Bench recognizes BGHS Principal of the Year

Submitted by Anne Marie Gerhardt, BGPA Secretary

Former Buffalo Grove High School Principal Carol Burlinski took a trip down memory lane and came back to the school she led for six years for a special recognition.

On May 20, during their monthly meeting, the Buffalo Grove Parent Association unveiled a new bench along with a special plaque dedicated to Burlinski outside the east entrance near the bus lanes and student pick up/drop off area.

BGPA purchased the Bison-blue bench a year ago as a way to honor BG's esteemed "2014 High School Principal of the Year."

"It's still so near and dear to me that you would do something in my name. It means so much to me," Burlinski told the crowd of parents gathered for the unveiling.

Burlinski said her years at BG are her fondest memories and she credits the parents, who she said were her partners and allies, as one reason.

"We always talked about our strengths together in what we needed to do to move our kids forward," she said. "I cherish the time you trusted me with your children and I will always treasure this (bench)."

BGPA President Karla Meyer said it took a year to get the bench in place because first the new pool had to be finished, then a location had to be determined and then the ground was frozen solid, but in the end it's in the perfect spot.

"This bench has been placed in a location where all who come to BG may see and remember Carol and rest their weary, backpack-laden bodies while they wait for the bus or their parents," Meyer said.

"We are very pleased that Principal Burlinski could join us so we can show her our appreciation for her excellent years of dedicated service as principal of Buffalo Grove."

Burlinski retired at the end of the 2013-14 school year and is now the principal of a small Catholic elementary and junior high school in Hinsdale.

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