shown herself to be a model of the energy, professionalism, creativity and caring that is the essence of school social work.

IASSW is the nonprofit, professional organization of Illinois School Social Workers. Founded in 1970, IASSW seeks to enhance the well-being and educational development of school children and their families through social action, effective communication and the promotion of professional practice.

The School Social Worker of the Year Award will be presented at the Annual IASSW Conference in Lisle, IL.