District 70 presents Character & Leadership Awards

Submitted by Libertyville School District 70

Libertyville School District 70 honored Superintendent Dr. Guy Schumacher and Copeland Manor lunchroom hostess Sue Pantos with its 2015 Character & Leadership Awards.

The honor is the school district's only award bestowed on staff members. The award is given "in honor of exemplary character, leadership and service." The award was designed by Superintendent Dr. Guy Schumacher and is given with appreciation by the Board of Education and administration.

Schumacher and Pantos were presented with the award at a Board of Education meeting on Dec. 14.

The award was a complete surprise for Schumacher, as administrators plotted the event in private.

Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Dr. Kurt Valentin nominated his boss, saying, "Guy is a trusted colleague who instills confidence in his fellow administrators, staff and students and lets them perform their jobs. He is a dependable individual who can be counted on to help out in the school and the Libertyville community."

In presenting the award, Erik Youngman, the district's director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment, said, "Guy is a thorough communicator with all stakeholders, a creative problem solver for issues that range from small student and staff issues to state discussions about education, and Guy makes connections to previous experiences, colleagues who share a unique perspective, as well as establishing and enhancing partnerships and engagement in District 70 initiatives."

Director of Special Education Dr. Chris Otto noted, "Guy consistently puts others before himself. His patient and empathic listening, genuine compassion and eagerness to collaborate help to maintain a caring culture in our district and serve to motivate all those around him."

Copeland Manor Principal Lori Poelking and Assistant Principal Steve Feldman noted that Dr. Schumacher is caring, as he hand-writes birthday cards so that "the recipient feels special; a man who attends roughly 125 percent of all school functions within the district; a man who makes every student, parent and teacher feel that they matter - Guy is the heart of the District."

Rockland Principal Jeff Knapp and Director of Technology Pam Imholz noted, Dr. Schumacher's responsible nature, saying he sets a good example for others, is accountable for his words, actions and attitudes, and that he is a visible and supportive presence in the schools and at school events.

Adler Park Principal Kerri Bongle noted that Dr. Schumacher is a good citizen, as he attends all District 70 events and also is involved with community groups in Libertyville and Lake County.

"Guy demonstrates respect for all District 70 employees by having faith in their abilities, letting them do their jobs, and encouraging them along the way," noted Dr. Tom Bean, District 70 director of human resources.

The Highland Middle School leadership team, including Principal Jon Hallmark, Assistant Principal Lorenzo Cervantes and Dean of Students Megan Russell, noted that Dr. Schumacher is "fair to everyone." They said he plays by the rules, takes turns and shares, is open-minded and listens to others, adding, "He is a tremendous listener and fantastic communicator. He treats everyone fairly from teachers, to principals to students."

For his part, Schumacher was surprised by the award and touched by the comments administrators made during the Board of Education meeting.

"You have no idea what tonight meant to me," Schumacher said. "For me, receiving this award is absolutely astounding. It means more than I can ever express. Thank you for reminding me to take everyday as it comes and to find the bright spots. They are out there and each of you is one of them. Your words tonight were profoundly appreciated. From the bottom of my heart. I'm touched and grateful."

In honoring Pantos, who was first hired for playground duty at the school in September of 2001 and has also worked the lunchroom as well as provided safety for students as a crossing guard, Superintendent Schumacher said, "Sus is a critical link to connections made and the safety of all children. We are grateful for her dedication, every day."

Pantos was recommended for the award by two staff members.

Copeland Manor Principal Lori Poelking nominated Pantos, saying Pantos is a special person who lives the six pillars of character every day. She said she is a super hero at Copeland and throughout Libertyville. We are grateful to her for her service to our school and community."

She noted that Pantos demonstrates care and respect for the community, adding, "she knows students by name and takes time out of her day to ask them questions about their families, their interest, how their sports team performed, and what they are working on in school.

"She is a role model for students and adults alike in how she treats people with great kindness."

As a crossing guard, Poelking said Pantos demonstrates citizenship by keeping student safe and even calling the school to make sure someone arrived safely.

The top administrator also noted that Pantos creates an atmosphere of fairness in the lunchroom and playground by assisting students in resolving conflicts.

Teachers agree with Poelking's assessment.

"She goes above and beyond, especially as the crossing guard. She is like a parent to many of the students she crosses. She is the last one they see before coming to school and the first they see after school," noted teacher Janet Chickey.

"She has been very nurturing to these students, and I know she has a special place for them in her heart and them for her as well. She crosses students safely in all kinds of weather, but so much more in the caring relationships she creates with all the students."

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